What If You Get Sick on Kilimanjaro?
What If You Get Sick on Kilimanjaro? 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.
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These full and frank reviews are from travelers who have traveled with Hike Kilimanjaro previously. The reviews and experiences shown here are from reputable travel websites like TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trust Pilot, etc.
Posted on Google![]()
Andreas Conzelmann9 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Unvergessliche 8 Tage am Kilimanjaro – Northern Circuit mit Hike Kilimanjaro Wir haben im August 2026 die 8-tägige Northern-Circuit-Route mit Hike Kilimanjaro gemacht – und es war einfach perfekt! Ein riesiges Dankeschön an unser großartiges Team: Richard, Keddy, Innocent und Doc Florian. Die vier waren nicht nur unglaublich professionell und erfahren, sondern auch super sympathisch, aufmerksam und fantastische Motivatoren. Wir haben uns zu jeder Zeit sicher und bestens betreut gefühlt. Die Northern Circuit Route war für uns die perfekte Wahl: landschaftlich unglaublich abwechslungsreich und wunderschön und vor allem deutlich weniger überlaufen als andere Routen. Wir waren an vielen Tagen fast komplett für uns und häufig sogar die einzigen oder fast die einzigen am Camp. Ein wirklich besonderes Erlebnis! Auch die Verpflegung war hervorragend. Godson, unser Koch, hat jeden Tag unglaublich leckeres Essen gezaubert – ehrlich gesagt hätten wir auf dem Berg mit deutlich weniger gerechnet. 😊 Besonders hervorheben möchten wir auch die Träger. Das gesamte Team war unglaublich freundlich, hilfsbereit und herzlich. Man merkt, dass hier Menschen mit Leidenschaft und großem Engagement arbeiten. Von der Organisation über die Sicherheit und Betreuung bis hin zur Stimmung im Team hat einfach alles gepasst. Die Guides hatten immer ein Auge auf uns, haben uns motiviert, wenn es anstrengend wurde, und gleichzeitig dafür gesorgt, dass wir die Reise und die beeindruckende Landschaft genießen konnten. Absolute Empfehlung für Hike Kilimanjaro! Wenn wir den Kilimanjaro noch einmal besteigen würden, würden wir jederzeit wieder mit diesem Team gehen. Asante sana an das gesamte Hike-Kilimanjaro-Team für diese unvergesslichen 8 Tage! 🏔️❤️Posted on Google![]()
Shreyas Parbat22 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Amazing people and amazing experience! Truly was a delight hiking Kili with Keddy and gang. I’m only alive because of them :)Posted on Google![]()
Andrea Scharr39 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Am 12. August begann unser Kili—Abenteuer zu acht. Mit unseren Guides Richard, Keddy, Innocent und „Doc“ Florian sowie einer 28 Mann Crew von Hike Kilimanjaro starteten wir am Lemosho Gate für die 8-tägige Northern Circuit Route. Und es wurden unvergessliche Tage. Wir waren bestens umsorgt, versorgt und betreut, alles war perfekt organisiert. Jeden Morgen wurden wir mit Tanz und Gesang in den Wandertag verabschiedet und genauso herzlich bei der Ankunft im Camp empfangen. Der Koch Godson zauberte tolle Mahlzeiten und ich bin überzeugt, dass seine göttlichen Suppen und das morgendliche Porrige maßgeblich zum Gipfelerfolg beigetragen haben. Die Route war landschaftlich sehr schön und aufgrund der Länge ideal für die Akklimatisierung in der Höhe. Am Abend gab es medizinische Checks, so dass wir uns immer sicher fühlten. Danke, dass wir für diese Zeit Teil der Hike Kilimanjaro Familie sein durften und Danke für eure Motivation und Herzlichkeit. Wir können den Trip mit euch nur empfehlen, es wurde an alles gedacht, selbst an die abendliche Wärmflasche. On August 12, our Kilimanjaro adventure began with eight of us. Accompanied by our guides Richard, Keddy, Innocent, and “Doc” Florian, as well as a 28-person crew from Hike Kilimanjaro, we set out from Lemosho Gate on the 8-day Northern Circuit route. And those days turned out to be unforgettable. We were well taken care of, well-provided for, and well-supported; everything was perfectly organized. Every morning, we were sent off on our hike with dancing and singing, and welcomed just as warmly upon arrival at camp. The cook, Godson, whipped up fantastic meals, and I’m convinced that his divine soups and the morning porridge played a major role in our success in reaching the summit. The route offered stunning scenery and, due to its length, was ideal for acclimatizing to the altitude. In the evenings, there were medical check-ups, so we always felt safe. Thank you for letting us be part of the Hike Kilimanjaro family during this time, and thank you for your motivation and warmth. We highly recommend this trip with you—every detail was taken care of, even the hot water bottle in the evening.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Navigator5953242042940 days agoVerified
