Avoiding Altitude Sickness on Mt. Kilimanjaro
How to Prevent Acute Mountain Sickness on Africa’s Highest Peak
Jun 24, 2009
At 19,340 feet, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak. It’s also a “walk-up” – meaning that technical mountaineering skills and gear aren't required to climb it. Quite simply, anyone in good shape who can keep putting one foot in front of the other for a very long way can make it to the rooftop of Africa. Unless, that is, a climber falls victim to altitude sickness, otherwise called acute mountain sickness or A.M.S.
Kilimanjaro’s Status as Africa’s High Point Draws Inexperienced Climbers
The problem with Kilimanjaro is that it has climber cachet. As one of the “Seven Summits,” Kilimanjaro attracts lots of trekkers, most of whom have never been anywhere near 19,000 feet before. Some, in fact, have never been all that close to a mountain of any height. But Kilimanjaro is both achievable and imbued with bragging rights. No wonder people line up to get to the top!
Beginning climbers have no way of knowing how they will fare at that elevation. Neither, for that matter, do experienced climbers: mountain sickness can be quite fickle, and a person who has climbed to 19,000 feet with no problems may encounter trouble the second time around.
Having a high level of overall fitness helps, of course, but it’s not a sure preventative. There are, however, some strategies that can minimize the risk.
Acclimating, Route Selection Help Prevent Altitude Sickness on Kilimanjaro
The first strategy is to climb something else first. East Africa has three other high volcanoes, all of which are world-class trips in their own right. All are worth climbing, all are completely different in terms of scenery and environment, and any (or all) of them make an excellent “training run” for the snows of Kilimanjaro. The three peaks are Mt. Elgon, 14,172 feet, located on the border of Kenya and Uganda, Mt. Kenya, 17,057 feet, located north of Nairobi, and Mt. Meru, 14,943 feet, located within sight of Kilimanjaro (and hence, the most convenient).
The second strategy is to pick the route carefully. Kilimanjaro’s most popular route is the Marangu (called the “Coca Cola Route” by guides).The Marangu Route is the fastest way up the mountain; it can take as little as 5 days (4 nights on the mountain) to ascend and descend. But this is too fast for most people. Some of the alternate routes take more time, among them, the Machame Route (dubbed the "Whiskey Route," reputedly because that's what the guides want to drink after hiking it.).
The third strategy is to take a rest day on the ascent. Many of the better tour companies arrange a slow pace with a free acclimatization day on the slopes of the mountain. Even on the longer routes, such as the Machame, climbers will benefit from a rest day somewhere around the 12,000-foot level. Of course, the itinerary has to be negotiated with guides and porters so they know how much food to bring, how much time they will be away from their families, and how much money they can expect to make.
Finally, there is the prescription drug Diamox, which prevents altitude sickness if taken before the onset of symptoms. (It does not cure altitude sickness once symptoms set in; only descending can do that.) Discuss this option with a doctor.
The bottom line? The summit of Africa’s highest peak is within reach. But climbers who pay attention to altitude sickness and take steps to prevent it will have a much better time – and a much better chance of success.
For more information on travel in East Africa, check out East Africa Resources.
