Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness Tips

Altitude sickness is one of the top concerns for all climbers of Kilimanjaro. Many of our climbers have never done high-altitude climbing so they are worried their bodies might not be able to adjust well.

kilimanjaro-altitude-sickness-tips

While it might seem scary, high-altitude climbing doesn’t have to worry you when you climb with us. We do daily health checks to ensure your oxygen levels are okay as well as bring emergency oxygen, portable stretchers, and emergency first aid kits in case you fall ill.

There are also a few things you can do before you arrive and while climbing to help yourself reach the summit and avoid altitude sickness.

1. Know the Symptoms

While our guides monitor everyone for symptoms of altitude sickness, it’s important to know what they are so you can let the guides know how you are feeling.

Here are some of the most common symptoms to look out for:

  • Headaches
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Nausea
  • Lack of coordination
  • Decreased appetite or loss of appetite completely
  • Insomnia
  • Lethargy

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. If you are experiencing any of the above, let our team know and they can do an assessment to determine if you can continue or if you need to stay back and rest.

If you have severe symptoms, our guides will automatically arrange for you to go down the mountain either by emergency helicopter evacuation or on a portable stretcher.

Severe symptoms are rare, but serious. Here are the ones to look out for:

  • Breathlessness
  • Coughing due to build-up of fluid in the lungs
  • Not being able to sit or walk straight
  • Acting out irrationally
  • Skin and nails turning blue
  • Irregular heartbeat and heart palpitations
    Coughing up blood or blood-tinged mucus

2. Stay Hydrated

Altitude Sickness is more likely when you are dehydrated. We give each of our climbers 2-3 litres of drinking water daily. Make sure you drink all of it even if you like you’re not thirsty.

Staying hydrated also helps with endurance and performance so it’s good advice to follow anytime you are hiking or climbing.

3. Be Prepared

We advise all our climbers to train and prepare for the climb. The more you train and get in shape, the more likely you will be to summit. Training will also ensure your muscles and body are up to the challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro.

While it’s important to hit the gym, it’s equally important to train outdoors. Try to find time in your training schedule to go hiking, walking, or running outside in different elevations and terrains.

4. Avoid Drinking Alcohol and Smoking

No alcohol or smoking is allowed on the mountain so this tip is easy to follow. It’s also a good idea not to drink or smoke in the weeks leading up to your climb, especially the night before.

There will be plenty of time for celebratory drinks once you get back to the hotel or on the rest of your Tanzania vacation.

5. Consider Diamox

Some climbers choose to take Diamox as a preventative measure for altitude sickness. In most places, you need a prescription for Diamox so make sure you make an appointment with your travel doctor or primary physician so you can get the things you need for departing your country.

Your doctor will let you know the appropriate dose and any interactions to be aware of if there are any other kinds of medications you’re taking.

6. Choose a Knowledgeable Guide and Company

Here at Climbing Kilimanjaro, we ensure every single one of our climbers is well taken care of. We monitor symptoms and signs of altitude sickness and all our guides are highly trained to spot the signs.

They are also well versed on evacuation protocols and can get you down the mountain safely if your altitude sickness is severe.

7. Descend When Necessary

Experiencing altitude sickness and being told you need to descend can be disheartening but we do it for your health and safety. If you’re experiencing altitude sickness symptoms, the best and fastest way to recover is to get to a lower altitude.

Some climbers are able to descend for a short period, rest, and then continue their way up the mountain. It depends on the severity of the symptoms.

Other climbers will need to descend completely and be transferred to a medical facility where they can get treatment.

8. Don’t Overlook the Symptoms

Some climbers might feel afraid to let the guide know they are experiencing symptoms because it means they might need to stay behind or leave the mountain.

Altitude sickness can be life-threatening though. If you have any symptoms, we ask you to tell the guide completely.

Just because you have symptoms doesn’t mean we will ask you to go down the mountain. Each case is different and needs to be appropriately monitored by our guides.

9. Talk to Your Doctor Before Leaving

Let your doctor know you plan to climb Kilimanjaro and ask them for a plan and advice should you experience altitude sickness. Ask them if you should take any medications or if you need to bring any medications with you for symptom prevention and management.

10. Relax and Stay Calm

If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, try to relax and stay calm. When you panic or feel anxious, it can cause you to breathe rapidly which decreases the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream.

Take deep breaths and concentrate on your breath rather than other things going on around you. Our Kilimanjaro guides can show you breathing techniques to help you stay focused and calm.

11. Choose a Longer Route

Longer routes allow you to adjust to the altitude easily because you have a slower ascension up the mountain.

A 7-day route or longer is usually better for acclimatization compared to shorter routes.

12. Enjoy Your Climb

Don’t let the worry of altitude sickness ruin your climb or put a damper on your mood. As long as you know the symptoms and do our daily health checks, you will be adequately prepared and ready to face the challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro.

Contact Climbing Kilimanjaro today and get started! ranked the #1 ​Best Kilimanjaro Tour operator & Guides by TripAdvisor,​Travel ​Experts