Mount Kilimanjaro, towering at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters), is Africa’s highest peak and one of the most iconic hiking destinations in the world. Its majestic beauty and accessible routes attract thousands of trekkers annually, but ascending to such great heights poses a unique challenge—breathing. The higher you climb, the thinner the air becomes, making getting the oxygen your body needs increasingly difficult. So, how hard is it to breathe on Kilimanjaro, and what can you do to manage this challenge?
The Science Behind Altitude and Oxygen
At sea level, the oxygen concentration in the air is about 21%. While this percentage remains constant at all altitudes, the pressure decreases as you climb, meaning each breath you take at higher elevations contains less oxygen. By the time you reach Kilimanjaro’s summit, there is approximately 40% less oxygen available than at sea level.
As your body ascends, it tries to compensate for the decreased oxygen by increasing breathing rate and heart rate. However, without proper acclimatization, this compensation may not be enough to prevent altitude sickness.
What is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a common challenge trekkers face while climbing Kilimanjaro. Symptoms typically begin above 8,000 feet (2,500 meters) and can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
There are three main types of altitude sickness:
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): The most common and mildest form. Symptoms resemble a hangover and are manageable with rest and proper acclimatization.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): A more severe condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to extreme difficulty in breathing.
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): The most severe form, where the brain swells due to lack of oxygen, causing confusion, inability to walk, and even coma if untreated.
Both HAPE and HACE are life-threatening and require immediate descent.
Breathing Challenges at Each Kilimanjaro Elevation Zone
Kilimanjaro offers five distinct climatic and altitude zones, each presenting its challenges when it comes to breathing.
Cultivation Zone (2,600 to 5,900 feet): This is the base of the mountain where oxygen levels are not an issue. Breathing feels as normal as it would at sea level.
Rainforest Zone (5,900 to 9,200 feet): Breathing is still relatively easy, though you may begin to notice your breathing becoming slightly more labored as you ascend.
Heath and Moorland Zone (9,200 to 13,200 feet): Here, the air begins to thin more noticeably, and trekkers may start feeling shortness of breath, especially with physical exertion.
Alpine Desert Zone (13,200 to 16,500 feet): This is where altitude sickness symptoms often start to manifest. Breathing becomes increasingly difficult, and many people experience mild to moderate AMS. Trekkers tend to walk slower, taking frequent breaks to catch their breath.
Arctic Zone (16,500 to 19,341 feet): The summit zone is where breathing is most challenging. With only 60% of the oxygen available compared to sea level, every step feels laborious, and your body may struggle to get enough oxygen. Fatigue, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness are common at this point, making it one of the toughest parts of the climb.
Acclimatization and Its Importance
To mitigate the effects of altitude and ease the difficulty of breathing, proper acclimatization is crucial. Kilimanjaro is known for being a non-technical climb, but it is the altitude, not the terrain, that makes it difficult. Your body needs time to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels, and most trekking itineraries are designed with acclimatization in mind.
Here are key strategies for acclimatization:
Go slowly: The slower you ascend, the more time your body has to adapt. “Pole, pole” (slowly, slowly) is a common mantra on the mountain.
Climb high, sleep low: Some itineraries incorporate this practice to help your body adjust to higher altitudes during the day while resting at a lower elevation.
Stay hydrated: Proper hydration improves circulation, helping your body to cope better with altitude.
Avoid alcohol and smoking: These substances can further impair your body’s ability to acclimatize.
Consider medication: Some trekkers use acetazolamide (Diamox) to speed up acclimatization. It works by encouraging faster breathing, thereby helping your body get more oxygen.
Summit Night: The Ultimate Test of Breathing
Summit night, which involves the final push from Barafu Camp (15,300 feet) to Uhuru Peak (19,341 feet), is the most challenging part of the Kilimanjaro experience. The climb starts around midnight and involves a steep, cold ascent over several hours. The combination of extreme altitude, exhaustion, and cold air makes breathing feel even harder.
At this point, many climbers rely on the “rest step,” a mountaineering technique where you take a step, pause to rest, then take another. This helps conserve energy and manage breathing even though every step might feel like a struggle, proper pacing and mental determination play a crucial role in reaching the summit.
Final Thoughts
So really, how hard is it to breathe? The difficulty of breathing on Kilimanjaro varies from person to person. Some trekkers experience minimal altitude symptoms, while others struggle significantly. However, with proper acclimatization, pacing, and hydration, most people can successfully manage the challenges posed by altitude. The key is to listen to your body, ascend slowly, and be prepared for the unique conditions that come with trekking one of the world’s highest peaks.
Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro is an extraordinary achievement, and while breathing may be tough, the view from the top is well worth the effort.