What is Kilimanjaro acclimatization?

Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro, stands at 5,895 meters/19,340 feet. At this height, the atmospheric pressure is only approximately 40% of what it is at sea level. At the summit of Kilimanjaro, with the air being almost twice as thin, it can feel akin to breathing through a narrow straw. You might struggle to take in enough oxygen as if you're constantly short of breath.

If a climber were hypothetically transported directly to the top of Kilimanjaro by helicopter, they would likely experience acute mountain sickness (altitude sickness) within 1-2 hours. This condition can rapidly progress to cerebral or pulmonary edema, both of which are potentially fatal. The body needs time to adapt to the decreased oxygen to avoid these serious health risks.

To ensure your body gently adjusts to the high altitude, time is essential. For most of the hikers, a 7-8 day itinerary is ideal for climbing Kilimanjaro while avoiding altitude sickness.

Over this time, several physiological changes occur to cope with decreased oxygen levels.

• The breathing rate increases, even at rest, to take in enough oxygen molecules.
• The heart rate also rises to pump more oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.
• The production of red blood cells increases, enhancing the capacity to transport oxygen to the body's vitals.
• The blood vessels in the brain dilate to improve blood flow and oxygen delivery.

These adaptations help the body function more efficiently in environments with lower atmospheric pressure, like at high altitudes on a Mount Kilimanjaro hike.

See our recommended Kilimanjaro Trekking Packages

· 10 DAYS KILIMANJARO MARANGU CLIMBING ROUTE & ZANZIBAR BEACH HOLIDAY

· 10 DAYS MOUNT KILIMANJARO ADVENTURE & ZANZIBAR HOLIDAY

· 12 DAYS CLIMBING KILIMANJARO & ZANZIBAR BEACH HOLIDAY

· 12 DAYS CLIMBING KILIMANJARO & ZANZIBAR VACATION

· 8 DAYS MOUNT KILIMANJARO LEMOSHO CLIMBING ROUTE

· 9 DAYS MOUNT KILIMANJARO NORTHERN CIRCUIT WITH CRATER OVERNIGHT

· 8 DAYS MOUNT KILIMANJARO LEMOSHO CLIMBING ROUTE

· 9 DAYS MOUNT KILIMANJARO NORTHERN CIRCUIT WITH CRATER OVERNIGHT

· CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO & ZANZIBAR BEACH HOLIDAY IN 12 DAYS

· KILIMANJARO CLIMBING ADVENTURE & ZANZIBAR BEACH HOLIDAY 10 DAYS

· KILIMANJARO MACHAME CLIMBING ROUTE & ZANZIBAR BEACH HOLIDAY 10 DAYS

· KILIMANJARO MARANGU CLIMBING ROUTE & ZANZIBAR BEACH HOLIDAY - 8 DAYS

· LEMOSHO CLIMBING ROUTE & OVERNIGHT IN THE CRATER 9 DAYS MOUNT KILIMANJARO

· LEMOSHO CLIMBING ROUTE WITH CRATER OVERNIGHT 8 DAYS MOUNT KILIMANJARO

· MOUNT KILIMANJARO 6 DAYS LEMOSHO CLIMBING ROUTE

· MOUNT KILIMANJARO 6 DAYS MARANGU CLIMBING ROUTE

· MOUNT KILIMANJARO 6 DAYS RONGAI CLIMBING ROUTE

· MOUNT KILIMANJARO 6DAYS MACHAME CLIMBING ROUTE

· MOUNT KILIMANJARO 6DAYS UMBWE CLIMBING ROUTE

· MOUNT KILIMANJARO 7 DAYS LEMOSHO CLIMBING ROUTE

· MOUNT KILIMANJARO 7 DAYS RONGAI CLIMBING ROUTE

· MOUNT KILIMANJARO 7 DAYS UMBWE CLIMBING ROUTE

· MOUNT KILIMANJARO 7DAYS MACHAME CLIMBING ROUTE

· MOUNT KILIMANJARO MARANGU CLIMBING ROUTE 5 DAYS

· MOUNT KILIMANJARO NORTHERN CIRCUIT 8 DAYS CLIMBING

· MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBING, SERENGETI PLAIN & NGORONGORO CRATER 12 DAYS

· MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBING & ZANZIBAR BEACH HOLIDAY IN 14DAYS LUXURY TOUR

We wrote this guide to help climbers prepare for their once-in-a-lifetime Kilimanjaro adventure. All the recommendations above are the results of our 10+ years of Kilimanjaro experience. Over this time we at Moonlight Tours Expedition have organized Mount Kilimanjaro hiking trips for over 3,000 people.