What If You Get Sick on Kilimanjaro? | Hike Kilimanjaro Guide
Learn what happens if you get sick during your Mount Kilimanjaro climb. Discover how Hike Kilimanjaro handles altitude sickness, safety protocols, and emergency evacuation.
What Happens If You Get Sick While Climbing Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain and a bucket-list adventure for thousands of trekkers each year. While most climbers reach the summit safely, the high altitude and physical challenge can sometimes lead to illness. So, what happens if you get sick while climbing Kilimanjaro?
At Hike Kilimanjaro, your safety is our highest priority. Here’s what you need to know about getting sick on the mountain and how we handle it.
Common Illnesses on Kilimanjaro
Most cases of illness during the climb are related to altitude sickness (also known as Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS). Symptoms may include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
Mild symptoms are common and manageable. But in rare cases, AMS can develop into more serious conditions like:
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) – fluid in the lungs
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) – swelling in the brain
Both conditions are life-threatening and require immediate descent.
How We Monitor Your Health
Our certified mountain guides are WFR-trained (Wilderness First Responders) and conduct twice-daily health checks during your Kilimanjaro trek. These checks include:
- Oxygen saturation level (with a pulse oximeter)
- Heart rate
- Symptom questionnaire
This allows our team to detect any early signs of AMS and act before things become serious.
What Happens If You Show Symptoms?
If you begin to show symptoms of altitude sickness or any other illness, here’s how the situation is handled:
Rest and Hydrate
Mild symptoms are usually treated with rest, hydration, and medications like acetazolamide (Diamox) or ibuprofen.Acclimatization Strategy
Our longer itineraries, like the Lemosho or Northern Circuit, are designed to help your body adjust gradually to altitude.Immediate Descent
If symptoms worsen or become dangerous, you’ll be escorted down the mountain with a personal guide and, if necessary, a stretcher evacuation or even a helicopter rescue from approved zones.Oxygen Supply
Hike Kilimanjaro provides emergency oxygen and first aid kits on every trek for situations requiring extra support.
Helicopter Rescue on Kilimanjaro
Yes, it’s possible. In recent years, helicopter evacuations have become available from high-altitude zones like Shira Plateau or Barranco Camp. To qualify:
You must be in an area with landing access
You’ll need travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and evacuation
We always recommend travelers purchase a comprehensive insurance plan before their Kilimanjaro trek
Prevention Is Key
To minimize your risk of getting sick on Kilimanjaro:
- Choose longer routes (7+ days) for better acclimatization
- Stay well-hydrated
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
- Go slowly pole pole (slowly, slowly) is a golden rule
- Listen to your guide
Final Thoughts
Getting sick on Mount Kilimanjaro isn’t the end of your journey, especially when you’re in the hands of a trained and prepared team. At Hike Kilimanjaro, we take your health seriously, providing expert care, responsive decisions, and a well-planned safety net every step of the way.
Ready to climb? Contact us today and let’s plan your safe, successful Kilimanjaro adventure.
📧 info@hike-kilimanjaro.com
🌐 www.hike-kilimanjaro.com
📞 WhatsApp: +255 692 406 444
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