The Truth
99.9 % of climbers reach Uhuru Peak without ever touching an oxygen bottle.
Kilimanjaro is at 5,895 m – the same height as Everest Base Camp.
Your body can acclimatise perfectly if you give it time and go slowly.
Why You Do NOT Need Personal Oxygen
- Oxygen masks symptoms of altitude sickness → you feel great while actually getting worse → dangerous
- It stops your body from adapting naturally → you become dependent
- It cheapens the achievement – the whole point is to conquer altitude with your own lungs
Any company trying to sell you “personal oxygen for the summit” is either clueless or cutting corners on proper acclimatisation.
When We DO Use Oxygen (Emergency Only)
We carry two full oxygen bottles + masks on every single climb.
Used only for:
- Severe AMS, HAPE, or HACE
- To stabilise someone during descent or helicopter evacuation
- Very rarely on the Western Breach when stretcher carry is impossible
In 2024–2025 we used oxygen on exactly 4 climbers out of 612 – all recovered fully after descent.
How We Get 96 %+ to the Top Without It
- Only 7–9 day routes (real acclimatisation)
- “Pole pole” pace every day
- Twice-daily pulse oximeter checks
- Guides who have summited 400+ times and know every symptom
- Emergency oxygen ready in minutes if needed
Real Client Quote (July 2025)
“I was worried about altitude, but after 8 days on Lemosho I walked to the summit breathing normally – no oxygen, just pole pole and lots of water. Felt like a superhero.”
– Mike, Australia
Bottom Line
If someone tells you that you need oxygen to summit Kilimanjaro, run the other way.
Choose a longer route and a responsible operator instead.
We’ve never had a client regret trusting their own lungs and our system.
Ready to summit on pure African air?
Drop your dates and we’ll show you exactly how we do it – safely and proudly.
Book Your Oxygen-Free Summit | Download Altitude Safety Guide | Chat with a Guide
Your lungs are stronger than you think. 🗻💨
