We carry bottled oxygen on all climbs as a precaution and safety measure, used only in emergencies, not to assist climbers who haven’t acclimatized. The primary treatment for moderate to severe altitude sickness is descent, which is always feasible on Kilimanjaro routes. Oxygen is used alongside descent to treat affected climbers.
Some operators promote supplementary oxygen to mitigate AMS symptoms, but this is dangerous as it temporarily masks altitude sickness. Upon ceasing oxygen use, climbers may be at higher altitudes without proper acclimatization. Most Kilimanjaro companies avoid supplementary oxygen, as it’s potentially unsafe, unnecessary, and contrary to the challenge of high-altitude climbing.
The Gamow Bag is a portable hyperbaric chamber used to treat AMS by simulating descent to a lower altitude. At 9,800 feet, it can mimic a 4,800-foot descent. After two hours, the body adjusts to the lower altitude, lasting up to 12 hours. Our staff does not carry Gamow bags, as descent is the most immediate and effective treatment on Kilimanjaro.
Diamox (acetazolamide) is an FDA-approved drug for AMS prevention and treatment. It accelerates acclimatization by acidifying the blood, increasing respiration. A dose of 250 mg every 8-12 hours reduces AMS symptoms. Side effects include tingling, taste changes, and excessive urination, which cease upon discontinuation. Climbers decide whether to use Diamox prophylactically.
Be honest with your guide about your condition. If you feel unwell, report symptoms immediately. If descent is ordered, it’s non-negotiable, prioritizing your safety over summit goals.
Guides use pulse oximeters twice daily to measure blood oxygen levels and pulse rate. Normal sea-level oxygen saturation is 95-100%, but at Kilimanjaro’s altitudes, it often drops to the 80s. Levels below 80% prompt close monitoring. Proper acclimatization typically increases saturation after rest.
To achieve proper acclimatization:
Guides monitor your health using pulse oximeters and the Lake Louise Scoring System to assess AMS severity.
Our Kilimanjaro guides are highly experienced, with over 150 years of combined experience and 15,000+ clients led to the summit. They are certified Wilderness First Responders, trained in emergency first aid, and adept at managing altitude-related issues. Expect:
Small groups allow personalized attention, enhancing safety and success. Our guides climb 20-25 times yearly, ensuring expertise and consistency.
We prioritize porter welfare as a KPAP partner, ensuring fair wages, proper gear, nutritious meals, and load limits of 20 kg. A KPAP representative monitors compliance on every climb. Many operators neglect these standards, making it critical to choose a certified KPAP partner.
Kilimanjaro’s temperatures range from hot at the base (70-80°F) to -20°F at the summit. The mountain’s five ecological zones influence weather:
Precipitation: 79-40 in. Supports diverse plants and wildlife.
Precipitation: 51-21 in. Features heath-like vegetation and Senecio trees.
Precipitation: 10 in. Sparse vegetation with extreme temperature swings.
Precipitation: 4 in. Ice and rock with minimal life.
Moshi’s weather reflects Kilimanjaro’s, with January-February warmest, April-May wettest, June-July coolest, and August-September driest.
| Month | Low (°F) | Average (°F) | High (°F) | Humidity (%) | Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 64 | 78 | 92 | 58 | 1.4 |
| February | 64 | 78 | 92 | 57 | 2.0 |
| March | 66 | 78 | 90 | 63 | 4.7 |
| April | 67 | 76 | 85 | 73 | 13.8 |
| May | 65 | 72 | 79 | 77 | 9.3 |
| June | 62 | 70 | 78 | 72 | 1.5 |
| July | 60 | 69 | 78 | 69 | 1.0 |
| August | 60 | 70 | 80 | 66 | 0.7 |
| September | 60 | 71 | 83 | 61 | 0.6 |
| October | 62 | 75 | 88 | 57 | 1.0 |
| November | 64 | 76 | 89 | 57 | 2.5 |
| December | 64 | 77 | 90 | 60 | 2.1 |
Climbers sleep in Mountain Hardware Trango 3 tents, designed for tough alpine conditions, with 48 sq ft of space. Sleeping bags (Lamina -30°F) are available for rent, rated to -34°C. Hotel accommodations at Kilimanjaro Crane in Moshi include telephone, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and more.
A typical day starts at 6:30 AM with washing water, followed by breakfast in a mess tent. Hiking begins at 8:00 AM, lasting 4-6 hours. Porters set up camp ahead, providing hot lunches, snacks, and dinner. Summit day involves a midnight start, aiming for sunrise at Uhuru Point, followed by a long descent.
Trails are well-marked, requiring minimal scrambling. Weather can include fog, rain, or snow. Private toilets are provided, but no showers. Carry a 30-liter daypack with essentials like waterproof gear, clothing, water, and snacks. Porters carry duffel bags (15 kg limit).
Meals include high-energy carbohydrates (rice, potatoes, pasta) with fresh produce. Water is treated from streams, with 3 liters needed daily for hiking. Sample menus include eggs, sausages, vegetable soups, and fresh salads. Vegetarian/vegan diets are accommodated.