About Altitude Sickness
If you are planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, sooner or later you will hear about altitude sickness. For those unfamiliar with it, here is a clear overview of what altitude sickness is, its symptoms, risks, and how it is managed on the mountain.
Definition of Altitude
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High Altitude: 1,500 – 3,500 m (5,000 – 11,500 ft)
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Very High Altitude: 3,500 – 5,500 m (11,500 – 18,000 ft)
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Extreme Altitude: above 5,500 m (18,000 ft)
What is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness occurs when someone ascends to high altitude too quickly without allowing the body enough time to adjust. While the body can adapt to reduced oxygen levels, the rate of acclimatization is usually only 300 m (1,000 ft) per day. Since Kilimanjaro climbs are much faster than this, nearly all climbers experience some degree of altitude-related symptoms.
Main Types of Altitude Sickness
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AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness): Common when climbing Kilimanjaro.
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HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema): Fluid buildup in the lungs, potentially fatal.
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HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema): Fluid buildup in the brain, potentially fatal.
HAPE and HACE are rare with well-planned climbs, but they require immediate action if suspected.
Normal Effects of Altitude (Not Sickness)
Some changes are expected and harmless:
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Faster breathing
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Shortness of breath on exertion
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Periodic night breathing (pauses up to 15 seconds, followed by rapid breaths)
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Frequent waking at night
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Increased urination
These are considered normal acclimatization responses.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
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AMS: Headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, fatigue, sleeplessness.
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HAPE: Severe breathlessness even at rest, rattling or bubbling breath, cough with pink froth, bluish lips or nails.
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HACE: Loss of coordination, staggering walk, confusion, irrational behavior.
How Dangerous is Altitude Sickness?
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AMS: Usually mild and not life-threatening, though very unpleasant.
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HAPE & HACE: Life-threatening if untreated. Descent is the only effective cure.
Guides monitor climbers closely to detect early warning signs. If severe symptoms develop, immediate descent is critical.
Who Gets Altitude Sickness?
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Anyone can develop it, regardless of age or fitness.
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Fitness is not protection—athletes can be just as susceptible.
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Men, especially young and competitive, tend to push faster and are more prone.
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Older climbers often fare better since they usually ascend more slowly.
When Does It Happen?
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Symptoms may begin from 2,500 m (7,000 ft) and higher.
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Kilimanjaro’s summit is 5,895 m (19,340 ft), so nearly all climbers experience mild AMS during the final push.
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Risks increase with:
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Rapid ascent
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Time spent at altitude
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Physical exertion
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Dehydration
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AMS symptoms often appear within 6–10 hours at altitude and may come and go during the climb.
Medications for Altitude Sickness
While the best prevention is a slow and steady ascent, certain medications can help reduce the risk and ease symptoms:
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Acetazolamide (Diamox): The most commonly used drug to speed up acclimatization. It helps the body adjust by stimulating breathing. Often taken 1–2 days before starting the climb.
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Dexamethasone: A steroid used for severe cases of AMS, HAPE, or HACE. Typically carried by guides for emergencies, not recommended for routine prevention.
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Nifedipine: Sometimes used in cases of HAPE, as it helps reduce pulmonary artery pressure.
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Ibuprofen or Paracetamol: Effective for treating headaches caused by AMS.
⚠️ Always consult a doctor before your trip to decide which medications are suitable for you. Do not self-medicate without proper guidance.
Managing Altitude on Kilimanjaro
With the right preparation and pace, most climbers reach the last camp (around 5,700 m). The final push to the summit is usually the hardest part, where AMS is most noticeable.
Our Commitment to Your Safety
Your safety is our top priority on Kilimanjaro. To ensure your wellbeing:
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Guides perform health checks twice daily, using High Altitude Medical Papers and pulse-oximeters.
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Any concerning symptoms are carefully monitored and acted upon immediately.
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All logistics are designed so you can focus on walking, while our team takes care of everything else.
With professional high-altitude experts guiding you, you can approach your climb with confidence, knowing every detail of your safety is covered.
Why Choose Eastland Adventures?
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime journey, and the right team makes all the difference. Eastland Adventures specializes in safe, expertly guided Kilimanjaro climbs with a strong focus on acclimatization, health monitoring, and personalized care.
By choosing Eastland Adventures, you get:
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Experienced guides trained in high-altitude medicine.
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Twice-daily medical checks with pulse oximeters.
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Customized itineraries designed to maximize your success rate.
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A supportive team that ensures your only job is to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
When you trek with Eastland Adventures, you’re not just climbing a mountain—you’re gaining the peace of mind that comes with knowing safety is always first.
