On Everest climbs, bringing supplemental oxygen is a matter of course, and some companies tell trekkers they'll provide it on Kili as an extra “boost” meant to reduce the more unpleasant symptoms of altitude. Still, the short answer is “no.”
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Kilimanjaro's altitude is a significant challenge, but climbers do not need supplemental oxygen to climb Kilimanjaro or reach the summit. To reach to the summit you use the acclimatization method of walking slowly “pole pole” climb high, sleep low.
Thus the air pressure at the top of Kilimanjaro is approximately 40% of that found at sea level. To put it in layman's terms, each breath inhaled at the summit still consists of 20% oxygen. However, it becomes much harder to fill your lungs since the atmosphere is not 'pushing' so much air into them.
More than 75% of climbers will experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness when climbing Kilimanjaro. That said, while you can't necessarily avoid altitude sickness altogether on a Kilimanjaro climb, you can reduce its severity.
Breathing deeply into the abdomen distributes plenty of oxygen to the body and also helps to calm the heart rate. On Kilimanjaro, the notion of pole pole guides steps and also breath. Those who regularly practice yoga will be familiar with such steadied and controlled breath and already enjoy ample practice.
Despite standing at a height of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), Mount Kilimanjaro does not have a traditional “Death Zone” like those found in high-altitude mountaineering, as its summit falls well below the 8,000-meter mark.
Despite standing at a height of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), Mount Kilimanjaro does not have a traditional “Death Zone” like those found in high-altitude mountaineering, as its summit falls well below the 8,000-meter mark.
You want to be in good physical shape to climb Kilimanjaro, but there's no need to be super-fit. This is a trek, not a climb after all, and if you can run for 30 minutes two to three times a week, and enjoy an all day hike at weekends, you should be fine. That said, many people do underestimate Kili.
Kilimanjaro National Park does not allow you to drink alcohol on Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro is a protected area managed by the Tanzanian government. It has regulations in place to protect the environment and ensure the safety of climbers.
So is it worth using taking altitude sickness tablets on Kilimanjaro? In short, yes. Anything that is going to help you reach the summit safely should be considered a worthy investment. We recommend taking Diamox for 2-3 days 2 weeks before departure to test whether you experience any side effects.
People With Poor Physical Fitness: While fitness levels vary among individuals, it's important to recognize that Mt. Kilimanjaro is a strenuous climb. It requires days of hiking up the mountain under extreme conditions, so those who are not fit enough to endure such an experience should not attempt it.
Hands down, the most effective activity to prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro is to hike as much as possible! Reaching the summit is essentially a very long, multi-day hike at increasingly higher altitudes. Hiking at high altitudes is the best way to prepare your heart and lungs for what's to come.