Many Kilimanjaro climbing companies advertise themselves as being the best because they offer more safety gear than the other companies. Items such as portable oxygen and altitude bags are cumbersome for the porters to carry, and they are not necessary on Kilimanjaro, as the best treatment for altitude related illness is to descend immediately. These safety devices slow the descent time, thus placing the climber in even more danger. Our Kilimanjaro Mountain guides are trained to recognize the various symptoms of altitude sickness, and they will monitor each climber very closely along the way. Portable stretchers are available for each group to use, and evacuation fees are included in your total cost. The nearest hospital, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, is conveniently located in Moshi. While reaching the summit is our goal, safety will always come first. If you desire portable oxygen, we will be happy to accommodate you and add it to your climbing package.
The Gamow Bag is only recommended at very high altitudes such as on Everest, or staying at Crater Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro where fast and immediate descent is not feasible. But on a Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing expedition, it rarely takes more than an hour to find relief at lower levels except from Crater Camp, where the bags should be standard safety equipment.
Your Uhuru Trails team leader guide is a High-Altitude Responder, trained and experienced to administer supplemental emergency oxygen to sufferers from rare complications of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) who may develop High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), a potentially fatal swelling of brain tissue as a result of poor acclimatization
Fleece gloves, preferably with a waterproof outer, and thin inner gloves are both essential for climbing Kilimanjaro, but on summit night a pair of mitts are best for keeping hands warm. We rent out waterproof gloves and fleece gloves.
Any half decent Kilimanjaro tour operator should supply the tents. Tents on Kilimanjaro need to be able to take a beating, so if you have to take your own, make sure it is one that is meant for such conditions (extended bad weather, strong winds and very rocky ground). You cannot afford to have any leaks or tears, zips that don't keep wind out etc.
Invest in a good thermal sleeping mat. Often you can hire those from the operators. (You don't need this on the Marangu route. You still need a good sleeping bag, though...)
Invest in a good sleeping bag that's rated for at least -10°C/four seasons. Down sleeping bags are great. They are light, pack down small and definitely keep you warm at night, but down is of course expensive. Again, you can usually hire sleeping bags, since the real warm ones don't come cheap and most people will not need theirs again after this trek.
A sleeping bag liner can help with temperatures. I have a silk liner and it makes a huge difference at the higher camps. I wake up every time it slips of my shoulders. A liner is also good for people who are squeamish about renting a sleeping bag. (Or if you plan to backpack through Tanzania before or after and stay in more dubious accommodation...)
You can also get more expensive fleecy liners that are made specifically for warmth and are made from the same material as the filling of synthetic sleeping bags. They may be a good option if you already have a good three seasons bag.
We get asked this question a lot – and rightly so! Being serious about climbing Kilimanjaro means you have to be serious about Kilimanjaro safety. In this blog post we cover the best practice safety measures to ensure your climb is as safe and stress-free as possible.
Safety on Kilimanjaro is so important because of its changing weather and altitude sickness. So keeping your safety in mind, what can you expect and what should you focus on while preparing for your Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro? Here are a few key factors to consider: Altitude sickness, Experienced Kilimanjaro guides, Right equipment for Kilimanjaro safety & choosing a qualified tour operator etc.
Mt Kilimanjaro is a hard climb and should never be underestimated. Every year, around a thousand people are evacuated from the mountain. And approximately 10 deaths are reported. You're putting yourself in danger if you don't do the necessary research or fail to choose a qualified Kilimanjaro tour operator as your climbing partner.
Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb but goes to very high altitude so safety measures need to be taken very seriously. It is important to climb Kilimanjaro with an experienced leader and crew who are rigorously trained in high altitude issues, bring the necessary medical equipment, and have the skills to monitor their clients on a daily basis as well as having the backing of an experienced team on the ground who can handle all types of evacuations.
African Environments Trip Leaders are the most experienced on the mountain, our reputation after 30 years of running expeditions is what sets us apart from the rest of companies. All Trip Leaders are certified Wilderness First Responders and their high mountaineering training goes far beyond the normal scope of just this wilderness specific first aid. Our leaders are trained to identify and carefully monitor developing high-altitude issues and discuss them with you continually. They understand the importance of gathering all your health data when evaluating potential altitude sickness not just relying on single factors such as the daily collected pulse oximeter data. For additional security we carry a Gamow bag which is a hypo baric chamber and oxygen on all ascents to aid in safe and expedient evacuation to lower altitude, day or night even in adverse weather conditions.
More than 90% of the hikers feel sick on the mountain. This is visible over 600 meters above the sea. In case a climber feels sick on the mountain, they are suggested to take a day or two to acclimatize. This is because, your body needs time to adjust to the high elevation, due to lack of oxygen on the mountain. So, the answer to Is Climbing Kilimanjaro Safe– is yes, it is. But if a person feels severely sick due to acute mountain sickness, then our guides and porters help to bring the person down to the starting point.
There is numerous equipment that we at Africa Natural Tours provide our hikers for their Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro safety. Some of this equipment is First Aid and related emergency equipment, this includes oxygen tanks and pulse oximeters, etc. Our Kilimanjaro Porters will carry oxygen cylinders, on the mountain as well in case of emergency. There are Gamow bags that are used to fit in a reclining adult. They also carry expired Pressure Retention Masks in the event of succumbing to HAPE on Kilimanjaro, a Portable Defibrillator on an ascent of Kilimanjaro, etc. to ensure your Kilimanjaro Safety
The most common mistake that climbers make is that they over pack and bring far to many things.
Be selective in what you bring. Please note that our porters are limited to carry is 15kgs of your personal belongings. Everything the porter will carry for you between campsites should be placed into a duffel bag (see list below), including your sleeping bag if possible. All extra luggage (items you will not use on your climb), can be safely stored at your hotel.
Plastic, recyclable water bottles are not allowed on the mountain.
Water should be carried in Nalgene bottles or similar devices. You should be able to carry three to four littles of water with you at all times. Alcohol is not allowed on the mountain.
Checked luggage on air plans can get lost or delayed on the way to Tanzania. You should prepare for this possibility by wearing or carrying on the items that are essential to your Kilimanjaro Climbing. While most clothing and equipment can be replaced in Tanzania prior to your climb, there are some things that you will not be able to replace.
Waterproof jacket, breathable with hood
1-Insulated jacket, Synthetic or down, warm
Soft jacket, fleece or soft -shell
3-Long sleeve shirt, light-weight, moisture- wicking fabric
Short sleeve shirt, light weight, moisture – wicking fabric
Waterproof Trousers, breathable (side zipper recommended)
Hiking Trousers
Fleece Trousers
Shorts (optional)
Long underwear, moisture – wicking fabric
Underwear, moisture- wicking fabric
3-Sports Bra
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