- How can altitude sickness be prevented on Mount Kilimanjaro?
- What causes altitude sickness?
- What are the common symptoms of altitude sickness?
- How to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness?
- Treatments for acute mountain sickness
- Conclusion
- Climb Kilimanjaro with Confidence
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Altitude sickness is a major concern when climbing Kilimanjaro.
The competitive nature among tour operators encourages climbers to choose shorter itineraries, depriving them of the chance to acclimatize.
Short climbing programs, such as 5 days, reduce your chances of successfully reaching the peak of Kilimanjaro.
The truth is, even on longer itineraries, a large proportion of people climbing Kilimanjaro will experience mild symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness.
The human body is built to resist and adapt to environmental conditions.
Even at high altitudes, our bodies can adapt. But you should help your body adapt.
How can altitude sickness be prevented on Mount Kilimanjaro?
Acclimatize before the climb
The best way to acclimate is to climb Mount Meru before Kilimanjaro.
It is also an excellent option. Meru climbing takes 3 to 4 days to reach the summit and descend.
This is very important because it keeps your body fit and helps you acclimate to higher altitudes before climbing Kilimanjaro.
Easier said than done if you live at sea level, but spending time at high altitude before the actual Kilimanjaro climb is the very best way to avoid altitude sickness.
Focus on breathing exercises
Breathe deeply, breathe slowly. In everyday life, we take breathing for granted, but here you should focus on it.
It helps your body circulate oxygen and also helps you relieve fatigue.
Follow the leader. Listen to your guide.
You will get sick of your guides telling you to Pole, Pole, but they are right! If you overdo it by pushing too hard, you will likely pay for it later.
Many clients feel fit and able to run fast on trails. Reaching the peak of Kilimanjaro has nothing to do with how strong you are.
Your guides are well experienced on trails, and they have the skills to help you reach the summit “pole pole”.
If there is only one Swahili phrase to learn on Kilimanjaro, it’s definitely ‘pole pole’ or ‘slowly, slowly.’ Listen, observe, and move slowly.
Remain hydrated
Stay well hydrated, taking in at least 4 liters of fluids every day you’re on the climb.
Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and any depressant drugs (including sleeping pills), as these can contribute to altitude sickness.
Getting up in the middle of the cold night may be unpleasant, but altitude dehydrates you. The more you hydrate, the faster your body can acclimatize.
(You should also avoid all alcohol.)
Eat well
Even though you may not feel like it, you should eat as much as possible at every meal.
This will give you plenty of energy and help you feel great. Keep your calorie intake high and eat well to maintain energy levels.
Eating well also helps me stay warm and sleep well at night.
Communicate. Be honest about how you feel.
It’s common for your guides to ask questions about your health.
No matter how you feel, don’t be afraid to speak out. Others may think it will be the end of your trip, but treating any symptoms of mountain sickness early will help you keep going.
Give an alert for any symptoms. You can either halt your ascent or descend to a lower altitude to allow recovery.
Sleep well
Sleeping well in a tent is a skill that must be acquired.
Spend a few nights camping in your tent and sleeping bag before your climb so that you have your routine down and are used to sleeping in a sleeping bag on a hard surface.
It may not be the same as your comfort room at home, but it’s an adventure worth taking.
Stay Positive and feel relaxed
Your fear attracts illness. Stay calm and positive.
You may experience mild altitude sickness (like a hangover). But you should learn to stay positive and relax.
Don’t assume that every headache is cerebral edema and every cough is pulmonary edema, as this is unlikely.
By relaxing and enjoying the climb, you are far more likely to have a trouble-free experience on Kilimanjaro.
Book with a reliable tour operator
Choose a responsible operator for your climb, one who does not cut corners or rush you up the mountain.
Avoid low-cost packages for Kilimanjaro climbing. Cheap always comes with a costly experience.
Low prices will affect the diet, service delivered, type of guides, etc.
Pro tips: for Acute Mountain Sickness ( AMS)
- If you feel unwell at altitude, it is altitude sickness until proven otherwise.
- Never ascend Kilimanjaro with symptoms of altitude sickness
- If you are getting worse (or have HACE or HAPE), go down immediately.
- Be honest about your health, and save a life.
What causes altitude sickness?
Fitness does not matter for AMS. Anyone can get altitude sickness.
During rapid ascent, if staying more than 12 hours above 2500m.
The altitude difference over 24 hours is the determining factor.
At altitudes above 3000 meters, the risk increases when the altitude difference between encampments exceeds 300 meters.
What are the common symptoms of altitude sickness?
Many climbers on Kilimanjaro will experience early symptoms of altitude sickness, including headache, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, and possibly palpitations.
DO NOT ASCEND IF YOUR SYMPTOMS FAIL TO IMPROVE. DESCEND IF SYMPTOMS GET WORSE AT THE SAME ALTITUDE.
If vertigo, vomiting, apathy, staggering, and breathlessness occur, immediate descent with an escort is essential. Failing to descend may be fatal.
How to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness?
Don’t ascend more than 300 meters per day
If early signs of altitude sickness appear, rest for a day at the same altitude.
If they persist or increase, descend at least 500 meters.
This could not be possible for Kilimanjaro, but it can apply to other places.
Medication
Acetazolamide (Diamox) can help prevent altitude sickness when a gradual ascent cannot be guaranteed.
It should NOT be used as an alternative to a gradual ascent. It affects acid-base balance and stimulates respiration.
It should be combined with adequate fluid intake. It should not normally be used in young children except under close medical supervision.
Dose: 125 mg to 250 mg twice daily for adults. It should be started 24 hours before ascent and continued only for the first 2 days at high altitude while acclimatization occurs.
Treatments for acute mountain sickness
- Initially, simple analgesics (e.g., ibuprofen) for headaches. Sleeping pills should be avoided if possible.
- Acute Mountain Sickness with Cerebral Edema – Immediate evacuation or descent of at least 1000 meters; oxygen if available.
- Dexamethasone (12-20 mg daily) or Prednisolone (40 mg daily).
- Acetazolamide 250 mg orally within 24 hours of symptom onset, then 250 mg orally 8 hours later.
- High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema – Immediate evacuation or descent.
- If symptoms are acute and/or descent is impossible or delayed, consider Nifedipine (20 mg tds).
Conclusion
Some climbers will inevitably develop symptoms of altitude sickness during their climb of Kilimanjaro.
A common symptom is a headache. If this is accompanied by other symptoms, it could mean you have altitude sickness.
In severe cases, medical attention may be required.
Our guides and crew always stay alert, monitoring the whole team’s situation.
It is essential that any symptoms and signs of altitude sickness be identified.
It is also vital that all climbers be 100% open and honest with the mountain crew.
Ignoring symptoms or being less than truthful about how you feel could be dangerous – even fatal.
You might have many other questions about this topic. Feel free to ask our team.
Many of us have been to Kilimanjaro and have experienced AMS many times.
Climb Kilimanjaro with Confidence
Facts, figures, adventure, and determination—Kilimanjaro is more than a mountain; it’s a journey of resilience, history, and breathtaking beauty.
Every climb tells a story of perseverance and achievement, from geological wonders to record-breaking ascents.
Success on Kilimanjaro requires focus—just as it did for the first climbers and for those who set world records.
With the right Kilimanjaro tour operator, proper gear, good fitness, and a true spirit of adventure, you can conquer Africa’s highest peak.
Is Kilimanjaro on your bucket list? Ready to turn your dream into reality? Let’s start planning. Complete the form below.
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