Kilimanjaro altitude sickness – a comprehensive guide
You cannot talk about Kilimanjaro without discussing altitude sickness. This is because the mountain's peak is nearly 6,000 m (20,000 ft) above sea level! We discuss what causes altitude sickness, as well as how to prevent and treat it.
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What is altitude sickness?
We suggest that you allow at least six days – seven is better – for your Kilimanjaro ascent to play it safe.
What is acute mountain sickness?
What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?
Mild symptoms Severe symptoms
Mild symptoms
headaches fitful sleep or insomnia vivid dreams fatigue shortness of breath with physical exertion dizziness loss of appetite nausea and vomiting irritability muscle aches swelling of the hands, feet and face a rapid heartbeat
Severe symptoms
wet coughing chest congestion extreme fatigue fast, shallow breathing gurgling breaths blue or grey lips or fingernails pale complexion and skin discolouration inability to walk or lack of balance (ataxia) confusion social withdrawal
Mild altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro is normal
More than 75% of climbers will experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness when climbing Kilimanjaro.
Severe altitude sickness is dangerous
High altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE), which is a build-up of fluid in the lungs. High altitude cerebral oedema (HACE), which is the swelling of the brain caused by a lack of oxygen.
Can altitude sickness be avoided?
Visit your doctor and ask for acetazolamide, which can be used to treat altitude sickness and so will help you cope with the unpleasant symptoms associated with it. Do an acclimatisation hike like climbing Mt Meru just prior to climbing Kilimanjaro. Choose a Kilimanjaro route that offers a relatively gentle rate of ascent.
What is acclimatisation?
How to treat mild altitude sickness
Acetazolamide (like Diamox) to prevent and treat AMS – you need a prescription for this from your doctor. Ibuprofen or paracetamol for treating headaches and other pains. Anti-nausea medication like promethazine for treating nausea.
How to treat severe altitude sickness
Why you should drink lots of water on Kilimanjaro
Monitoring your health on Kilimanjaro
Experienced and qualified guides The necessary medical equipment
Experienced and qualified guides
We felt greatly taken care of by the Follow Alice crew! The guides made us feel safe at all times.
The necessary medical equipment
A medical kit Emergency oxygen A stretcher A pulse oximeter