ALTITUDE SICKNESS - FAQ

Altitude sickness is a range of symptoms that can occur can when you ascend too quickly without proper acclimatization. Your body can adjust to the reduced air pressure at high altitudes, but it does so at a rate of about 300m (1000ft) of altitude gain per day.

Altitude Classification:

  • High Altitude: 1500–3500m (5000–11500ft)
  • Very High Altitude: 3500–5500m (11500–18000ft)
  • Extreme Altitude: above 5500m (18000ft)

Types of Altitude Sickness:

  • AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness): The most common form of altitude sickness experienced by climbers on Kilimanjaro. It typically causes symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
  • HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema): Fluid build-up in the lungs, causing extreme breathlessness, even at rest, and coughing with pink froth.
  • HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema): Fluid build-up in the brain, which can cause confusion, lack of coordination, irrational behavior, and an inability to walk in a straight line.

AMS is usually mild and common, while HAPE and HACE are rare but potentially fatal. Our guides will monitor you closely throughout your climb. If you experience any symptoms, it’s vital to inform your guide immediately—never try to hide them, as continuing to climb can worsen the situation.

Symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness):

  • Mild Symptoms: Headache, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, fatigue, and sleep disturbances are common and expected at higher altitudes.
  • Severe Symptoms: For HAPE, symptoms include extreme shortness of breath, even at rest, and a rattling cough with pink frothy sputum. For HACE, symptoms include confusion, lack of coordination, and irrational behavior. Both are serious conditions that require immediate action.

While AMS is generally not dangerous and tends to resolve with rest and acclimatization, it can progress to more severe conditions like HAPE or HACE if not managed properly. HAPE and HACE are rare but can be fatal without immediate descent. Your guides will monitor your health carefully, but it’s crucial that you stay in close communication with them about how you’re feeling.

Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level. It’s unpredictable and can happen at any stage of a climb. Even highly fit individuals can experience symptoms. The rate of ascent is the most critical factor—ascending too quickly increases the risk. Some people may start to feel symptoms at around 2500m (8200ft), while most climbers on Kilimanjaro will experience mild AMS as they approach the summit (5895m / 19,340ft).

Preventing and Managing Altitude Sickness:
The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to ascend slowly, drink plenty of fluids, and allow your body time to acclimatize. Our guides follow a steady and safe pace to ensure proper acclimatization. If AMS symptoms arise, it’s important to rest and communicate with your guide. In most cases, AMS will resolve with rest or a slight descent, but severe cases require immediate attention.

Our Commitment to Your Safety:
Your safety is our top priority. Our experienced guides perform health checks twice a day and use pulse-ox meters to monitor your oxygen levels and overall condition. If any symptoms of altitude sickness are observed, they will adjust the pace or recommend appropriate action to ensure your well-being.

While altitude sickness is a normal part of climbing Kilimanjaro, with the proper precautions, most climbers successfully reach the summit. Rest assured, our team will be with you every step of the way to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

All climbers should have a medical check prior to attempting the mountain. 

  • Ask your doctor if high altitude trekking is permissible for your age, fitness level and health condition.
  • Ask if you have any preexisting medical conditions that can cause problems on the climb.
  • Ask if any of your medications can affect altitude acclimatization.
  • Ask whether Diamox can be taken with your existing prescription medicines.
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