Oxygen to Summit Kilimanjaro It’s a question we’re asked all the time—which makes sense given Kilimanjaro’s epic proportions! On Everest climbs, bringing supplemental oxygen is a matter of course, and some companies even promise trekkers an extra “boost” with oxygen to reduce the more unpleasant symptoms of altitude. Still, the short answer is “no.” In fact, not only is supplemental oxygen unnecessary on Kilimanjaro, providing it can actually pose a serious health risk. Pulmonary or Cerebral Edema (liquid in the lungs and brain, respectively) are potentially deadly side effects of exposure to extreme altitude. Both are unlikely on Kilimanjaro—and both are treatable—but not by oxygen alone. Continual oxygen during a climb might help reduce the headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath common at altitude. However, when these symptoms become more severe, they’re not just uncomfortable—they’re the body’s warning signs of a more serious problem. Masking these symptoms with oxygen puts a climber at greater risk. Dr. Peter Hackett, Executive Director of the Institute for Altitude Medicine and founder of the Wilderness Medicine Society (among other honors), describes the danger in his book Mountain Sickness: Prevention, Recognition, and Treatment: “More than once…someone with high altitude pulmonary edema was treated with oxygen only, and not descent, and over the next 8-12 hours developed cerebral edema as well… the distinction between one [illness] and the other is not really important, for their significance is the same—death may be only hours away, and immediate action is indicated.” His recommendation? “Three rules for treatment: 1) descent, 2) descent, 3) descent!” Oxygen, he says, should be used only during descent, not during the regular climb. At iArtist Adventure, your safety is always our top priority. That’s why we carry emergency oxygen on every Kilimanjaro trek—along with a full kit of advanced medical equipment: Gamow bags, AED defibrillators, pulse oximeters, and more. Our highly trained mountain guides are experts at recognizing early signs of acute mountain sickness and responding quickly and appropriately. That might include a steady supply of oxygen—but only as part of a descent. Because reaching the summit is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—but doing it safely is what matters most. Ready to experience Tanzania like never before? Book your Kilimanjaro trek or safari adventure today with iArtist Adventure. Let us guide you to the summit—and beyond.