Altitude Sickness: What You Need to Know for Your Kilimanjaro Climb

Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a common condition that affects climbers ascending to high altitudes, particularly those who are unaccustomed to lower oxygen levels.

As you climb Mount Kilimanjaro, you will encounter altitudes where the air pressure decreases, and your body must work harder to get the oxygen it needs.

Understanding the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of altitude sickness is crucial for a successful and safe Kilimanjaro trek.

1. What is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness occurs when you ascend to a high altitude too quickly, and your body has not had enough time to adjust to the lower levels of oxygen. It typically affects people at elevations above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). While Kilimanjaro’s base starts below this altitude, as you ascend past 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), the risk of altitude sickness increases.

2. Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness symptoms can range from mild to severe. Recognizing these symptoms early is key to preventing more serious complications.

Mild Symptoms (AMS):

• Headache: Often the first sign of altitude sickness.
• Nausea and Vomiting: You may feel queasy or sick to your stomach.
• Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and a lack of energy.
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during exertion.
• Loss of Appetite: A decrease in hunger, even if you’ve eaten little.
• Insomnia: Trouble sleeping, often due to shallow or disturbed breathing.

Severe Symptoms:

• High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): Fluid accumulation in the lungs.
  • Symptoms: Shortness of breath even at rest, chest tightness, and persistent coughing.
• High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): Swelling of the brain caused by altitude.
  • Symptoms: Confusion, difficulty walking (staggering), severe headache, loss of coordination, and changes in behavior.

Important: Both HAPE and HACE are life-threatening conditions that require immediate descent and medical attention.

3. Prevention of Altitude Sickness

The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to ascend slowly and allow your body to acclimatize properly. Here are key strategies to minimize your risk:

1. Choose the Right Route

Opt for longer routes like the Lemosho or Machame routes, which allow more time for acclimatization with gradual altitude gain. These routes include acclimatization days, allowing your body time to adjust as you ascend.

2. Climb High, Sleep Low

This common mountaineering rule means trekking to a higher elevation during the day but descending to a lower altitude to sleep. Your body can adjust more effectively when given time to rest at a lower altitude after exposure to higher elevations.

3. Ascend Slowly

Take your time on the trail, walking at a slow, steady pace. Rushing can cause your body to overexert itself and make it harder to acclimatize.

4. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can worsen altitude sickness symptoms. Drink at least 3–4 liters of water per day to stay hydrated and help your body function better in low-oxygen conditions.

5. Eat Regularly

Your body needs energy to adjust to altitude. Focus on eating a high-carbohydrate diet while trekking, as carbs are easier to digest and provide quick energy.

6. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine

Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate your body and impair acclimatization, so it’s best to avoid them while ascending.

7. Medication

Talk to your doctor about taking Diamox (Acetazolamide), a medication that helps your body acclimatize faster by encouraging deeper breathing. It’s often used preventively to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Start taking it one to two days before your climb and continue as recommended by your doctor.

4. Treatment of Altitude Sickness

If you or anyone in your group begins to show symptoms of altitude sickness, it’s important to act quickly. Mild cases can be managed with rest and hydration, but more severe symptoms require immediate intervention.

Mild AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness):

• Rest: If you experience mild symptoms, take a rest day at the current altitude to allow your body time to adjust.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water and consume foods that are easy to digest.
• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help relieve headaches.

Moderate to Severe AMS (HAPE or HACE):

• Descend Immediately: If symptoms worsen or you suspect HAPE or HACE, descend to a lower altitude immediately. Descending just 500–1,000 meters (1,600–3,200 feet) can make a significant difference.
• Supplemental Oxygen: In cases of severe altitude sickness, oxygen therapy may be necessary. Your guide from Maramatta Safaris will carry emergency oxygen for such cases.
• Medical Attention: Severe symptoms like confusion, inability to walk, or shortness of breath at rest require urgent medical attention. If you’re diagnosed with HAPE or HACE, emergency descent and hospitalization may be necessary.

5. Acclimatization on Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro’s altitude rises dramatically over a short distance, making acclimatization a key factor in reaching the summit. Routes like the Lemosho and Machame routes are popular for their acclimatization opportunities. The slow and steady ascent, coupled with acclimatization days, improves your body’s ability to adjust to the increasing altitude.

6. What to Do If You Experience Altitude Sickness

If you start experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness, it’s crucial to:

1. Stop and Rest: Don’t push yourself to continue ascending if you’re feeling unwell.
2. Inform Your Guide: Let your Maramatta Safaris guide know as soon as you start feeling symptoms. They are trained to manage altitude-related issues and will monitor your condition closely.
3. Stay Hydrated and Eat: Drink plenty of water and eat foods that provide easy energy.
4. Descend if Necessary: If symptoms persist or worsen, the safest option is to descend to a lower altitude until you feel better.

7. Final Thoughts

Altitude sickness is a real concern when climbing Kilimanjaro, but with the right preparation and support, it’s manageable.

At Maramatta Safaris, our experienced guides are trained to recognize and treat altitude sickness, ensuring your safety throughout your journey.

By acclimatizing properly, pacing yourself, and following preventive measures, you’ll maximize your chances of reaching the summit safely and enjoying the breathtaking experience of standing atop Africa’s highest peak.

This guide ensures climbers understand altitude sickness and how to prepare, prevent, and treat it during their Kilimanjaro adventure.