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Is altitude sickness a possible problem on gorilla treks?

Silver Spring, MD
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Is altitude sickness a possible problem on gorilla treks?
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Just starting to think about a possible trip to Uganda. Interested in seeing the gorillas, chimpanzees and other wildlife. I have been reading the forums and saw a lot about how difficult/easy the trek to see the gorillas is. However, I have not seen anything about possible altitude issues.

I am in my 50's and in pretty good shape - walk several miles a day. However, I am very susceptible to altitude sickness. When I was in Quito, I got a horrible case. Does anyone know the range of altitudes you are climbing at to see the gorillas? At what elevation do people who are susceptible likely to have problems? (Quito is at 10,000 ft and I know that's a problem for me. Denver is at 5000 ft and I didn't notice anything.)

Thanks in advance for any help.

North Coast, N...
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for Northern Ireland
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1. Re: Is altitude sickness a possible problem on gorilla treks?
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Didn't see anyone with any issues but instead of arriving the day before to do your walk, you could arrive 2 days before so you have an extra day to acclimatise.

Hopefully somebody on here will have specifics but we hiked from Buhoma which is 1500m.or around your Denver altitude.

Isle of Man, United...
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2. Re: Is altitude sickness a possible problem on gorilla treks?
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No problems at all. Altitude sickness is only a concern over 10,000' and you wont be that high.

Silver Spring, MD
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332 posts
110 reviews
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3. Re: Is altitude sickness a possible problem on gorilla treks?
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Great. One less thing to worry about.

Isle of Man, United...
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4. Re: Is altitude sickness a possible problem on gorilla treks?
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Only 'One less?' there is nothing to worry about in Uganda at all except how to raise the cash to pay for another visit.

UGANDA
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5. Re: Is altitude sickness a possible problem on gorilla treks?
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We have had tourists in the past suffering from Altitude diseases so it is advisable to carry your anti altitude pills if you can get them prescribed by your GP in your country.

I know Bwindi is at less than 10,000 ft above sea level but do not take risks . Carry your pills because anti altitude attacks are some times unpredictable .

Isle of Man, United...
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6. Re: Is altitude sickness a possible problem on gorilla treks?
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If the OP does not have problems in the cabin of the Jet that brings her to Uganda I seriously doubt she will have problems from "Altitude Sickness".

The highest point in Bwindi is 2607 metres.

Any breathlessness is more likely from the exertion of the trek not Altitude sickness. Pole pole.

Kampala, Uganda
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7. Re: Is altitude sickness a possible problem on gorilla treks?
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Altitude sickness is only a concern over 10,000!!! that's not true mfuwe . People get altitude sickness on mt.Rwenzoris which only 5150 mtrs high. True the highest point in bwindi is 2607 but depends on that some one who is hike.

Isle of Man, United...
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8. Re: Is altitude sickness a possible problem on gorilla treks?
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Welcome Brovad,

I am correct. You have confused feet (') with metres.

Margherita peak is 5109 metres which is much higher than 10000' .

I am not much good at converting Napoleonic measures from Imperial but guess Margherita to be something close to 17,000.

So 10,000' is safe for most people subject to them being in good heath. Most folks can handle 3,000 metres with not other problem other than perhaps loss of appetite. After 3,500 metres most folks will experience minor problems such as headaches and nausea etc., especially if they have pushed themselves too hard. Pole pole! Taking Acetazolamide (Diamox) MAY help acclimatise more quickly but it does not prevent Alitude sickness.

Only descending to a lower altitude immediately will save sufferers from severe risks to their health. Taking pills will not do this.

But the OP is at no risk in Bwindi of anything other than breathlessness.

Grand Cayman
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9. Re: Is altitude sickness a possible problem on gorilla treks?
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That's a pressurized cabin, which is different than hiking at altitudes.

Isle of Man, United...
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45,661 posts
609 reviews
546 helpful votes
10. Re: Is altitude sickness a possible problem on gorilla treks?
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The Aircraft Cabin is pressurised at 8000 feet. (And that is NO coincidence) That is higher than the OP will trek Gorillas in Bwindi.

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