Kilimanjaro altitude sickness
No Middle men
You get middle men free prices and experience
Safety and Security
Our tour guides are all certified with years of experience
No Hidden charges
All our packages shows all the includes and excludes
Financial protection
Any payments will be refunded by if you don't travel
Altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro
Altitude sickness is not uncommon on Mount Kilimanjaro, also known as the Roof of Africa in Tanzania, and the highest peak in Africa, and tallest freestanding peak in the world! Towering at an incredible 5895m above sea level, climbing this majestic mountain has its challenges. The most common of them all? Altitude sickness. Altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro and your overall safety on the mountain go hand in hand, and should be taken very seriously. In this article we cover the effects of enduring high altitudes, what to expect and how to overcome it. In this post, we will discuss the effects of being at high altitudes, what to anticipate, and how to overcome them.
The most common challenge of all on Kilimanjaro? Altitude sickness
What is altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a detrimental health impact of high altitude. At sea level, there is about 21% oxygen in the atmosphere. As you ascend higher up the mountain, the percentage stays constant, but the amount of oxygen molecules each breath reduces. At 12,000 feet (3,600 meters), there are around 40% less oxygen molecules every breath. As a result, the body struggles to adjust and operate normally when there is less oxygen available. Altitude sickness is caused by the body’s inability to adjust rapidly to decreasing amounts of oxygen. Often, climbers make the mistake of getting too high (altitude) too fast (rate of ascent).
Don’t worry, altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro is commonplace. In fact, at elevations over 3,000 meters, more than 75 percent of climbers will develop moderate AMS. Climbing Kilimanjaro is quite likely to cause altitude sickness. Age, gender, and physical fitness have no bearing on your chances of having altitude sickness. Just because you haven’t had it previously doesn’t guarantee you won’t develop it on your next trip. You must be knowledgeable.
Can altitude sickness be avoided?
First and foremost, being adequately prepared for your climb will always bring you one step closer to a successful and stress-free adventure. It is important to understand that there is no way to avoid altitude sickness. There is a prevalent misperception that being physically fit makes you less prone to suffer from altitude sickness. While physical fitness and altitude sickness do correlate, they are not inextricably related. This means that if you are physically fit, your body will be better able to tolerate and handle the stresses of many days of climbing, making any extra altitude sickness symptoms that occur somewhat more manageable.
So, although there is no set protocol for avoiding it entirely, there are a few things you may do to prepare. Climb steep mountains on a regular basis to prepare your body for the challenge. People have also been practicing using altitude masks. This is essentially a mask that simulates the loss in oxygen that you would feel throughout your ascent, allowing you to prepare for it. It’s unknown if this is beneficial in preventing AMS in general, but if you have the opportunity, why not try it?
What are the symptoms of high altitude sickness?
Climbing Kilimanjaro often results in common high altitude sickness symptoms. They are often moderate and develop many hours after ascending to higher elevations. Altitude sickness symptoms have been compared to a nasty hangover, and they are often worse at night when respiratory drive is reduced. Mild symptoms of altitude sickness may include:
- Headaches
- Sleep disruption tiredness
- Physical exercise causes shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Lack of appetite.
- Irritation due to nausea and vomiting
- Muscle pains
- Swelling of the hands, feet, and face a fast pulse
The incidence of altitude sickness is influenced by height, rate of ascent, and sensitivity. Acclimatization happens at different rates for each person. Symptoms usually emerge 12 to 24 hours after arriving at altitude. They normally begin to diminish in severity on the third day.
More than 75% of climbers will encounter at least some type of minor altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro.
How to cure moderate symptoms of high-altitude sickness?
Mild altitude sickness symptoms on Mount Kilimanjaro are frequent and readily managed. If necessary, descend. This is the best and most effective therapy. You should relax and drink plenty of fluids. Paracetamol and other pain relievers are also effective. Follow Alice emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s body. We advocate allowing your body to acclimate naturally before using drugs. The NHS recommends traveling with these drugs for altitude sickness:
Acetazolamide may prevent and cure high altitude sickness.
Ibuprofen and paracetamol may help with headaches.
Anti-sickness medicine, such as promethazine, for nausea
There are other natural treatments for moderate altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro. Ginger, lavender oil, garlic, and cloves are some of the options. Mild altitude problems are to be anticipated. They do not interfere with regular activities, and symptoms usually resolve as the body adjusts. You’ll feel better as soon as you adjust, and there will be no long-term adverse effects. This implies you may continue with your ascent.
Please remember that mild altitude symptoms are to be expected
What are severe symptoms of altitude sickness?
It is quite unusual for a climber to encounter anything more than the minor altitude sickness symptoms outlined above. To ensure your Kilimanjaro safety, be informed of any potential risks. Altitude sickness may be lethal if not handled. This is why it is important to convey your symptoms if you are sick. If you have a severe case of altitude sickness, you can have symptoms like:
- Wet coughing with chest congestion.
- Excessive fatigue
- Rapid and shallow breathing
- Gulping breaths
- Blue or gray fingernails or lips
- Skin discoloration and paleness
- Unable to walk or lack of balance (ataxia)
- Withdrawing from social activities
For your own protection, you must be aware of all possibilities. The following information is provided to reassure you rather than terrify you. We are taking all conceivable measure to ensure that your stay in the acclimatization zone is sufficient before climbing farther. At the same time, our guides have been trained to respond to any emergency. We firmly feel, however, that you should be aware of what may occur and why following your guide’s recommendations is critical.