Kilimanjaro Abenteuer Am 12. August begann unser Kili—Abenteuer zu acht. Mit unseren Guides Richard, Keddy, Innocent und „Doc“ Florian sowie einer 28 Mann Crew von Hike Kilimanjaro starteten wir am Lemosho Gate für die 8-tägige Northern Circuit Route. Und es wurden unvergessliche Tage. Wir waren bestens umsorgt, versorgt und betreut, alles war perfekt organisiert. Jeden Morgen wurden wir mit Tanz und Gesang in den Wandertag verabschiedet und genauso herzlich bei der Ankunft im Camp empfangen. Der Koch Godson zauberte tolle Mahlzeiten und ich bin überzeugt, dass seine göttlichen Suppen und das morgendliche Porrige maßgeblich zum Gipfelerfolg beigetragen haben. Die Route war landschaftlich sehr schön und aufgrund der Länge ideal für die Akklimatisierung in der Höhe. Am Abend gab es medizinische Checks, so dass wir uns immer sicher fühlten. Danke, dass wir für diese Zeit Teil der Hike Kilimanjaro Familie sein durften und Danke für eure Motivation und Herzlichkeit. Wir können den Trip mit euch nur empfehlen, es wurde an alles gedacht, selbst an die abendliche Wärmflasche. On August 12, our Kilimanjaro adventure began with eight of us. Accompanied by our guides Richard, Keddy, Innocent, and “Doc” Florian, as well as a 28-person crew from Hike Kilimanjaro, we set out from Lemosho Gate on the 8-day Northern Circuit route. And those days turned out to be unforgettable. We were well taken care of, well-provided for, and well-supported; everything was perfectly organized. Every morning, we were sent off on our hike with dancing and singing, and welcomed just as warmly upon arrival at camp. The cook, Godson, whipped up fantastic meals, and I’m convinced that his divine soups and the morning porridge played a major role in our success in reaching the summit. The route offered stunning scenery and, due to its length, was ideal for acclimatizing to the altitude. In the evenings, there were medical check-ups, so we always felt safe. Thank you for letting us be part of the Hike Kilimanjaro family during this time, and thank you for your motivation and warmth. We highly recommend this trip with you—every detail was taken care of, even the hot water bottle in the evening.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Smiling Orka61 days agoVerified
Top tier team to help you climb Mount Kilimanjaro. We did the 7 day Lemosho route. We met with Florian and Keddy the day before the hike and they helped us get deeper understanding of the route, conditions and expectations. They also checked our gear to make sure we had everything we needed. For our family of 5, we had 3 guides ( Florian, Keddy and Inno )and 18 other support staff. The whole team was very kind, polite , always happy to help and very professional. They went above and beyond to help us get through the ups and down of the hike. They also did health checks including oxygen levels and looked out for other symptoms each day. They supported us and made sure we had an amazing , once in a lifetime experience reaching the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. The whole team of Hike Kilimanjaro gets 5 stars and they come highly recommended.
Owner's reply
Thank you so much, Smilingorka, for your fantastic 5-star review! We’re truly grateful that you chose Hike Kilimanjaro for such a special adventure with your family. It’s wonderful to hear that Florian, Keddy, Inno, and the entire support team made you feel well prepared, supported, and comfortable throughout your Lemosho trek.Your kind words about our team’s professionalism, care, and attention to your wellbeing mean so much to us. We’re especially happy to know that the pre-trek briefing, gear check, daily support, and guidance helped make your journey to the summit a memorable one.Congratulations again to your whole family on reaching the Roof of Africa! It was a pleasure to be part of your once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we hope to welcome you back to Tanzania for another unforgettable adventure.Asante sana, and thank you for recommending Hike Kilimanjaro!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Happy traveler62 days agoVerified
hike kili. Hike kilimanjaro and the team was just fabulous and helpful all the way in creating memories and experiences at kili. they made sure we were comfortable and well fed. guides porters and team worked really hard to make us feel comfortable. i will say they even hold our hands during decent as road were a bit muddy. quite an experience and i will do it again with them.
