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Safety comes first on Kilimanjaro. It simply has to. We explain all the different dangers associated with climbing Kilimanjaro and how to mitigate them.
We get asked this question a lot – and rightly so! Being serious about climbing Kilimanjaro means you have to be serious about Kilimanjaro safety. In this blog post, we cover the best practice safety measures to ensure your climb is as safe and stress-free as possible.
Mount Kilimanjaro is a hard climb and should never be underestimated. Every year, around a thousand people are evacuated from the mountain. And approximately 10 deaths are reported. You’re putting yourself in danger if you don’t do the necessary research or fail to choose a qualified Kilimanjaro tour operator as your climbing partner.
Here are the key factors to consider when it comes to Kilimanjaro safety:
Please note that the purpose of this article is not to scare you, but to inform you. Your safety is our top priority. We want you to know how to climb Kilimanjaro in the safest way possible.
Just before we discuss the four factors to consider to ensure you have a safe Kilimanjaro climb, we want to point out three reasons why your safety on the climb should be a primary concern for both you and your tour operator …
It’s important to note that you’re in a remote location when hiking Kilimanjaro. So if anything happens and you become sick or injured, there’s no hospital just around the corner. Usually, you’ll need to descend the mountain before being driven to the hospital. When you travel with a reputable tour operator, your mountain crew is trained to respond effectively and efficiently to accidents and illness (especially altitude sickness). They also carry a stretcher for any client unable to walk off the mountain themselves. While Kili MedAir offers a helicopter evacuation service, there are only a few places where a helicopter can land safely. Quickly descending the mountain on foot or by stretcher remains the more reliable method for addressing illnesses or injuries that arise on Kilimanjaro.
Higher up on Kilimanjaro the temperature can (and often does) plummet to below freezing. Night-times can be icy, very windy, and snowfall is possible. Also, the weather can turn on a dime. All climbers must have the right equipment and clothing to combat the elements. We’ve put together a comprehensive Kilimanjaro packing list to help you know and plan for what’s needed.
Kilimanjaro is nearly 6,000 m above sea level and the highest mountain in Africa. Some people don’t think of Africa in terms of tall mountains, but actually, it has many very, very high mountains. In fact, plenty of its mountains are far taller than the highest mountains in Europe! One of the dangers of trekking at high altitudes is altitude sickness. This is an illness that develops when you don’t allow your body enough time to adjust to the diminished oxygen intake per breath. While mild altitude sickness isn’t a problem, moderate to severe altitude sickness is. You can die from altitude sickness, which is why it’s a serious topic, and we discuss it more in just a moment.
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a negative health effect of high altitude. The percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere at sea level is about 21%. As you climb higher, the percentage remains the same but the number of oxygen molecules per breath is reduced. At 3,600 m (12,000 ft) there are roughly 40% fewer oxygen molecules per breath. The body, therefore, finds it hard to adapt and function as normal with less oxygen.
Altitude sickness is caused by a failure of the body to acclimatize (adapt) quickly enough to these lower levels of oxygen. Often climbers make the mistake of going too high (altitude) too quickly (rate of ascent).
You will often hear the phrase “pole, pole” while on your Kilimanjaro climb. This is Swahili for “slowly, slowly”, and should be your motto for this incredible journey. There is no rush. Take your time and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you!
At Troops Adventure Safaris, we specialize in crafting unique and memorable safari experiences that showcase the stunning beauty and rich culture of Tanzania. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, we have something special for everyone.
+255 765 294 226
info@thetroopsadventuresafaris.com
