Safety on the mountain

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.

Understanding altitude sickness

The single biggest risk on Kilimanjaro is the altitude, not the terrain. Above about 2,500 m the air holds far less oxygen, and your body needs time to adjust. Most climbers feel some mild effects along the way — the key is to recognise them early and never ignore them.

Altitude sickness comes in three forms:

  • Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) — the common, mild form. Headache, nausea, tiredness, dizziness, loss of appetite and disturbed sleep. It usually eases with rest and a slower pace, and is your body's signal to take it easy.

  • High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) — a rare but serious build-up of fluid on the brain. Confusion, clumsiness or loss of balance, drowsiness and a severe headache. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate descent.

  • High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) — fluid on the lungs. Breathlessness even at rest, a persistent cough, chest tightness and extreme fatigue. Also an emergency requiring immediate descent.

The golden rules are simple: ascend gradually, never climb higher while symptoms are getting worse, and tell your guide straight away. The proven treatment for serious altitude sickness is to descend — and the earlier, the better.

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.

Acclimatise slowly — "pole pole"

"Pole pole" (slowly, slowly) is the mantra of every Kilimanjaro guide, and it's the most important safety advice on the mountain. A gentle, unhurried pace gives your body the time it needs to adjust to the thinning air, and dramatically improves both your safety and your chances of reaching the summit.

Choosing a longer route is one of the best things you can do for a safe, successful climb. Extra days — and routes that let you "climb high, sleep low" — give far better acclimatisation than a rushed itinerary. We build our climbs around safe acclimatisation rather than the shortest possible route.

Eat well and stay hydrated

Hydration and good nutrition are a vital part of acclimatising. Aim to drink plenty of water through the day (around 3–4 litres is typical), and keep eating regularly even when your appetite fades at altitude — your body needs the fuel, and a drop in appetite is itself an early warning sign. All drinking water on our climbs is boiled or filtered and meals are prepared hygienically, so an upset stomach doesn't derail your climb.

Daily Health Checks

During the climb, communication with your guide is critical. Our team carries out regular one-on-one health checks — using a pulse oximeter to measure your blood-oxygen level and heart rate, and asking how you're feeling using a simple altitude-sickness symptom score — so any problem is picked up early, before it becomes serious.

Your guides also watch for the warning signs of altitude sickness through the day: a persistent headache, nausea or loss of appetite, breathlessness, unsteadiness on your feet, or any change in behaviour. If you're feeling unwell — a headache, nausea or any other symptom — you must tell our team straight away. Most of the time it's easily managed with a Panadol or two, some rest, a change of food or drink, or simply slowing down. The important thing is to never try to "push through" symptoms.

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

24/7 Support

Our team carries both mobile phones with both Australian and Tanzanian numbers, and are available 24/7 for all climbers. Our guides on Kilimanjaro also carry an emergency satellite phone, in the case of issues when mobile reception is limited.