Altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro

Altitude sickness, or “acute mountain sickness” (AMS) , prevents several climbers from reaching the summit each year.

Altitude sickness can occur from 2400m. It is therefore advisable to increase steadily from the start. The fittest people will suffer from it later, but from 3500m it can be given to anyone. Symptoms are mainly headaches , which do not go away even with medication . It suddenly turns on. Altitude sickness can last for days , even if you stay at the same altitude, and often requires a descent. It can be deadly if you keep climbing against your better judgment.

In the case of very severe symptoms, the decision to evacuate can be made (even in the case of a serious injury). Helicopter evacuation is possible in Barafu camp . If this is not possible for reasons of cost or because it is too late , the person will be shouldered. There is also a "Kilimanjaro Express stretcher on a wheel" which is carried/pushed by a team of 8 people. This is nothing more than a unicycle stretcher to which the patient is strapped to a sleeping bag. The total driving time is about 10-12 hours.

Since altitude sickness is associated with dehydration of the brain (cerebral edema), it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids (4 liters per day). Many people are afraid of this because people sleep in tents at night and going to the toilet is not easy.

It is recommended to take Diamox , but you should know that this is water-resistant, so it needs to be drunk even more.

Willem Vandenameele