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BEFORE YOU CLIMB
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BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
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ON YOUR CLIMB
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Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness on Kilimanjaro
The altitude of Mount Kilimanjaro, African continent’s highest peak is 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Kilimanjaro presents a unique set of challenges, the most dangerous of which being altitude sickness. A significant proportion of people who climb over 9,000ft develop some symptoms relating to altitude. At Climbing Kilimanjaro, Safety is our Number one priority.
Effects of Altitude on Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro has become a very popular trek as it’s a way for ordinary hikers to experience a high mountain summit with no technical skill. Being what’s known as a “walk-up”, without the need for ropes and climbing gear, some people underestimate the potential for serious, life-threatening situations as a result of the altitude.
Kilimanjaro’s summit falls into the “extreme altitude” category, along with Aconcagua and Denali (Mt McKinley). Everest and K2 are “ultra” altitude, where acclimatization is impossible.
A Brief Introduction to Altitude
At the summit of Kilimanjaro there is approximately 49% less oxygen than at sea level. However, it’s not the percentage of oxygen in the air that changes, it’s the barometric pressure (air pressure) of the atmosphere that’s reduced.
The percentage of oxygen in the air is the same 20.9%, but it’s availability is reduced by the reduction in air pressure. What this means, in simple terms is that for any volume of air you breathe in, there are less molecules of oxygen available.
The reduced air pressure has other problems associated with it as well, allowing fluid to collect outside of the cells, around the brain (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) and the lungs (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema), both very serious conditions.
Altitude Sickness: What is it?
Mountain sickness has three main forms: Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). Additionally, AMS can be mild (very common and manageable with the right treatment), moderate, and severe (immediate descent necessary).
Let’s take a closer look at these conditions.
Acute Mountain Sickness
According to Dr. Peter Hackett of the Institute for Altitude Medicine, AMS can affect anyone above 6,000ft. The initial sign is usually a headache, which confusingly can also be a sign of dehydration or over-exertion. If other symptoms develop, then a diagnosis of AMS is probable.
In it’s mildest form, the symptoms can resemble that of a hangover, with nausea, headache, fatigue, and a loss of appetite. If you experience any of these symptoms it’s important to tell your guide and not simply try to push through. Mild symptoms can often be resolved with rest and adequate hydration.
If the symptoms of mild AMS start to get worse, a headache that you can’t shift, dizziness, coughing, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting this is an indication that you are not adapting to the altitude (acclimatizing) and at this point you should descend to the last elevation that you felt “well”.
Treatments such as ibuprofen for the headache or anti-emetics for the nausea can mask worsening symptoms and should not be relied upon for continued ascent.
If a person suffering with moderate AMS ignores the symptoms pushing through to a higher elevation, there’s a risk that the condition can become severe. Severe AMS can lead to life-threatening complications (HAPE and HACE) and immediate descent is mandatory.
Symptoms can include severe headache, ataxia (lack of co-ordination, inability to walk properly, staggering), increased coughing and shortness of breath. Someone with severe AMS will likely need evacuation from the mountain either by stretcher or helicopter.
Complications resulting from severe mountain sickness are HAPE and HACE.
Basecamp MD explains that HAPE can develop as a result of the lung arteries developing excessive pressure as a result of the low oxygen environment. This pressure causes build up of fluid around the lungs.
Confusingly, it’s possible for a climber to develop HAPE even if they don’t seem to have symptoms of severe AMS.
Look out for:
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Abnormal lung sounds
- Extreme listlessness
- Difficulty breathing
- Lips going blue
- Confusion, lack of coordination
Anyone at altitude who feels as though they have a respiratory infection should assume it’s HAPE until a medical professional proves it to be otherwise. If HAPE is suspected, oxygen is often administered in conjunction with immediate evacuation to a medical facility.
As oxygen levels in the blood drop, the brain can suffer from lack of oxygen, leading to HACE.
