Is It Safe To Climb Kilimanjaro?
Climbing Kilimanjaro, like any high-altitude mountain, has its risks. Without the proper guides, equipment, and preparation, it can be dangerous.
But, as we’ll tell you in this article, you can minimise these risks by trekking with an expert guiding team and going in prepared. Is climbing Kilimanjaro dangerous? Here’s what to consider.
So, Just How Dangerous is Kilimanjaro?
While there aren’t official statistics on Kilimanjaro deaths, tragically, it’s approximated that between 3 and 10 people die on the mountain every year.
Let’s get some perspective on this.
Around 30,000 trekkers and 80,000 porters and guides ascend Kilimanjaro each year. In total, that’s roughly 110,000 people.
Even if we work with the higher estimate of 10 deaths per year, statistically, the chance of dying on Kilimanjaro would be around 0.009%.
One of the primary concerns when hiking is Kilimanjaro altitude sickness. It can happen to absolutely anyone, even experienced mountaineers. In fact, between 25% and 85% of people travelling to high altitudes experience altitude sickness.
But don't worry. Quick action, like descending to a lower altitude, usually makes a difference quickly. That's why you should always tell your guide how you feel during your hike.
What Aspects of Mountain Climbing Make Kilimanjaro Dangerous?
Some of the dangers that you may encounter during your ascent to Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru Peak include:
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is one of the most significant concerns in Kilimanjaro due to the rapid gain in altitude. It can manifest in several forms:
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) with mild symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.
High-altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) - a severe form of altitude sickness that affects the brain and can lead to confusion, hallucinations, and loss of consciousness.
High-altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) with serious symptoms like extreme shortness of breath.
To minimise the risk of altitude sickness, choose a slow and well-acclimatised route, stay hydrated, and listen to your body. If symptoms occur, notify your guide, who may help you descend to lower altitudes promptly.
Good to know: the 8-day Lemosho route and 7-day Machame route trips both offer ideal acclimatisation opportunities.
Accidents
Accidents on Kilimanjaro are mainly due to the challenging terrain and physical demands of the climb. They include slips, trips, and falls, often leading to injuries like sprains or fractures.
Ensure you are in good physical shape before climbing (see our training plan), use appropriate Kilimanjaro gear, and watch your footing. Staying on well-marked paths is essential to prevent accidents.
Rock Fall
Though relatively rare, rockfalls could pose a significant threat, particularly on the Western Breach route. Falling rocks can cause severe injuries and death in some instances.
So, pay close attention to your guide's instructions and maintain situational awareness.
Weather Changes
Weather on Kilimanjaro can be unpredictable and change rapidly. You may, at times, experience rain, snow, and high winds all in one trekking day. Severe weather conditions can lead to cold-related illnesses, hypothermia, or difficulty navigating the terrain.
Severe weather could also lead to extremities like lightning, which can be fatal at high altitudes. Here's a case from 2013 when Ian McKeever lost his life after being struck by lightning.
Keep up to date on the weather forecast and listen to your guide's advice regarding adjustments to your climb when necessary.
Wildlife Encounters
While Kilimanjaro is not known for dangerous wildlife, there are some animals, particularly in the lower elevations, that you may encounter. These include giraffes, elephants, blue monkeys, baboons, duikers, and servals, to name a few.
Though most of these Kilimanjaro animals are not considered dangerous, it's essential to follow safety guidelines to minimise any risks of injury. Not to worry, Skyhook guides will be there to take care of you.
Equipment Failure
Poor-quality or inadequate equipment can pose a danger when climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. Think of anything and everything, from clothing and footwear to climbing gear and camping equipment. Invest in high-quality gear and have it checked and maintained before the climb.
How to Ensure Your Safety on the Mountain
Trek With Experienced Guides
At Skyhook, we work with a team of highly trained, experienced, and certified local guides who are intimately familiar with the mountain's terrain, weather conditions, and potential risks.
The guides and their team are with you every step on the mountain and serve as your first line of defence in recognising and addressing any safety concerns.
Choose a Suitable Route and Itinerary
It might be tempting to book a shorter itinerary to save money and time. But the reality is this approach hardly ever pays off.
If we look at the last official statistics released by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) on data collected in the 2000s, the average success rate across all climbers and all routes was 45%.
But, most packages at that time followed 5-day itineraries. Today, 6-, 7-, and 8-day trips are much more popular, and the average Kilimanjaro success rating is around 70-80%.
Take a Slow and Steady Pace
We recommend a slow and steady pace during the climb to help you acclimatise properly and reduce the risk of altitude-related illnesses.
It also helps to reduce your chances of over-exertion and incidents of tripping or falling to avoid fractures during the climb.
Acclimatise, Acclimatise, Acclimatise…
We cannot emphasise the importance of acclimatising enough here.
Our trips incorporate well-planned acclimatisation days, allowing you to gradually adjust to the high altitudes. We also practice the mountaineering code of "walk high, sleep low" to help you adjust better to the changing oxygen levels.
Essential Equipment and Gear for Kilimanjaro Safety
Proper safety equipment and gear are crucial to ensure your well-being and mitigate potential risks on your Mt Kilimanjaro climb. Some of the critical kit to pack includes:
Layered Clothing
Kilimanjaro's weather can vary dramatically. We recommend you layer up to adapt to changing conditions. Carry a warm insulated jacket, waterproof jacket and pants, lightweight hiking pants and shorts, hiking boots, gloves, mittens and adequate headwear.
Quality Sleeping Gear
If you’ve booked through Skyhook, you’ll get access to a high-quality sleeping bag and mat rated for cold temperatures. These are vital for a good night's sleep.
Backpack and Daypack
Carry a comfortable and appropriately sized backpack to carry your gear and daypack for essentials during daily hikes.
Safety Equipment
Trekking poles: These provide balance and reduce the strain on your knees during descents.
Headlamp or flashlight: These are essential for navigating the dark to avoid tripping, especially on summit night.
Whistle: Don’t forget to carry a whistle to attract attention in case of an emergency. Pulse Oximeter: Our guides will have this device to monitor your oxygen saturation levels as you ascend to higher altitudes.
First aid kit: Carry a basic kit with bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and altitude sickness medication. Your guiding team usually has a more comprehensive kit with all the hiking gear.
Duct tape: Remember to carry duct tape - it comes in handy when you need quick gear repairs on the climb.
Final Thoughts
As we’ve seen, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a nuanced balance of thrill and preparedness. With the right mindset, preparation, and guidance, you can mitigate potential dangers and ensure your Kilimanjaro safety.
