Health and Safety

Health and safety at Kilimanjaro are very important to us. Your mountain guides are responsible for your safety. We ask our clients to listen to their advice and let them know if any problems occur. Also, let us know if you have special medical conditions or recommendations from your doctor.

Rescue teams are available at Kilimanjaro. In the case of an accident, we will alert them immediately for safe evacuation. A rescue fee for evacuation via stretcher or car is included in the national park fees. Rescue via helicopter is available, but not included in the park fees.

SICKNESS: The most common medical issues at Mount Kilimanjaro are:

Altitude sickness:

Is the kind of sickness caused by altitude and mainly it occurs from 3500m and above. The main symptoms are vision problems, loss of memory, and general fatigue.

Acute mountain sickness (AMS):

This, happens, only in extreme cases, but it is important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms., They include headache, loss of appetite, rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, cold and clammy fingers, swelling hands and feet, reduced urine output, and general muscle weakness.

High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE) and High-Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE):

This is much more serious than AMS and has additional symptoms like short breath, bubbling sounds in, the chest, blood in saliva, bluish lips, and fingernails, severe headache, and hallucinations. If a climber suffers from, HAPE or, HACE descent should start immediately. The symptoms are visible externally, so the guides will be able to verify the problems.

Note:

If your guide advises you to abort the climb due to health, issues please follow the advice.