Altitude sickness stops more people reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro than anything else, and yet most climbers misunderstand it completely.

In this episode of The Vertical Sky Journal, we explain it calmly and honestly: what altitude sickness actually is, why it has almost nothing to do with how fit you are, and how to give yourself the best possible chance of reaching the top.

In this episode:

• Why the fittest climbers often struggle the most
• The normal symptoms to expect, and the rare warning signs that matter
• Why the number of days on the mountain is your single biggest protection
• How a good operator keeps you safe, from pulse oximetry to oxygen
• Why turning back, when it is needed, is wisdom and not failure

The honest truth running through it all: altitude sickness is largely preventable. Climb slowly, give your body time, and go with a team who watch over you properly, and the mountain becomes a great deal safer.

This is general information and not medical advice. Always speak to your own doctor before climbing at altitude.

The Vertical Sky Journal is brought to you by Vertical Sky, an ethical Kilimanjaro climbing company that climbs the mountain the right way, looking after the guides and porters who make every summit possible.

Prefer to read? There is a full written companion to this episode over in our Journal at vertical-sky.com.