Safety is the top priority on Kilimanjaro — it’s non-negotiable. This involves having the right gear and clothing, trekking with experienced and reliable guides, enjoying nutritious meals, and selecting a route that allows for proper acclimatization. We cover all these essential aspects below!
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a challenging endeavor that should never be underestimated—yet many do just that.
Approximately half of all climbers attempting to reach the summit don’t make it. Each year, around a thousand people are evacuated from the mountain, and about 10 fatalities are reported annually.
If you don’t invest time in proper research and preparation, you’re putting yourself at risk. Choosing an unqualified tour operator only increases the danger.
The purpose of this article isn’t to frighten you, but to educate and inform. At Great Image Expedition, your safety is our top priority. We want to ensure you know how to approach your Kilimanjaro climb in the safest way possible.
Before we dive into the key factors to ensure a safe Kilimanjaro climb, it’s important to emphasize why safety should be a top priority for both you and your tour operator:
A reputable tour operator ensures that your mountain crew is well-trained in handling accidents and illnesses, especially altitude sickness. They also carry a stretcher in case someone is unable to walk off the mountain.
While Kili MedAir offers helicopter evacuation services, helicopter landing sites are limited to specific areas. Therefore, descending on foot or by stretcher is generally the more dependable method for addressing any health emergencies on Kilimanjaro.
As you ascend Mount Kilimanjaro, temperatures can drop dramatically, often falling below freezing. Nights are particularly harsh, with icy conditions, strong winds, and even the possibility of snowfall. Additionally, the weather on the mountain is highly unpredictable and can change suddenly.
To stay safe and comfortable, it’s essential to have the proper gear and clothing to withstand these challenging conditions. To help you prepare, we’ve created a detailed Kilimanjaro packing list so you know exactly what to bring for your trek.
Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at nearly 6,000 m above sea level, is not only the tallest mountain in Africa but also one of the tallest free-standing peaks in the world. While Africa may not traditionally be associated with towering mountains, the continent boasts numerous peaks that far exceed the highest mountains in Europe.
One significant challenge of trekking at such high altitudes is the risk of altitude sickness. This condition occurs when your body doesn’t have enough time to adapt to the reduced oxygen levels available at higher elevations.
While mild altitude sickness is generally manageable, moderate to severe altitude sickness can pose a serious threat to your health. In severe cases, it can even be fatal, making it a critical concern for all climbers. We’ll delve deeper into this topic shortly to ensure you’re well-prepared for the trek.
Selecting the right Kilimanjaro tour operator is arguably the most critical decision in ensuring a safe and successful climb. Your operator directly influences several essential safety aspects, including:
At Great Image Expedition, safety is our top priority. Our Kilimanjaro guides are highly experienced professionals trained in preventing, identifying, and managing altitude sickness. All of our guides are certified Wilderness First Responders (WFRs), equipped with the expertise to make critical medical and evacuation decisions on-site.
We utilize the Lake Louise Scoring System (LLSS) during medical evaluations. This system helps assess altitude sickness by using a questionnaire and scorecard to identify its severity, ranging from none to severe.
Additionally, our guides are well-versed in the fastest evacuation routes from every part of the mountain. In case of emergencies, they can ensure a swift and efficient descent to safety. With Great Image Expedition, you can climb with confidence knowing your safety is in expert hands.
While your guides are trained to expertly prevent, detect, and manage altitude sickness, it’s essential for you to have a basic understanding as well. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions during your Kilimanjaro preparation, such as choosing the best route to improve acclimatization.
Altitude sickness occurs when your body fails to adapt quickly enough to the reduced oxygen intake at high altitudes. This can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as:
At sea level, the air contains about 21% oxygen. As you ascend, the percentage of oxygen remains constant, but the number of oxygen molecules per breath decreases. By the time you reach Kilimanjaro’s summit, you’re breathing in about 50% fewer oxygen molecules than at sea level. This makes it harder for your body to function normally, increasing the risk of altitude sickness.
