Climbing Kilimanjaro: Beating Altitude Sickness

Scientists estimate that the legendary snows of Mount Kilimanjaro will be totally gone by 2020. That deadline has sparked a wave of adventurers to face Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. At 19,345 feet high, the top of Kilimanjaro is at an extreme altitude, where our bodies struggle to manage with the demand of oxygen. In fact, half of all climbers are turned down by the mountain, mostly because of altitude sickness, caused by the inability to adapt to the altitude, called acclimatization.

In climbing Kilimanjaro, there are ways to stack the deck in your favor, so you can stand at Uruhu point, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here’s how to do it:

1) Choose a route that suits your capability and fitness level. Even though moderate activity can help with acclimatization, strenuous activity does not. Talk to your climb operator about which route is ideal for you.

2) Add rest days to the itinerary. Taking an additional day increases your chances of getting to the top by up to 30%.

3) Climb high, sleep low. If possible, ensure that the itinerary takes advantage of opportunities to climb to a higher altitude during the day, then sleep at a lower altitude at night. This speeds up acclimatization.

4) Go when there is a superior chance of nice weather. Bad weather makes the climb much more difficult. Trekking through rain, snow, wind and cold adds additional stress to the body.

5) Go on a private trip (not a massive group). Private trips mean more individualized attention and a customized itinerary based on your abilities. Your guide will do everything doable to help you summit, including adjustments in pace, rest stops and camps, while you have no other climbers else to contend with.

6) Train for your climb. By training properly for your climb, your body is less likely to struggle with the demands of the mountain being put on your legs, and only has to focus on acclimatization.

7) Ascend Slowly. The body needs time to acclimate to the altitude. Therefore the slower you ascend, the better.

Eat enough food and drink enough water while on your climb. It is suggested that you drink from four to five liters of fluid per day. Also, take a high calorie diet while at altitude, even whether your appetite is diminished.

9) Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other depressant drugs including, barbiturates, tranquillizers, sleeping pills and opiates. These further decrease the respiratory drive during sleep resulting in a worsening of altitude sickness.

10) Think about using Diamox for acclimatization. Diamox is an FDA approved drug used for the prevention and treatment of altitude sickness.

By following the guidelines above, you will have given yourself a great chance in conquering Kilimanjaro. For more information on climbing Kilimanjaro, visit Ultimate Kilimanjaro, specializing in private, custom climbs at fair rates.