Safety on Mt. Kilimanjaro

Healthy and safe On Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at 19,341 feet, is Africa’s highest peak and one of the Seven Summits. Despite requiring no technical climbing skills, the extreme altitude and remote location present significant challenges. Each year, over 1,000 climbers are evacuated, and tragically, some do not return. Your safety on Kilimanjaro is our top priority.

Key Safety Factors on Kilimanjaro

Altitude Sickness and Altitude-Related Complications
Remote Location
Experience and Training of Your Guides
Proper Emergency Equipment
Robust Monitoring and Evacuation Processes

Implementing these measures is essential for a secure and successful ascent.

Our Comprehensive Safety Protocols

We prioritize understanding potential risks and strategies for minimizing them. Every climber must complete a detailed medical questionnaire, and for specific conditions, we may require a physician’s confirmation of your fitness for the climb. Guides need to be informed about all medications, including over-the-counter ones and Diamox for acclimatization.

Pre-Climb Health Assessments

All climbers must complete a detailed medical questionnaire. For certain pre-existing conditions, we may request a physician's confirmation regarding your fitness for the climb. It’s essential for your guide to be aware of any current medications, including over-the-counter ones, and whether you’re using Diamox for acclimatization support.

Guide Training

Knowing your guide is properly trained to detect and address early signs of altitude sickness is critical. Our guides undergo Wilderness First Responder training, equipping them with essential skills for managing medical conditions in remote locations. We've partnered with the Sentinel Outdoor Institute, a high-altitude medical training organization, which conducts in-depth courses in Tanzania to ensure our guides stay updated with emerging medical protocols. Carrying emergency equipment is only effective if the guide knows how to use it.

Daily Health Checks & Monitoring

Daily health checks and monitoring are essential when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Our experienced guides conduct thorough assessments each day, checking vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation levels. Climbers are encouraged to communicate any symptoms or discomfort they experience promptly. Monitoring includes observing for signs of altitude sickness, such as headaches, nausea, or fatigue. By vigilantly tracking climbers’ health status, we can quickly address any issues and make informed decisions about the ascent. Our priority is the safety and well-being of every individual throughout the journey.

Emergency Oxygen & Medical Supplies

Our team is well-equipped with a comprehensive medical kit, including bottled oxygen and a portable stretcher. Supplementary oxygen is reserved strictly for emergencies. The primary solution for acute mountain sickness is an immediate descent to a lower altitude. If a climber is injured and unable to descend on foot, we use a portable stretcher provided by the National Park at each campsite. Oxygen and immediate descent can alleviate acute mountain sickness. Additionally, we have a first aid medical kit readily available for minor injuries.

Helicopter Evacuation on Kilimanjaro

In case of an emergency, we utilize a search and rescue service operating out of Moshi. After a distress call, a helicopter is dispatched to the nearest landing point to airlift the patient off the mountain to a local hospital. It’s important to note that in adverse mountain weather, a helicopter may not be able to land, necessitating a manual evacuation via a stretcher provided by the National Park.

Commitment to Your Safety

Our commitment to your safety on Kilimanjaro is unwavering. We strive to provide the highest level of care and attention to every climber. By ensuring comprehensive training for our guides, conducting rigorous health monitoring, and maintaining readiness for emergency situations, we prioritize your well-being throughout your journey to the summit.

Testimonials

What our Travelers are saying

    
 
 
        
   Dorice M 
 2024-05-17
 
 
  Our day trip to Mbudya island was very well organised and was indeed an epic experience, we were picked up on a very com
Our day trip to Mbudya island was very well organised and was indeed an epic experience, we were picked up on a very comfortable vehicle from our hotel, it was a 45 hour drive to Serene beach resort, we waited a few minutes when our guide did the paperwork and payment to the responsible authorities. We then headed to the boat and cruised to the island and the rest was mystery. It was a very smooth experience with Afriswahili Adventure, using them was a perfect choice
  
 
       
   Naomi L 
 2024-05-15
 
 
  To let others know that they will never regrets to theire choice
Bayona he is available best smilling guide,honest and guiding with integrity,I had a wonderful experience with him during our trek to Mount Kilimanjaro he made us to fulfill our dream ,I recommended Bayona for anyone who looking for the best guide.,He is always take the time to answer any questions he is very knowledgeable.
  
 
       
   Innocent K 
 2024-05-15
 
 
  Afriswahili hakuna matata
Everybody dreams of having an adventure. An adventure to remember their entire life. Today I am here to share with you one such adventure of mine. A Beautiful Giant 5895amsl free standing mountain over 6 days lemosho route. âIt is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.â Godliving Bayona, the best kilimanjaro mountain guide famously said. This is what mountain teaches us. We might seem like a puny ant in front of it but we can still dream to reach the top, however, far it might seem. It is this self-belief of reaching the top despite the insurmountable odds that makes mountains so special for me. An adventure is never complete without a partner in crime. I didnât had 1 but 3. Three complete strangers from different parts of India whom I can now count as my dear friends. We not only hiked together but we shared our pains and happiness alike. This was one of the highest moments of this trip that I made 4 great friends for life. Happy hike Afriswahili hakuna matatað
  
 
       
   Tochukwu O 
 2024-05-14
 
 
  TANZANIAN EXPERIENCE
I am simply amazed by the beautiful works of nature. The experience I got was wonderful, thanks to my tour guide, Mr Godliving, he is really well experienced and a great company, I highly recommend Afriswahili Adventures
  
 
       
   Fiona B 
 2024-05-12
 
 
  Wonderful trekking experience!
Godlving Bayona was an excellent guide! He was well informed and good company. The food was great, everyone was friendly and helpful!
  
 
       
   David M 
 2024-05-12
 
 
  Nature at it's best
It's was indeed a once in a lifetime adventure, an astonishing and must-see experience. Highly recommended for a strong family bonding. Very friendly tour guiders extending their love for nature through their expertise. Don't hesitate to give yourself this experience. Cheersð¥