HACE is a very dangerous condition that requires immediate medical treatment. As fluid builds up around the brain, the climber comes increasingly confused, lethargic and drowsy, incapable of walking and behaving strangely.
Look out for:
- Disorientation, confusion, hallucinations, talking nonsense
- Lack of coordination, staggering, inability to walk
- Irrational behavior
- Severe headache, sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting
HACE cannot be treated without immediate evacuation to a medical facility.
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Words From Our Happy Clients
We have been receiving reviews from our served clients and We are rated 5/5 by customers. This honor is given to us by customers because we always remain committed to all our customers to do whatever is needed by them to make their safari fully satisfied.
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Pim S2019-12-04perfectly arranged experience of a life time We did the Lemosho as a group of 4 people from around 21 years old. From the very first moment we knew that we were in good hands. We were picked up from our lodge which was arranged by Debby Adventures as well. After renting our equipment and meeting the crew, our journey began: we were driving towards the Kilimanjaro. The first day was a hike to the first camp. This hike was mainly in a beautiful jungle scene. The first thing we noticed was the very pleasant way of hiking. Our two guides Anton and Wilfred knew exactly what they did and led the way in an agreeable tempo. After the hike in the wild jungle of Kilimanjaro National Park the night quickly arrived and we were introduced to our personal waiter, Jackson, who brought our food and drinks. Jackson was a great example of the warm and caring staff that joined us on our journey. With an iconic voice and sense of humor he certainly gave a special addition with his presence. That evening we were also introduced to the chef who made food for us every morning, afternoon and evening: Eli. We think that partly because of the excellent food prepared for us, we made it to the peak in such a pleasant fashion. The food was very nutritious and tastful. In the following few days, we made our way up. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. We did not expect so many different landscapes and views. Every night after dinner, Anton or Wilfred did the daily briefing. This is when we discussed the day and answered some questions about how we were feeling and other health-related questions. Also, every night our oxygen level was measured and we experienced it as professional and pleasant. Speaking of professionality, Anton and Wilfred were the best guides to climb the Kilimanjaro with. Their daily advice, carefulness and knowledge about the mountain could not have been better. Before we knew it, summit night arrived. From base camp to the peak took us 6,5 hours which was pretty tough. But we all made it as a group and we could not be happier. The euphoria of getting to the top is indescribable. After descending Debby took such great care of us which made the experience even more perfect. In conclusion, we would recommend this tour to anyone we know. We are a beautiful life experience richer, thanks to Debby and her crew.VerifiedMasecha2019-03-27An amaizing experience! I have left mount Kilimanjaro with memories that will last a life time with a 6 days Marangu route. It was a great experience, good intro to Mt Kilimanjaro, our guide was super insightful I was impressed with his knowledge of ancient history of Mt Kilimanjaro and all the near places. Everything was planned and organized professionally, Morgan our trip leader was energetic and fun, he looked after us very well.VerifiedBeatrice T2019-03-217 Days Rongai Route with Debby Adventure Before I did the Mount Kilimanjaro trekking (7 days Rongai route) with Debby Adventure, my perception was that not everyone can make it to the top because of the distance, weather conditions and little experience in trekking from people like myself. But when I arrived in Tanzania I jointed a motivated team from Debby Adventure who encouraged and coached me until I made it to the rooftop of Africa. This felt like my dream came true. “Anyone can make it to the rooftop of Africa with such an encouraging team”.VerifiedElicy D2018-11-276DAYS MARANGU ROUTE WITH DEBBY ADVENTURE I did coffee tour and climb Mt. Kilimanjaro for six days via marangu route with debby Adventure. I spent my time effectively to climb mt. Kilimanjaro and to reach in Uhuru Peak for real it was amaizing especially theur guides are kind and funny, excellent in English speaking experienced and hard working. Thanks Debby Adventure I enjoyed to the fullest I promise I will come back with my friends