Mild altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is very common among Kilimanjaro trekkers. Over 75% of climbers experience at least some mild symptoms during their ascent.
It’s important to note that mild altitude sickness doesn’t usually require abandoning your climb. You can continue as long as symptoms don’t worsen, and your guide will closely monitor you for any signs of moderate to severe altitude sickness. If symptoms escalate, it becomes necessary to descend to a safer altitude immediately.
By understanding altitude sickness and its risks, you’ll be better prepared for the challenges of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
It might come as a surprise, but factors like age, gender, and physical fitness do not determine your likelihood of developing altitude sickness. Even if you’ve never experienced it before, there’s no guarantee you won’t on a future trip. That’s why everyone, regardless of fitness level, should prepare for the possibility.
Not all Kilimanjaro routes are equal when it comes to acclimatization. The route you choose significantly impacts your chances of avoiding altitude sickness and successfully reaching the summit.
Best Routes for Acclimatization:
The Lemosho, Northern Circuit, and Machame routes are known for their excellent acclimatization profiles. They offer gradual ascents, giving your body time to adjust to the altitude. These routes also boast the highest summit success rates, meaning most trekkers who choose them are able to reach Uhuru Peak.
Challenging Routes for Acclimatization:
The Umbwe and Marangu routes have lower summit success rates due to shorter itineraries that don’t allow sufficient time for acclimatization. Trekkers on these routes face a higher risk of developing acute mountain sickness (AMS), which often prevents them from reaching the summit.
The Risky Shira Route:
The Shira route is unique but risky because of its high starting elevation of 3,600 m. In contrast, most other routes begin between 1,600 m and 2,300 m. Starting at such a high altitude increases the chance of experiencing altitude sickness right at the beginning of the trek.
Choosing the right route is crucial for a safe and successful climb, so consider acclimatization carefully when planning your Kilimanjaro adventure.
It might come as a surprise, but factors like age, gender, and physical fitness do not determine your likelihood of developing altitude sickness. Even if you’ve never experienced it before, there’s no guarantee you won’t on a future trip. That’s why everyone, regardless of fitness level, should prepare for the possibility.
Not all Kilimanjaro routes are equal when it comes to acclimatization. The route you choose significantly impacts your chances of avoiding altitude sickness and successfully reaching the summit.
Best Routes for Acclimatization:
The Lemosho, Northern Circuit, and Machame routes are known for their excellent acclimatization profiles. They offer gradual ascents, giving your body time to adjust to the altitude. These routes also boast the highest summit success rates, meaning most trekkers who choose them are able to reach Uhuru Peak.
Challenging Routes for Acclimatization:
The Umbwe and Marangu routes have lower summit success rates due to shorter itineraries that don’t allow sufficient time for acclimatization. Trekkers on these routes face a higher risk of developing acute mountain sickness (AMS), which often prevents them from reaching the summit.
The Risky Shira Route:
The Shira route is unique but risky because of its high starting elevation of 3,600 m. In contrast, most other routes begin between 1,600 m and 2,300 m. Starting at such a high altitude increases the chance of experiencing altitude sickness right at the beginning of the trek.
Choosing the right route is crucial for a safe and successful climb, so consider acclimatization carefully when planning your Kilimanjaro adventure.
During your Kilimanjaro climb, you’ll frequently hear the phrase “pole, pole,” a Swahili expression meaning “slowly, slowly.” This mantra is essential for your journey. There’s no need to hurry—take your time, savor the experience, and appreciate the breathtaking beauty around you as you ascend.
When you begin your Kilimanjaro climb, the only supplies available are those you and your mountain crew bring along. It’s crucial that your crew is equipped with essential safety gear to ensure your wellbeing throughout the trek. Here’s a key piece of safety equipment they should carry:
A pulse oximeter measures the oxygen levels in your blood. This small device clips onto your fingertip and provides a quick reading of your blood oxygen saturation, an important indicator of how well your body is adapting to the altitude.
