YOUR SAFETY ON KILIMANJARO

Every year, approximately 1000 people are evacuated from the mountain, and 10 people are reported to die while attempting to summit it. The main cause of death is altitude sickness, which can be fatal if not treated quickly and appropriately. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, it is essential to have a good understanding of the risks and to properly prepare for the climb.

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WHAT WE DO TO KEEP YOU SAFE ON KILIMANJARO

TRAINING

Our guides are required to have a Wilderness First Responder certification, ensuring they are knowledgeable in emergency response and prepared to handle any situation. Guides are also trained to recognize the early signs of altitude sickness, allowing them to detect and treat potential issues with guests before they become serious. They are experienced in using the emergency equipment they carry.  Our guides carry first aid kits and are trained in treating minor ailments, such as cuts and bruises, ensuring everyone is safe and healthy during their travels.

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HEALTH CHECK

At the start of every day of your travel, you will be required to complete a comprehensive health check. This includes checking your blood oxygen saturation and resting pulse rate using an oximeter, completing the Lake Louise Scoring System to determine whether you are showing signs of altitude sickness, and self-assessing any symptoms you may be feeling. Regular health checks are essential to ensure the safety of all travelers.

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AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) on Kilimanjaro

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a potentially serious condition that can affect climbers on Kilimanjaro. It is caused by the decrease in air pressure and oxygen levels at high altitudes. Symptoms of AMS can include headache, nausea, insomnia, fatigue, and shortness of breath. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of AMS and to take preventative measures such as ascending slowly, proper hydration, rest, and medication to avoid AMS. Our experienced guides are trained to recognize and manage AMS so that you can safely reach the summit of Kilimanjaro.

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OXYGEN

We carry supplemental oxygen in all of our climbs. We have the ability to quickly administer it to treat climbers with moderate or serious altitude sickness. In the event that a climber is unable to walk, we use a portable stretcher that is provided by the National Park at each campsite to safely bring them to a lower altitude. 

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HELICOPTER RESCUE

In an emergency, our guides can initiate helicopter rescue using Kilimanjaro MedAir, which is based in Moshi and provides transport to the nearest hospital. The helicopters are operated by experienced pilots, who are highly trained in medical evacuation.  Kilimanjaro MedAir also has a team of medical professionals on board to provide life-saving treatment and care during the evacuation.  If the helicopter is unable to land due to adverse mountain weather, a manual evacuation will need to take place. Helicopter rescue costs $1500.

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OUR EQUIPMENT

Our equipment is designed to keep you safe, warm, and dry on your journey. We have rugged tents to help protect you from the elements and a waterproof dining tent for your meals. Be sure to bring proper clothing and boots to keep you comfortable and check our packing list to make sure you have all the items you need. We also offer a range of other equipment to make your journey as enjoyable as possible.

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FOOD AND WATER

It is important to eat regular meals and snacks to ensure that you have enough energy to keep going. It is also important to drink lots of water throughout the day, as dehydration can be dangerous. We boil drinking water as well as water used to wash food products, to ensure that all of our food and water is safe. To avoid getting sick, it is important to wash your hands before meals and after using the restroom. 

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PREPARE PHISICALLLY

It is important to start your physical preparation several months before your climb. Make sure to schedule a medical checkup with your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough to attempt the climb. Ask your doctor about any vaccinations you may need, as well as whether you should take Diamox to help with the altitude sickness. Additionally, it is important to get travel insurance in case of emergencies. Finally, to get in shape for the climb, it is essential to do some training such as running, biking, and hiking.

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