Descending in an emergency
Severe altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro can only be addressed by descending around 2,000 feet (600 metres) to a lower height. If a climber becomes sick and has to descend, our guides will take him or her down quickly. This is often accomplished by helping or, in extreme circumstances, using a portable stretcher. At Follow Alice, we have a minimum of one guide for every two climbers, which means that there are at least four guides in a group of eight. So, in an emergency, there are always enough guides to ensure that everyone is completely secure and cared for.
They should also be followed up with a trip to the doctor for any required treatment. As previously stated, these more significant side effects are quite uncommon among climbers. Your guide will ensure that you are properly acclimatized. This is accomplished by imposing many acclimatization techniques.
What are HAPE and HACE?
If severe altitude sickness symptoms are neglected, they may result in life-threatening disorders affecting the brain and lungs. This is considered severe altitude sickness. Severe altitude sickness is related with two dangerous conditions: HACE and HAPE. These are very unusual conditions. However, when they do occur, it is mainly due to someone flying too high too quickly or flying too high and remaining there. In both circumstances, a shortage of oxygen causes fluid to seep from the capillary walls into the lungs or the brain. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) causes fluid buildup in the lungs, whereas High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) causes brain swelling due to a shortage of oxygen.
- HAPE symptoms include blue skin (cyanosis), difficulty breathing, chest tightness, persistent cough, pink or white sputum, fatigue, and weakness.
- HAPE treatment includes: go to a lower altitude right away, take nifedipine to relieve chest tightness and ease breathing, and use bottled oxygen.
- HACE treatment includes: Move to a lower altitude immediately, and take dexamethasone (a steroid medicine that lowers brain swelling) and bottled oxygen.
- HACE Symptoms include headache, weakness, nausea and vomiting, lack of coordination, confusion, and hallucinations.
Communication with your mountain crew about how you are feeling is key
What are the best acclimatization procedures?
Certain enough time, your body will adjust to the reduction in oxygen at a given altitude. This is called as acclimatization. It typically takes one to three days at any given altitude. Choosing the appropriate itinerary for the Kilimanjaro trip is crucial. Most Kilimanjaro routes provide an excellent acclimatization profile. However, do not underestimate the consequences of high altitude. At Follow Alice, we have the following acclimatization measures in place to ensure you reach the peak safely.
Climb high sleep low
This essentially entails going to a higher altitude during the day and sleeping at a lower level at night. This acclimatization process is accomplished by well-planned trips. These include afternoon acclimatization treks to a higher elevation (climbing high) before returning to camp (sleeping low). Ndoto Compass revolves on this crucial acclimatization process. We propose the Lemosho route, together with the Northern Circuit and Machame route, for the finest chance to climb high and sleep low. This is seen in the route height map below.
Drink lots of water
When your breathing becomes heavy and rapid, you lose water quicker. We consequently suggest a daily hydration intake of 4-5 liters. Fluid consumption increases circulation and the majority of body activities. As a result, our mountain cuisine includes a variety of soups, hot drinks, and fresh fruits. Check your pee to ensure that you’re drinking enough. Avoid ingesting alcohol throughout your hike.
Climb slowly
Remember that climbing Kilimanjaro is not a race. During the ascent, you will hear your guides say “pole, pole.” This translates as “slowly, slowly” in Swahili. Expect to trek for 4-7 hours every day on your route to the peak, with a summit day hike of 10-14 hours. On summit day, the oxygen level is low. Expect to take one step at a time, literally!
“Pole Pole” Slowly Slowly in Swahili
Staying safe on the mountain
There is a lot to think about before preparing for your Kilimanjaro climb, and by paying close attention to the following elements, issues like altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro may be treated as securely and stress-free as possible.
Choose a qualified tour operator
There are many methods to prioritize your safety on Kilimanjaro. Most importantly, choose the appropriate Kilimanjaro trip operator. This choice may make or break a safe and pleasurable ascent. At Ndoto Compass, we prioritize your Kilimanjaro safety before all else. We want to address the underlying causes of any illness rather than waiting for symptoms to arise. Prevention is critical. Having the necessary information offers you the skills to protect yourself as secure as possible. We want to think of ourselves as value-for-money businesses. At Follow Alice, we prioritize cost-effective Kilimanjaro climbs without sacrificing safety, equipment, or nutrition. Take your time in selecting your travel provider. Discover the optimal climbing season for Kilimanjaro.
Experienced guides
An expert guide should be at the top of your list of vital considerations while climbing Kilimanjaro. Choose a Kilimanjaro guide with extensive knowledge in avoiding, diagnosing, and treating altitude sickness. Stick with Alice. Kilimanjaro guides have Wilderness First Responder certification (WFR). They have the capabilities to make vital medical and evacuation choices on the spot.
“We were really well taken care of by the Follow Alice staff! “The guides made us feel protected at all times.” Jiwe
The right equipment
You and your mountain team will have access to safety equipment while on the mountain. This package comprises a medical kit, emergency oxygen, a stretcher, and a pulse oximeter. A pulse oximeter detects the amount of oxygen in your blood, indicating whether or not you are acclimating well. Throughout your trek, you will be given frequent checks.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled vacation in the savannahs, accomplishing challenges on the Tanzanian peaks or discovering the beaches and aquatic life of Zanzibar, Ndoto Explorers will guide you wherever you choose.
