Safety

Safety on Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, rising to 5898m. The summit falls into the “extreme altitude” mountaineering category, but is one of the few mountains of this size that requires no technical skill to successfully reach the summit.

However, safety is of upmost concern, and we take it very seriously.

How we keep our climbers safe

Staying safe on Kilimanjaro starts with understanding the risks and knowing how to mitigate them. We ask all our climbers to fill in a comprehensive medical questionnaire, and in the case of some pre-existing conditions, we may ask for confirmation from your doctor that you are fit to climb. Your guide will need to know any existing medications you are taking (including over the counter) and whether you are taking Diamox to help acclimatization.

Preparation is Key

Safety begins at home, before you leave Australia, and well before you at the foot of Kilimanjaro.

• Always get a Medical check-up from your GP, discussing any existing medical conditions or medications you’re taking, at least 3 months before your climb

• Check with your GP which immunizations are required. At a minimum, immunization for Yellow Fever is required for entry to nearly every African country, including Tanzania.

• Consider taking Diamox to help acclimatization, discuss this with your GP for any contra-indications with existing medications

• Arrange your travel insurance for Kilimanjaro Climb – it’s mandatory to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover emergencies

You should have a good standard of fitness in order to hike over rugged terrain for multiple days. While it’s not technical, the hiking is tough and exhausting.

Daily Health Checks

During the climb, remember that communication with our guides is critical.

If you’re feeling unwell, have a headache, nausea or any other symptom, you must tell our team. Most of the time, these issues can be solved easily with a Pandol or two, rest or change in food/drink during the climb.

Medical Supplies & Emergency Oxygen

Our team carries a full medical emergency kit, including bottled oxygen and Pulse Oximeter level devices.

• We carry supplemental oxygen for emergency use only - it will not be provided outside of a true emergency

• The only cure for acute mountain sickness is immediate descent to a lower elevation.

• In the case of an injury that prevents a climber from descending on foot, we have access to stretchers and evacuation vehicles

• Oxygen can be administered to alleviate AMS in combination with immediate descent.

• We carry a first aid medical kit to treat minor injuries