Kilimanjaro altitude sickness can affect any climber on Mount Kilimanjaro. The good news is that there are ways to prevent it. Here is how.
On Kilimanjaro, altitude sickness, not a lack of fitness, is often what stops people reaching the summit. How you handle the altitude matters a lot, and there are things you can do to ease the symptoms.
Above 2,500 meters there is less oxygen in the air, and Kilimanjaro altitude sickness can set in. Most cases are mild, but acute mountain sickness can be a serious risk for climbers.
To fight altitude sickness, acclimatize slowly, drink plenty of water and listen to your body. If you spot the symptoms early and ask for help when you need it, you can avoid serious problems.
Fitness helps on the climb. But good preparation and careful handling of the altitude are what get you to Kilimanjaro’s summit safely.
Symptoms can start within hours of reaching higher ground. Look out for headache, shortness of breath, tiredness, loss of appetite, a fast pulse, nausea and trouble with exercise.
In severe cases, you may need to go down to a lower altitude so your body can adjust.
Sensible health precautions lower the risk, but altitude sickness is unpredictable and affects everyone differently. Shorter itineraries on Kilimanjaro can make symptoms worse, because they leave less time to acclimatize and get used to the thinner air. That makes altitude sickness more likely.
Three golden rules for Kilimanjaro altitude sickness:
Always remember these 3 Golden Rules at high altitude:
Rule 1: If you feel unwell, you have altitude sickness until proven otherwise
Rule 2: Do not ascend further if you have symptoms of altitude sickness
Rule 3: If you are getting worse then descend immediately
Preventing altitude sickness on Mount Kilimanjaro: practical tips for a safe climb
1. Altitude Training:
Get your body ready for high elevations
Altitude training is an important part of getting ready for a Mount Kilimanjaro climb. Exercises that mimic high-altitude conditions help your body cope with less oxygen and lower the risk of altitude sickness on the way up. Aerobic exercise, such as running or cycling, builds your cardiovascular fitness and helps your body use oxygen better. Strength training works the main muscles you use on the climb, so you last longer and tire less.
2. Pre-Acclimatization:
Give your body a head start
Pre-acclimatization is another good way to cut the risk of altitude sickness on Mount Kilimanjaro. Think about arriving in Tanzania several days before your climb, so your body has time to adjust to the height. Climbing Mount Meru, a nearby peak with similar altitude and terrain, makes a very good warm-up hike. Spending time higher up like this starts the acclimatization process early, so you are better prepared for Kilimanjaro.
3. Route Selection:
Pick a route that gives you time to acclimatize
Choosing the right route matters a great deal for avoiding altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro. Go for routes with longer itineraries, a gradual climb and enough rest days. The Lemosho and Machame routes give you very good chances to acclimatize, which improves your odds of reaching the summit safely. They also pass through beautiful scenery, different habitats and varied terrain, so the trek is more enjoyable and the altitude risk is lower.
4. Hydration Strategy:
Drink enough to lower the risk of altitude sickness
Drinking enough is one of the best defences against altitude sickness on Mount Kilimanjaro. Higher up, the air is drier, and you lose more water through breathing and sweating. To avoid dehydration and the symptoms that come with it, aim to drink at least 4 liters of water per day on the climb. Electrolyte supplements or sports drinks help replace the minerals you lose. Staying well hydrated keeps your blood flowing, helps carry oxygen around your body and keeps everything working, which makes altitude sickness less likely.
5. Stimulant Avoidance:
Help your body acclimatize by avoiding stimulants
Stimulants like caffeine and alcohol can make altitude sickness worse and make it harder for your body to acclimatize. Avoid them before and during your Kilimanjaro climb to lower the risk. Eat and drink things that keep you hydrated and give you energy instead. Green tea, herbal teas and natural fruit juices are good swaps for coffee and alcohol. They keep you hydrated and give you nutrients, without the downsides.
Walking Techniques:
- Walk Slowly:
Climb gradually to lower the risk of altitude sickness
One of the best ways to prevent altitude sickness is to keep a slow, steady pace all the way up Kilimanjaro. Don’t rush or push too hard, especially in the first days of the climb. Walk at a pace where your breathing stays steady and you save energy for the rest of the trek. Walking slowly puts less strain on your body and gives it time to adjust to the changing altitude and oxygen levels.
- Use the “Walk High, Sleep Low” Strategy:
Climb high by day and sleep lower to acclimatize
The “walk high, sleep low” method is a proven way to acclimatize, and it can greatly reduce the risk of altitude sickness on Mount Kilimanjaro. You climb higher during the day to help your body adjust, then go back down to a lower altitude to sleep and rest overnight. Your body gets used to the height during the day and recovers lower down at night. This helps you acclimatize better and makes altitude symptoms less likely.
Medication Considerations:
- Talk to a Healthcare Professional:
Ask about prevention and possible side effects
Before you start your Kilimanjaro climb, talk to a healthcare professional about ways to prevent altitude sickness and the medicines available. Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a common medicine prescribed to prevent altitude sickness. It works by promoting diuresis and improving blood acidity levels. Ask your doctor about possible side effects and the right dose before you take it.
- Carry Emergency Medications:
Be ready to treat severe symptoms
Besides prevention, it is important to carry emergency medicines in case severe altitude sickness symptoms appear. Medicines like Dexamethasone and Prednisolone can help ease the symptoms of high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE), and can save lives in an emergency. Learn about these medicines and how to use them properly before your Kilimanjaro climb, so your ascent is as safe as possible.
Build these steps into your Kilimanjaro climb preparation and you give yourself a better chance of a safe and successful ascent.
Kilimanjaro Climbing FAQ’s
Here are some of the questions we get asked most about the Kilimanjaro Climb:
How high is Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro is 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, the highest peak in Africa.
What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
The best times to climb Kilimanjaro are the dry seasons, from January to March and from June to October. These months usually bring clearer skies and more settled weather.
How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?
It depends on the route, but most treks take between 5 to 9 days. Longer climbs give you more time to acclimatize and a better chance of reaching the summit.
Do I need to be an experienced climber to climb Kilimanjaro?
You don’t need any climbing experience, but you do need good fitness and the right mindset. Many climbers reach the summit with the help of experienced guides and proper training.
What is altitude sickness, and how can I prevent it?
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), happens when your body can’t adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitude. To prevent it, acclimatize slowly, drink plenty of water, and think about altitude sickness medicine if a healthcare professional recommends it.
What gear do I need to climb Kilimanjaro?
You need sturdy hiking boots, warm layers, a sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures, a headlamp, trekking poles and a backpack. Proper high-altitude gear like insulated jackets and gloves is important too.
Which route should I take to climb Kilimanjaro?
There are several routes, each with its own character and level of difficulty. Popular choices include the Machame Route, Marangu Route, Lemosho Route and Rongai Route. The right one depends on your fitness, your budget, and how much you care about scenery and quiet.
Do I need a guide to climb Kilimanjaro?
What accommodation options are available during the climb?
On Kilimanjaro you usually sleep in tents at campsites along the trekking routes. Some routes, like the Marangu Route, have basic mountain huts with bunk beds. On certain routes there are also premium tented camps if you want more comfort.
Is it safe to climb Kilimanjaro?
Climbing Kilimanjaro is generally safe if you take the right precautions: choose a reputable tour operator, acclimatize properly and follow the safety rules. Still, be aware of the risks of high-altitude trekking, including altitude sickness and bad weather.
