Kilimanjaro National Park

- Acclimatization -

Although many thousands of trekkers successfully reach Gillman's Point or Uhuru Peak every year without any real difficulty, many others do not make it to the top because they suffer from altitude sickness, which is caused by a combination of the decrease in atmospheric pressure and the decreased oxygen content of the air, or ascending too fast.

To avoid this it is very important to acclimatize by ascending slowly and steadily, even if you are fit, you should not try to rush up Mount Kilimanjaro.

We recommend a extra additional day on all routes to allow the body to get prepared and reach the higher altitudes safely. An extra day increases your chances of reaching the summit by up to 30%

Here are a few guidelines we recommend you follow:

Ascend Slowly. You will here the words 'Pole Pole' from your guides which is Swahili for 'Slowly Slowly. The body takes a while to acclimatize so the slower the ascension the better acclimatized you will become.

Do not over push your body. Strenuous activity may harm your body at the high altitudes.

Take slow deep breaths.

Consume enough food and water during your climb. It is recommended that you drink, between 3 to 5 liters a day. Foods with high energy and calories are recommended.

Avoid drugs. Tobacco, alcohol and any other drugs may increase your body's susceptibility to altitude sickness.

All our guides are very experienced with identifying altitude sickness and aiding our trekkers to acclimatize as well as knowing when problems will arise. Be honest with your guide and he will to the best he can to take you to Uhuru.

Acetazolamide (Diamox)

This is the most used drug for prevention of altitude sickness. It increases the blood acidity, causing an increase in respiration, which speeds up acclimatization. (250mg every 8 to 12 hours, before and during an high altitude ascent). Please read instructions that come with the product fully before consuming for full details and allergy advice.

Ibuprofen

Effective in reducing an altitude induced headache (600mg 3 times a day). Please read instructions that come with the product fully before consuming for full details and allergy advice.

Herbal Remedies

The International Society for Mountain Medicine states that gingko biloba extract has been used to prevent the symptoms of acute mountain sickness before they occur. It should be taken daily during ascension to a higher altitude and continually after that.

Altitude can produce some very serious problems so it is essential to prepare properly for you climb. For the best information on training for your climb we recommend The Altitude Centre who have experts who can advise you on the best ways to prepare as well as having a fantastic pre-acclimatization course. Click the image below for more information.