At Great Image Expedition, guides carry a pulse oximeter and monitor your oxygen levels twice a day to ensure your safety. If you’re trekking with another operator, make sure they also provide this vital equipment.
We carry bottled oxygen on the trek, but it’s reserved strictly for emergencies. It’s not intended to assist those who haven’t properly acclimatized to the high altitude. Therefore, relying on backup oxygen to compensate for a short acclimatization period is not a safe strategy.
Remember, the quickest and most effective treatment for altitude sickness is descending the mountain promptly.
Every Kilimanjaro climb includes a portable stretcher, carried by the mountain crew. This ensures that any climber who cannot descend on foot can be safely evacuated.
Your lead guide is equipped with a first aid kit containing essential supplies to treat minor injuries such as scrapes, cuts, and blisters.
Here are essential personal items to pack to ensure your safety and comfort during your Kilimanjaro trek:
High-quality trekking boots
Your hiking boots are one of the most important items for your Kilimanjaro climb. They should fit well, be warm, water-repellent, and properly broken in before the trek.
To ensure comfort and avoid injuries like blisters or sore toenails, it’s crucial to break in your boots ahead of time. Wear them often, ideally on long hikes, to test how your feet handle heat, sweat, and fatigue. Boots are considered broken in when their insoles mold to the shape of your feet.
Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb, and its trails are no more dangerous than standard hiking paths, with the exception of the Barranco Wall. If you’re uncomfortable tackling this section, choose a route that avoids it.
Always pack your hiking boots in your hand luggage. If your main luggage is delayed, you’ll still have your essential footwear for the climb. While most other gear can be rented upon arrival, boots must be broken in before your trek.
Proper footwear ensures a safer and more enjoyable Kilimanjaro experience!
The temperatures on Kilimanjaro vary significantly as you trek through four distinct climatic zones, ranging from warm and tropical conditions at the base to freezing temperatures at the summit.
To stay comfortable and safe, it’s essential to pack the right clothing for layering. This allows you to easily adapt to changing weather conditions. A down jacket is particularly vital for summit night when temperatures are at their coldest. For your convenience, we offer cosy down jacket rentals at a flat fee of $60.
Your Kilimanjaro wardrobe should include proper base layers, insulation layers, and waterproof outer layers. For a comprehensive guide to what you need, refer to our detailed Kilimanjaro Packing List, which ensures you’re fully prepared for a safe and enjoyable trek.
At Great Image Expedition, we provide all your food, drinks, and water while trekking on Kilimanjaro, but we don’t supply electrolyte tablets or sport drink sachets.
Electrolyte tablets or sport drink sachets are a great addition to your Kilimanjaro packing list. They help replenish electrolytes lost through sweat, which is essential for maintaining your body’s balance during physical exertion.
When you sweat heavily, the sodium levels in your blood decrease, and it’s important to replace those electrolytes. In fact, drinking just water after intense exercise without replenishing electrolytes can be harmful.
You don’t need to drink electrolyte-enhanced water all day. It’s a good strategy to carry a hydration pack filled with plain water, and occasionally drink from a water bottle with electrolytes added.
Additionally, consider packing oral rehydration salts in your toiletry bag as a backup, just in case you need them.
Proper nutrition is essential for the success of your Kilimanjaro climb. Consuming nutritious meals and staying well-hydrated with safe drinking water are key to maintaining energy and health throughout the trek.
To tackle the physical demands of the climb, you must fuel your body with sufficient, high-quality food. Without proper nutrition, your body will begin to break down under the strain.
Your Kilimanjaro cook will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the mountain, along with hot drinks and snacks. Many climbers also bring their favorite snacks from home to supplement their meals during the trek.
At Great Image Expedition, our amazing cook Raja ensures you’re receiving fresh fruits and vegetables daily, along with ample protein and carbohydrates to keep you energized. You’ll enjoy a hearty cooked breakfast and dinner each day, and on some days, a cooked lunch as well. On other days, a packed lunch will be provided for you to carry along. If you’re interested in learning more, check out our guide on Meals on Kilimanjaro.
