Altitude Sickness Prevention Tips for Kilimanjaro Climbers

Altitude Sickness Symptoms, Welcome to Big Five Voyage, your trusted resource for extraordinary adventures. If you’re planning a trek to Mount Kilimanjaro, one of Africa’s most iconic peaks, we’ve got you covered. Achieving acclimation is essential to ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. Altitude sickness is a real concern when ascending to high altitudes, and it can impact your experience if not managed properly. Here are key strategies for a successful climb:

1. Daily Health Checks and Expert Guidance

At Big Five Voyage, our seasoned guides are well-versed in identifying and addressing altitude sickness symptoms. They will monitor your well-being by watching and speaking with you throughout the climb. Twice daily, morning and evening, our guides will conduct health checks to ensure you’re in the best condition to continue your journey.

2. Pre-acclimatize with a High-Altitude Training System

Prepare for your trip with Big Five Voyage by using a high-altitude training system. This approach can help your body adjust to lower oxygen levels, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

3. Ascend Slowly and “Pole, Pole”

“Pole, pole” means “slowly, slowly” in Swahili. Your guides from Big Five Voyage will remind you to take it easy and ascend slowly. Rushing can increase the risk of altitude sickness. Taking rest days between ascents can significantly improve your chances of reaching the summit and enjoying the experience.

4. Avoid Overexertion and Promote Altitude Acclimatization

While mild exercise can aid acclimatization, strenuous activity can promote High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). Listen to your body and follow your Big Five Voyage guide’s advice.

5. Proper Breathing Techniques

Take slow, deliberate deep breaths to ensure your body gets the oxygen it needs at higher altitudes.

6. Climb High, Sleep Low

Ascend to a higher altitude during the day, then sleep at a lower altitude at night. This principle, followed by most routes, aids acclimatization. Additional acclimatization hikes can be incorporated into your Big Five Voyage itinerary.

7. Stay Hydrated and Eat Nutritious Food

Consume enough fluids, typically four to five liters a day. Maintain a high-calorie diet at altitude, even if your appetite decreases.

8. Consider Diamox

FDA-approved drug Diamox can be used for the prevention and treatment of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Consult with your Big Five Voyage guide or a medical professional for advice.

9. Avoid Depressant Substances

Tobacco, alcohol, and other depressant drugs can exacerbate altitude sickness symptoms. Steer clear of them during your ascent with Big Five Voyage.

10. Monitor Altitude Sickness Symptoms

If you begin to show symptoms of moderate altitude sickness, do not ascend further until the symptoms decrease. If they worsen, descend to a lower altitude.

11. Experienced Guides and Emergency Measures

At Big Five Voyage, our guides are highly experienced in preventing, detecting, and treating altitude sickness. They conduct daily health checks using a pulse oximeter and administer the Lake Louise Scoring System (LLSS) to assess symptoms’ severity. Additionally, they are certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR) and carry essential medical equipment, including bottled oxygen and a portable stretcher for evacuation.

In case of a critical situation, our staff can initiate helicopter evacuation through Kilimanjaro Search and Rescue (SAR). They also carry a first aid kit to treat minor injuries along the way.

With these strategies and our expert guides at Big Five Voyage, you can ensure a safe and successful ascent on your Kilimanjaro journey. Remember, prioritizing acclimatization is key to a memorable and enjoyable climb.