Mountain Safety and Medical Services on Kilimanjaro
How safe is climbing Kilimanjaro?
Climbing Kilimanjaro is safe when you follow a proper acclimatization schedule and adhere to your guide’s instructions. Our professional team prioritizes the safety of all climbers, maximizing your chances of successfully reaching Uhuru Peak.
What’s “altitude sickness” and how does one prevent and treat it?
Altitude sickness is not a disease but a collection of symptoms caused by low oxygen levels at high elevations. Preventing altitude sickness involves following proper acclimatization practices, such as gradual ascents and acclimatization walks above your planned overnight altitude, as well as staying well-hydrated and maintaining an appropriate walking pace.
Must one have climbing insurance?
While mountain climbing insurance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. Our Tour Consultants can assist you in selecting and purchasing the right insurance for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
What happens in cases of injuries during a Kilimanjaro climb?
In the event of an injury, our trained guides provide first aid and promptly transport the climber to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate for transfer to a hospital for further medical treatment.
Have accidents happened during a climb?
At Pundamilia, we take safety seriously and have maintained a flawless record with no accidents or injuries to date. All our guides are highly trained professionals, completing regular refresher courses in rescue and first aid. Additionally, a minimum of six years of climbing experience is required for all guide applicants. Each expedition is equipped with emergency oxygen supplies and fully stocked first-aid kits, meticulously inspected before every climb.
Do your guides have first aid training?
All our guides are certified in Rescue and First Aid and have a minimum of six years of climbing experience, providing the ideal blend of expert knowledge and hands-on practical skills.
Do guides provide monitoring of the well-being of climbers?
Our guides perform medical checks for all climbers twice daily, in the morning and evening. They record blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and body temperature in personal medical sheets, while also monitoring each climber’s overall mental and physical condition. This careful monitoring allows guides to detect existing health issues and help prevent potential problems during the climb.
What medications do the first-aid kits contain?
Our mountain first-aid kits are fully equipped to handle common ailments such as nausea, headaches, fever, diarrhea, and coughing. We also carry Diamox to help speed up high-altitude acclimatization and alleviate its symptoms.
Can I use my own medications?
Climbers may take medications prescribed by their own physician. However, the Head Guide must be informed of all medications in advance, including any regular medication for personal medical conditions or for altitude-related concerns.
Is it necessary to take Diamox (Acetazolamide) during a climb?
aking Diamox is not mandatory but can be recommended as a preventative measure. Based on our experience, it’s best to reserve Diamox until it is actually needed. Allow your body to naturally acclimatize at lower altitudes by following your guide’s instructions. When you start feeling the effects of altitude, taking Diamox at that point will be most effective. Always inform your guide if your body is struggling to adapt, and before taking Diamox.
Why do you need oxygen systems?
Most high-altitude symptoms result from low oxygen levels. To address this, climbers can either descend to a lower altitude or use supplemental oxygen to temporarily raise blood oxygen levels. Once your oxygen reaches a safe level, your guide will promptly begin a controlled descent to ensure your safety.
What cases require evacuation from Kilimanjaro?
Evacuations are carried out when other measures fail to restore a climber’s ability to continue the ascent. Depending on the climber’s condition, they are transported to the park gate on a stretcher or, if possible, descend on foot. From the gate, a vehicle is provided for transfer to a hotel or hospital.
What do I do if I feel sick in the mountains?
If you start feeling unwell during your climb, immediately inform your guide. They will assess the cause and determine the best solution. Most mountain symptoms are related to acclimatization and can often be managed with Diamox or supplemental oxygen.
Remember, even minor symptoms should not be ignored, as they can sometimes lead to complications. In rare cases on Kilimanjaro, immediate descent or evacuation may be necessary. Always communicate openly with your guide—monitoring each climber’s physical condition is part of their role and not a bother. All our guides are Wilderness First Responder-certified, ensuring they are fully equipped to decide the safest course of action in any situation.
Is helicopter evacuation available on Kilimanjaro?
In addition to descending on foot or using a stretcher, severe emergencies may require a helicopter medical evacuation. At Pundamilia, we partner with three professional search and rescue flight companies. In life-threatening situations, a helicopter can reach any altitude, accompanied by a fully licensed emergency doctor, to safely evacuate you from Kilimanjaro. Having travel insurance is essential to cover such emergency evacuations.
Kindly note: For a helicopter evacuation, you can choose to pay cash from $3,500 to $6,000 per trip. For more detailed information, please read our article about insurance before booking your trip.