Owner's reply
Thank you so much, Rupesh, for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience climbing Kilimanjaro with Hike Kilimanjaro. It means a lot to our entire team to know that our guides, porters, and crew helped keep you comfortable, well-fed, and supported throughout the trek.Your kind words about the team’s dedication truly mean a lot to us. We’re especially happy that you felt well cared for every step of the way.Thank you for trusting us with your Kilimanjaro adventure, and we’d be absolutely delighted to welcome you back for another experience with us! Asante sana, Rupesha!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
alexplainlaterr134 days agoVerified
Highlight of our trip It's a shame I'm only posting this review now, but we completed the 7-day Lemosho Route trek with Hike Kilimanjaro (formerly Landside Adventures) in October 2025, and it was easily the highlight of our entire trip to Tanzania. From the very beginning, the experience was exceptional. We worked with Maxon during the booking process, and he was always responsive, professional, and easy to work with. Any questions we had were answered promptly, making the planning process smooth and stress-free. The night before our trek, Maxond, as well as our guides, Keddy and Florian, met us at our hotel to review our gear, conduct safety checks, and answer any last-minute questions. Their professionalism immediately gave us confidence that we were in good hands. Throughout the trek, Keddy and Florian were outstanding. They paced us perfectly, constantly checked on our well-being, and made sure we were acclimatizing safely. Their knowledge of the mountain, wildlife, terrain, and altitude-related challenges was impressive, and goes to show the level of knowledge required to be a guide. Beyond being excellent guides, they were also incredibly fun to spend time with. We shared some of the best laughs of our entire trip thanks to them :) One thing that exceeded all expectations was the food. Every meal felt restaurant-quality, and the portions were incredibly generous. A huge thank you to Chef Godson, who consistently delivered delicious meals despite the challenging mountain environment. We were also fortunate to be supported by an amazing porter team: KC, Meschak, Hermann, Geoffrey, Victor, George, and Joseph. KC was incredible, especially during some of the tougher night hikes and on summit night, where his support made a huge difference. Meschak's positive energy was contagious and helped keep spirits high throughout the trek. Hermann's constant smile brightened every day on the mountain. Geoffrey provided exceptional service at camp, always making us feel welcome and cared for. Victor, George, and Joseph were always ready to lend a hand whenever we were moving a little slower or needed extra support. Safety was clearly a top priority for the entire team. Health checks were conducted every evening to monitor our vitals and ensure everyone was acclimatizing properly. This level of care gave us additional peace of mind throughout the climb. Thanks to the excellent guidance, pacing, and support from the entire crew, we successfully reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Summit night was one of the most challenging experiences we've ever faced, but it was also one of the most rewarding. Standing at the top above the clouds over Africa is a memory we'll never forget. The Lemosho Route treated us to some of the most breathtaking scenery we've ever experienced, and the support from the entire Hike Kilimanjaro team made the journey even more memorable. If you're considering climbing Kilimanjaro, we very much recommend Hike Kilimanjaro (formerly Landside Adventures). Their professionalism, attention to safety, incredible staff, and genuine care for their clients made this an unforgettable adventure and one of the best travel experiences we've ever had.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Hasnain L139 days agoVerified
amazing experience The Serengeti and ngorongoro safari experiences were amazing. We visited Serengeti for 2 days and ngorongoro crater for 1 day. The guide, Sule, was very welcoming, kind and experienced. We saw the big 5, a kill as well as a rhino throughout our safari. It is an amazing experience for a very reasonable price. Choose Hike Kilimanjaro definitely for your safari trip.
Owner's reply
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!We are delighted to hear that you had an amazing experience exploring the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with us. It’s fantastic that you were able to see the Big Five, a rhino, and even witness a kill in the wild—truly unforgettable safari moments!We will be sure to pass your kind words on to Sule. He is passionate about sharing Tanzania’s incredible wildlife and ensuring our guests have the best possible experience.Thank you for choosing Hike Kilimanjaro for your adventure and for recommending us to future travelers. We hope to welcome you back to Tanzania for another unforgettable safari or even a Kilimanjaro trek someday!Warm regards,The Hike Kilimanjaro TeamPosted on Google![]()
Suhail Lalji139 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent tour company with excellent guides. Had an amazing experience with this company when climbing Kilimanjaro and Safari through Ngorongoro and Serengeti national parks. Definitely recommend
Owner's reply
Dear Suhail, Thank you very much for your kind review and recommendation! We are thrilled to hear that you had an amazing experience with us, both on your Kilimanjaro climb and during your safari in Ngorongoro and Serengeti National Parks. Our team works hard to create memorable adventures, so it is incredibly rewarding to know that you enjoyed your journey. Thank you for choosing Hike Kilimanjaro. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back to Tanzania for another unforgettable adventure in the future! Warm regards, The Hike Kilimanjaro TeamPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
Maximilian E150 days agoVerified
Professional Team, Unforgettable Kilimanjaro Climb We completed the 8-day Northern Circuit route on Kilimanjaro, and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. The entire team was highly professional, experienced, and incredibly well organized throughout the trek. Our guides inspired confidence at every stage — they were knowledgeable, attentive, and clearly very familiar with the mountain, which made us feel safe and well looked after at all times. Communication in advance of the trip was also excellent. Everything was handled clearly and professionally, which made the preparation process very smooth and gave us a good feeling even before the climb started. On the mountain itself, the whole team did a fantastic job and contributed to making this such a special experience. The support, friendliness, and overall organization were truly impressive. All in all, it was a wonderful and unforgettable journey, and we would highly recommend this team to anyone planning to climb Kilimanjaro.
Owner's reply
Dear MaximilianeThank you so much for your wonderful review and for choosing Hike Kilimanjaro for your 8-day Northern Circuit adventure.We are truly delighted to hear that you had such an outstanding experience on Mount Kilimanjaro. Your kind words about our guides, porters, and the entire team mean a great deal to us. Safety, professionalism, and personalized service are very important to us, so it is incredibly rewarding to know that you felt well supported and confident throughout the climb.We are also pleased that the communication and trip preparation process met your expectations from the very beginning. Creating smooth and memorable experiences for our guests is always our goal.Thank you once again for your trust and recommendation. It was an absolute pleasure to be part of your Kilimanjaro journey, and we hope to welcome you back to Tanzania again in the future for another unforgettable adventure.Warm regards,Maxon InnocentHike Kilimanjaro LtdVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
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