Kilimanjaro is generally regarded as a safe trek, as no technical climbing skills are required to reach the summit. The trails are well-trodden, and evacuation procedures are well understood. With around 35,000 climbers attempting Kilimanjaro annually, serious injuries or fatalities are rare. However, due to the mountain’s extreme altitude (5,500m+), climbers face similar risks to those found on other high-altitude climbs.

Despite being considered a challenging adventure, climbing Kilimanjaro carries risks. Approximately 1,000 climbers are evacuated each year, and there are reports of around 10 fatalities annually, though the real figure may be two to three times higher. The primary cause of death is altitude sickness. It’s essential that every climber recognizes the symptoms and selects an operator with proper safety systems in place.

Essential Safety Precautions:

Warning: Many operators on Kilimanjaro are not adequately equipped for emergencies. Even with experienced guides, some may not be trained to handle severe altitude sickness. To ensure your safety, your operator and guides should follow these important precautions:

• Guides trained in preventing, identifying, and treating altitude sickness.
• Daily health checks using pulse oximeters to monitor oxygen saturation and pulse rate.
• The Lake Louise Scoring System (LLSS) used to assess altitude sickness symptoms and their severity.
• Certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR) as guides, capable of making critical medical decisions on the mountain.
• Bottled oxygen available to treat moderate or severe altitude sickness.
• Capability for emergency helicopter evacuation through Kilimanjaro Search and Rescue (SAR).
• Comprehensive first-aid kits to address minor injuries.

By adhering to these safety measures, your guides will be prepared to manage any illness or injury, ensuring your health and safety remain the top priority.

Key Risks of Climbing Kilimanjaro:

Altitude Sickness: The most significant risk is altitude sickness, heightened by the rapid ascent on some popular routes. Proper awareness and management of altitude symptoms are crucial, especially for first-time climbers.

Weather: Kilimanjaro’s weather varies significantly by season. Heavy rainfall during the long (March-May) and short (November) wet seasons can cut climbs short. High-altitude exposure to the sun can also lead to sunburn or sunstroke.

Pre-existing Conditions: Climbers with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor before attempting the climb.

Injuries: While Kilimanjaro is relatively free of hazardous features like crevasses or ice walls, minor injuries such as blisters can impact the climb. More serious injuries are rare.

Exposure: While most routes have limited exposure, technical routes like Shira, Lemosho, and Machame involve some challenges like the Barranco Wall. This moderately steep climb can be tricky in bad weather, but most climbers handle it well. Camps such as Barafu are also somewhat exposed, though the summit itself requires no ropes or technical climbing.

Kilimanjaro Precautions:

• Daily Health Checks: Guides will monitor your health daily through regular check-ins and observations.
• Pulse Oximeter: This device measures oxygen saturation and pulse rate, allowing guides to detect early signs of altitude sickness. Climbers with levels below 80% will be closely monitored.
• Lake Louise Scoring System (LLSS): Guides use this system to evaluate your symptoms. Be open with your guide for the best treatment.
• Descent: If your guide advises you to descend due to health concerns, their decision is final for your safety.

Additional safety measures include canvas stretchers for emergency descents, first-aid kits, mobile phones for communication, and guidelines for gradual acclimatization, hydration, and proper nutrition.

Acclimatization Tips:

• Pre-acclimatize before your trek, ascend slowly, and take rest days.
• Stay hydrated, eat a high-calorie diet, and avoid alcohol and tobacco.
• Consider taking Diamox, an FDA-approved medication for preventing altitude sickness.

Though bottled oxygen is available for emergencies, descent is the most effective treatment for altitude sickness.

By selecting an experienced operator and following these precautions, you’ll significantly enhance your safety and experience on Kilimanjaro.