Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness

Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness which is also called Acute Mountain Sickness Kilimanjaro and is Physical distress from difficulty in adjusting to the lower oxygen at higher altitude levels. Mount Kilimanjaro Acclimatization occurs after arrival at a higher elevation and includes symptoms like headache, shortness of breath, nausea, and inability to exercise.


The main cause of Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness would be shorter itineraries, as this will not allow you for proper acclimatization and make you feel uncomfortable to intake oxygen.Utopia Africa Adventures has been recognized as the Best Kilimanjaro Operator which will give you extra time for proper acclimatization.


For those with pre-existing health conditions, please consult your doctor before planning your trip. There are many things that you can do to avoid the symptoms of acute mountain sickness while Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

  • Symptoms Of Altitude Sickness:

    People have different symptoms to Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness, they include:

    1. Difficulty sleeping.

    2. Dizziness or light-headedness.

    3. Fatigue

    4. Headache

    5. Loss of appetite.

    6. Nausea or vomiting.

    7. Rapid pulse (heart rate)

    8. Shortness of breath with exertion

  • How It Happens:

    The main cause of Mount Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness is ascending to a great height too rapidly. Climbing too high and staying there for too long may also cause it. The person has to breathe faster to compensate for the oxygen shortfall at a higher altitude. The human body needs to adapt to the lower air pressure and decreased levels of oxygen. A slower climb is needed for proper Kilimanjaro Acclimatization.

  • How To Prevent Altitude Sickness:

    The important question now arises is - How to Avoid Altitude Sickness Kilimanjaro? We have articulated these basics to prevent you from Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness:
    Prepare Before Ascend: Acclimatization of Kilimanjaro is highly recommended. Avoid drinking alcohol, taking stimulants, smoking, or consuming caffeine on the mountain.
    Use of Diamox: Acetazolamide or Diamox is a Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness Medication that has proved in preventing this condition. The drug helps to improve the acidity of the blood by acting as a diuretic and promoting urination. It is also recommended that taking Diamox 2-3 days 2 weeks before departure to check if you suffer any side effects.

  • How Does Lack Of Oxygen Lead To Altitude Sickness:

    The low oxygen concentration can trigger the blood vessels in the lungs to constrict which may cause higher pressure in the lung arteries. This may also lead to fluid leakage in the blood vessels which directly go to the lungs.With Kilimanjaro Trek’s Altitude Sickness Guide for Kilimanjaro Climbs this can be avoided.
    We guide our clients well in advance and trained professional trekkers accompany them to the summit and take care of their health conditions constantly and lift their spirits while summiting the great Kilimanjaro