{"id":141,"date":"2025-06-21T13:17:49","date_gmt":"2025-06-21T13:17:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.blessingsafaris.com\/mount-kilimanjaro\/?p=141"},"modified":"2026-02-22T09:00:52","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T09:00:52","slug":"altitude-sickness-on-kilimanjaro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blessingsafaris.com\/mount-kilimanjaro\/altitude-sickness-on-kilimanjaro\/","title":{"rendered":"Altitude Sickness on Kilimanjaro"},"content":{"rendered":"

Altitude sickness is a major concern when climbing Kilimanjaro.<\/p>\n

The competitive nature among tour operators encourages climbers to choose shorter itineraries, depriving them of the chance to acclimatize.<\/p>\n

Short climbing programs, such as\u00a05 days,<\/a> reduce your chances of successfully reaching the peak of Kilimanjaro.<\/span><\/p>\n

The truth is, even on longer itineraries, a large proportion of people\u00a0climbing Kilimanjaro<\/a> will experience mild symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness.<\/span><\/p>\n

The human body is built to resist and adapt to environmental conditions.<\/p>\n

Even at high altitudes, our bodies can adapt. But you should help your body adapt.<\/p>\n

How can altitude sickness be prevented on Mount Kilimanjaro?<\/h2>\n

Acclimatize before the climb<\/h3>\n

The best way to acclimate is to climb\u00a0Mount Meru<\/a> before Kilimanjaro.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is also an excellent option. Meru climbing takes 3 to 4 days to reach the summit and descend.<\/p>\n

This is very important because it keeps your body fit and helps you acclimate to higher altitudes before climbing Kilimanjaro.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Focus on breathing exercises<\/h3>\n

Breathe deeply, breathe slowly. In everyday life, we take breathing for granted, but here you should focus on it.<\/p>\n

It helps your body circulate oxygen and also helps you relieve fatigue.<\/p>\n

Follow the leader. Listen to your guide.<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Your guides are well experienced on trails, and they have the skills to help you reach the summit \u201cpole pole\u201d.<\/p>\n

If there is only one Swahili phrase to learn on Kilimanjaro, it\u2019s definitely \u2018pole pole\u2019 or \u2018slowly, slowly.\u2019 Listen, observe, and move slowly.<\/p>\n

Remain hydrated<\/h3>\n

Stay well hydrated, taking in at least 4 liters of fluids every day you\u2019re on the climb.<\/p>\n

Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and any depressant drugs (including sleeping pills), as these can contribute to altitude sickness.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

(You should also avoid all alcohol.<\/em>)<\/p>\n

Eat well<\/h3>\n

Even though you may not feel like it, you should eat as much as possible at every meal.<\/p>\n

This will give you plenty of energy and help you feel great. Keep your calorie intake high and eat well to maintain energy levels.<\/p>\n

Eating well also helps me stay warm and sleep well at night.<\/p>\n

Communicate. Be honest about how you feel.<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s common for your guides to ask questions about your health.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Give an alert for any symptoms. You can either halt your ascent or descend to a lower altitude to allow recovery.<\/p>\n

Sleep well<\/h3>\n

Sleeping well in a tent is a skill that must be acquired.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

It may not be the same as your comfort room at home, but it\u2019s an adventure worth taking.<\/p>\n

Stay Positive and feel relaxed<\/h3>\n

Your fear attracts illness. Stay calm and positive.<\/p>\n

You may experience mild altitude sickness (like a hangover). But you should learn to stay positive and relax.<\/p>\n

Don’t assume that every headache is cerebral edema and every cough is pulmonary edema, as this is unlikely.<\/p>\n

By relaxing and enjoying the climb, you are far more likely to have a trouble-free experience on Kilimanjaro.<\/p>\n

Book with a reliable tour operator<\/h3>\n

Choose a responsible operator for your climb, one who does not cut corners or rush you up the mountain.<\/p>\n

Avoid low-cost packages for Kilimanjaro climbing. Cheap always comes with a costly experience.<\/p>\n

Low prices will affect the diet, service delivered, type of guides, etc.<\/p>\n

Pro tips: for Acute Mountain Sickness\u00a0 ( AMS)<\/strong><\/p>\n