Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is the adventure of a lifetime—but with that elevation (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet) comes the ever-present risk of altitude sickness. Even fit, experienced hikers are susceptible to the effects of low oxygen.
This guide is your complete toolkit for understanding, preventing, and managing altitude sickness while climbing Kilimanjaro. From symptoms to emergency action steps, route selection to medication—this is the most comprehensive guide available online.
Altitude sickness—formally known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)—is your body’s response to decreased oxygen levels at high elevation. As you ascend, the air pressure drops and there’s less oxygen available per breath.
Your body needs time to adapt. When it doesn’t? Symptoms strike.
| Altitude Level | Meters | Oxygen % (relative to sea level) |
|---|---|---|
| Sea level | 0 m | 100% |
| Kilimanjaro Base Camp | ~2,200 m | ~78% |
| Shira Plateau | ~3,800 m | ~64% |
| Barafu Camp (Summit Base) | ~4,673 m | ~58% |
| Uhuru Peak (Summit) | 5,895 m | ~49% |
Your body essentially has half the oxygen at the summit. Without acclimatization, this triggers problems fast.
Most common. Often strikes above 2,500m. Affects up to 75% of Kilimanjaro climbers.
Symptoms:
Rare but life-threatening. Caused by swelling in the brain due to lack of oxygen.
Symptoms:
Immediate descent is required—delays can be fatal.
Fluid buildup in the lungs, often develops during or after sleep at high altitude.
Symptoms:
Medical emergency. Descent is the only cure.
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| "I'm fit, so I won’t get sick." | Altitude affects everyone—fitness is no protection. |
| "I’ll just tough it out." | Ignoring symptoms leads to dangerous outcomes. |
| "Drinking more water cures altitude sickness." | Hydration helps but does not cure AMS. |
| "You can train to avoid altitude sickness." | No training at sea level can prepare your body for low oxygen. |
Prevents and treats AMS. Start 1–2 days before trekking.
A steroid used for treating severe AMS and HACE. Usually administered by guides in emergencies.
| Route | Days | Acclimatization Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Circuit | 9 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best |
| Lemosho Route | 8 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Machame Route | 7 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rongai Route | 6 | ⭐⭐ |
| Marangu Route | 5 | ⭐ (not recommended unless experienced) |
Reputable Kilimanjaro outfitters carry oxygen and first-aid kits, and have emergency evacuation plans.
The primary cause is the rapid gain in altitude without giving the body enough time to acclimatize to lower oxygen levels. Kilimanjaro climbs go from near sea level to almost 6,000 meters in a matter of days.
Anyone can get altitude sickness—age, fitness, or experience doesn’t guarantee immunity. Some people are simply more sensitive to changes in altitude than others. First-time high-altitude trekkers should be extra cautious.
Most symptoms occur between 2,500m–4,000m, which is typically between Day 2 and Day 4 of your trek, depending on your route.
Mild symptoms are common and manageable. If symptoms worsen or become severe, your guide will:
Yes. Diamox (Acetazolamide) is the most common preventive medication. It speeds up acclimatization and reduces symptoms. Talk to your doctor about side effects and whether it’s right for you.
Professional guides check for signs of AMS daily. Most reputable operators:
You don’t need to bring your own. Most Kilimanjaro outfitters carry emergency oxygen. If this is important to you, confirm with your trekking company before booking.
As soon as severe symptoms appear, descent starts immediately—even at night. Guides are trained to evacuate you to a lower altitude where symptoms often improve quickly.
Roughly 70–75% of climbers experience some level of altitude-related symptoms. However, with proper planning, hydration, pacing, and acclimatization, most cases are mild and manageable.
It’s non-technical (no ropes, no ice picks), but the altitude makes it mentally and physically challenging. Altitude sickness is the #1 reason climbers fail to reach the summit.
Yes—if symptoms are mild, manageable, and improving with rest. However, if symptoms worsen, the safest move is to stop ascending or descend.
Indirectly, yes. Poles reduce fatigue, conserve energy, and reduce pressure on joints—all of which help your body manage altitude stress more effectively.
PrehemyTours invites you to embark on the unforgettable journey of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Whether you're ready to challenge yourself with the Machame route, opt for the gradual ascent of Marangu, or enjoy the quieter Rongai route, we tailor every experience to your preferences and abilities. Start your climb to the top of Africa by sharing your travel details with us, and we'll make your dream climb a reality in 2025, 2026, or 2027.