We strongly advise that you eat all three meals provided, even if you’re not feeling hungry. Loss of appetite is common at high altitudes due to the effects of the climb. However, even if you don’t feel like eating, your body still needs the energy to keep going. The daily treks are long, and maintaining proper nourishment is crucial for staying strong and healthy.
Your mountain crew will provide all the water you need during your trek, including water for drinking and cleaning. They collect it from streams lower down the mountain and transport it up to the higher camps. To ensure it’s safe to drink, the water is purified using purification tablets, so you don’t need to bring your own water purification supplies.
Each morning before starting your hike, we recommend drinking a good amount of water at camp. You’ll also fill your hydration pack and water bottle at this time. Remember, it’s your responsibility to carry enough drinking water throughout each day’s trek, which is why we suggest bringing a 3-liter hydration pack and a water bottle as outlined in our Kilimanjaro packing list.
If you’re not fond of the taste of tablet-purified water, consider bringing some flavor sachets to enhance your water supply.
Maintaining proper hydration is essential for staying healthy during your trek. Here are some key tips for staying hydrated throughout your climb:
Drink regularly, not just when you’re thirsty. Thirst is a late signal that you’re already dehydrated. Sip water throughout the day to stay ahead of dehydration.
Start the day with water. It’s a good idea to drink a cup or two of water before leaving camp in the morning. This ensures you have enough water in your hydration pack for the hike and helps prevent dehydration on the trail, keeping you performing at your best.
Keep drinking after hiking. Don’t stop hydrating when the day’s hike is over. Continue drinking to replenish your fluids and support your recovery.
Drink more than you think you need. Your body’s thirst response often calls for less water than you actually require, so aim to drink a bit more than you feel is necessary.
Hydration helps with altitude sickness. Drinking water can also help alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness, so be sure to keep sipping throughout your trek!
It’s crucial to note that we require all climbers to have comprehensive travel insurance before embarking on a Kilimanjaro trek with us. This is a standard requirement with any reputable Kilimanjaro tour operator.
You’ll need to purchase specialized insurance, not just a regular package, as Kilimanjaro reaches an altitude of 5,895 m. Look for a policy that specifically covers high-altitude trekking.
We can recommend a trusted travel insurance company that offers coverage for over 150 adventure activities, including high-altitude trekking.
It’s highly recommended to visit your doctor before booking your Kilimanjaro climb for the following four important reasons:
We strongly advise getting a physical checkup before attempting Kilimanjaro, particularly if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are over the age of 50. Use this opportunity to discuss the potential risks of the climb, especially in relation to your personal health and fitness. Every year, there are fatalities on Kilimanjaro, often avoidable with honest conversations with a doctor about your health. It’s also wise to ask for a prescription for medications that could serve as a backup should you develop altitude sickness symptoms.
A doctor’s visit is also the perfect time to talk about altitude medication, such as Diamox, which helps your body adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. However, be aware that altitude medications can have side effects, such as a tingling sensation in your limbs. Discussing these potential effects with your doctor will help you make an informed decision.
Much of Tanzania, including areas near Kilimanjaro National Park, is considered a malaria zone. Kilimanjaro climbers need to take steps to prevent malaria, so it’s essential to talk to your doctor about the best precautions to take before your trek.
When visiting regions with malaria risk, most travelers adopt a two-step approach to protection:
The good news is that much of Kilimanjaro is too high and cold for mosquitoes, so the main concern arises during travel to and from the mountain, and when staying in the rainforest section of the trek.
We recommend consulting with your GP to assess the malaria risk and follow their advice.
Before traveling to Tanzania, it’s essential to discuss vaccination options with your doctor. While there are no mandatory vaccines to enter Tanzania, the government requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is present.
We also recommend considering the following vaccinations, especially if you haven’t had them previously:
Any lingering questions? Please feel free to give us a shout!
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