Knowing how to prevent Mount Kilimanjaro altitude sickness by implementing effective acclimatization systems, as illustrated in the how-to climb Kilimanjaro distance and elevations’ guide, will greatly improve your chances of reaching the mountain’s summit. — Tim Z.
Did You Know That Acclimatization Is A Critical Component Of Reaching The Summit Of Kilimanjaro?
Acute mountain sickness is the leading cause of summit failure, so knowing how to acclimate while hiking Kilimanjaro will greatly improve your chances of success. This article will teach you how to hike the six distances of Kilimanjaro as well as the various ways you can avoid altitude sickness while on the mountain.
Mount Kilimanjaro Height Comparison
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Kilimanjaro Height Vs Everest Basecamp
Everest base camp is located at 5,364 meters above sea level, while Kilimanjaro’s highest point, Uhuru Peak, is located at 5,895 meters. This is not to be confused with Everest’s highest peak, which is around 8,848 meters high. Both mountains offer easy hikes; you don’t need any special mountaineering skills to trek to the summits of these mountains, but you will need to be physically fit.
How Long Does It Take To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
If you’re wondering “How Long Does It Take To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro,” you’ll be surprised to learn that a Kilimanjaro trek takes at least 5 days and can last up to 9 days of continuous hiking. The summit, on the other hand, takes four to eight days to reach. The more days you spend hiking up the mountain, the better your body will adapt to elevation changes along the trails. This is important because altitude sickness is the leading cause of failed summit attempts on Kilimanjaro, with the majority of failures occurring a few stretches away from the mountain’s summit or basecamps.
| Mount Kilimanjaro Hike Distances | Mount Kilimanjaro Elevation At The Beginning Of The Hike | |
| 5 Day Marangu Route | 72km/ 45mi | 1,843m/ 6,046ft |
| 6 Day Marangu Route | 72km/ 45mi | 1,843m/ 6,046ft |
| 6 Day Umbwe Route | 53km/ 32mi | 1,600m/ 5,249ft |
| 7 Day Rongai Route | 81km/ 50mi | 1,951m/ 6,398ft |
| 7 Day Machame Route | 62km/ 37mi | 1,640m/ 5,380ft |
| 7 Day Lemosho Route | 71km/ 43mi | 2,360m/ 7,742ft |
| 8 Day Lemosho Route | 71km/ 43mi | 2,360m/ 7,742ft |
| 9 Day Northern Circuit Route | 82km/ 50mi | 2,360m/ 7,742ft |
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Mount Kilimanjaro Base Camp Elevations
Mount Kilimanjaro base camp elevations can be structured into 3 tiers as there are three base camps on Mount Kilimanjaro. These camps serve as the final rest stop before climbers attempt the final push to the summit. They are also the first camps that all climbers pass through on their way down from the peak. Kilimanjaro’s three base camps are as follows:
| Distance From Kilimanjaro Summit Height To Base Camp | Elevation Of Kilimanjaro Base Camp |
| Barafu Camp 5km/3mi | 4,670m/15,322ft |
| Kibo Hut 6km/4mi | 4,700m/15,420ft |
| Crater Camp 1km/0.6mi | 5,800m/19,029ft |
This Is How To Prevent Mount Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness
The Pole-Pole and Trek-High, Sleep-Low methods are the two systems that are widely used to prevent AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) on Mount Kilimanjaro. These systems assist you in anticipating elevation changes while also prompting your body to adjust to various altitudes.
The pole-pole (slow-slow in English) method requires you to hike at a very slow pace in order for your body to acclimate to various elevations. For the pole pole method to be effective, travelers should spend at least 7 days hiking Kilimanjaro.
The second method is known as trek high, sleep low. As the name implies, the method requires you to hike to higher elevations and sleep at lower altitudes. This system works well on gradual slopes like Lemosho, Machame, and the Northern Circuit. This is because your body anticipates elevation changes more effectively on gradual slopes than on uneven inclines.
Pole-Pole (Slow-Slow in English) Acclimatization System
Trek High & Sleep Low Acclimatization System
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