Safety on Kilimanjaro – Our Top Priority
Kilimanjaro, one of the Seven Summits and the highest mountain in Africa at 19,341 feet, falls into the “extreme altitude” category of mountaineering. Despite not requiring technical skills to reach the summit, the dangers of trekking at such altitudes in a remote location should not be underestimated. Annually, over 1,000 people are evacuated from the mountain, and unfortunately, some do not return home.
Key Safety Factors on Kilimanjaro:
How We Ensure Your Safety on Kilimanjaro
Safety begins with understanding and mitigating risks. We require all climbers to complete a comprehensive medical questionnaire and, for certain pre-existing conditions, confirmation from a doctor is necessary. Guides must be informed of any medications being taken, including Diamox for acclimatization.
Guide Training
Our guides undergo Wilderness First Responder training to detect early signs of altitude sickness and manage medical conditions in remote areas. We partner with the Sentinel Outdoor Institute, which provides high-altitude medical training in Tanzania, ensuring our guides are up-to-date with the latest protocols. Proper training is crucial for effectively using emergency equipment.
Guide-to-Climber Ratio
To ensure a safe and successful summit, we maintain a guide-to-climber ratio of 1:2, allowing for careful observation and assessment of each climber’s condition.
Daily Health Checks & Monitoring
Communication with your guide is essential. If you experience any symptoms such as headaches, nausea, or fatigue, inform your guide immediately. Guides monitor for:
Daily Health Check
Each day, you will have a one-on-one meeting with your guide for a comprehensive health check, including:
Constant monitoring helps prevent mild altitude sickness from escalating into an emergency.
Emergency Oxygen & Medical Supplies
Our team carries a comprehensive medical kit, including bottled oxygen and a portable stretcher. Emergency oxygen is used only in acute situations, and immediate descent is the only cure for severe altitude sickness. In case of injury, a portable stretcher is available at each campsite.
Helicopter Evacuation on Kilimanjaro
In emergencies, a search and rescue service from Moshi can dispatch a helicopter to the nearest landing point for evacuation to a local hospital. Adverse weather may require manual evacuation via a stretcher.
Additional Safety Considerations
Your safety is also your responsibility:
Equipment & Gear
Trekking on Kilimanjaro involves diverse climate zones, from warm low slopes to freezing summit temperatures. Proper gear is essential:
Ensure you have appropriate cold-weather clothing, hiking boots, and a suitable sleeping bag. Proper gear prevents injuries, hypothermia, sunburn, and other health issues. Refer to our comprehensive Kilimanjaro packing list for detailed recommendations.
Hygiene, Food & Water Safety
Hygiene is crucial on Kilimanjaro. Bring hand sanitizer and wash your hands frequently. Eat regularly and drink plenty of water to maintain energy levels and support acclimatization. We ensure food safety by boiling, filtering, and purifying all drinking water and providing private toilet tents.
Physical Preparation
Preparation begins before your arrival:
We take your safety seriously, with well-trained guides, robust safety procedures, and high-quality equipment. You can further ensure your safety by being fit, bringing the right gear, and taking precautions on the trail.
