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Altitude sickness — Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) — affects the majority of Kilimanjaro climbers to some degree. It is caused by the reduced oxygen pressure at high altitude and is the number one reason climbers fail to summit. Understanding it, recognising symptoms early and responding correctly is essential knowledge for every Kilimanjaro climber.
At Kilimanjaro's summit (5,895m), atmospheric pressure is approximately half that at sea level — meaning each breath delivers roughly half the oxygen. Your body needs time to adapt through a process called acclimatisation: producing more red blood cells, adjusting breathing patterns and increasing blood circulation efficiency.
Mild AMS (very common above 3,000m):
Severe AMS (requires immediate descent):
The only cure for severe altitude sickness is descent. If a climber shows signs of HAPE or HACE, the guide must initiate immediate descent regardless of time of day or progress made. Our guides carry pulse oximeters and are trained to make this call. Never wait until morning if severe symptoms appear at night. Descend immediately.
Our KINAPA-licensed guides are trained in altitude medicine and wilderness first aid. Your safety is our priority above summit success.
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