Safety & Health Guide
Essential safety information for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Learn about altitude sickness, emergency protocols, and health considerations for high-altitude climbing.
Altitude Sickness Prevention
Understanding and preventing altitude-related health issues
⚠️ Symptoms to Watch For
Mild Symptoms (AMS)
- • Headache (most common symptom)
- • Nausea and vomiting
- • Fatigue and weakness
- • Dizziness and lightheadedness
- • Difficulty sleeping
- • Loss of appetite
Severe Symptoms (HAPE/HACE)
- • Severe headache that doesn't respond to medication
- • Confusion and disorientation
- • Difficulty walking or loss of coordination
- • Shortness of breath at rest
- • Coughing up pink or bloody sputum
- • Unconsciousness
🛡️ Prevention Strategies
Gradual Ascent
- • Choose routes with acclimatization days
- • Don't ascend more than 300-500m per day
- • Take rest days at higher altitudes
- • "Climb high, sleep low" principle
Hydration & Nutrition
- • Drink 4-6 liters of water daily
- • Eat high-carbohydrate foods
- • Avoid alcohol and smoking
- • Consider electrolyte supplements
Medication Options
- • Acetazolamide (Diamox) - consult doctor
- • Ibuprofen for headaches
- • Anti-nausea medication if needed
- • Always consult healthcare provider first
Emergency Response Protocols
What to do in case of emergency situations
🚨
Immediate Response
- 1. Stop ascending immediately
- 2. Assess the situation
- 3. Provide basic first aid
- 4. Alert guide and team
- 5. Begin descent if necessary
📡
Communication
- • Use satellite phone if available
- • Contact base camp immediately
- • Provide exact location and condition
- • Follow guide's instructions
- • Keep group together
🚁
Evacuation
- • Helicopter rescue available
- • Ground evacuation by porters
- • Oxygen administration if needed
- • Medical facilities in Arusha
- • Insurance coverage required
📞 Emergency Contacts
On the Mountain
- Guide: Available 24/7 during climb
- Base Camp: Emergency radio contact
- Park Rangers: Emergency response team
Medical Facilities
- Arusha Medical Center: +255 27 250 0000
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre: +255 27 275 0000
- Emergency Services: 112
Health & Wellness Tips
Maintaining good health during your climb
🏥 Pre-Climb Health Check
Medical Consultation
- • Visit your doctor 2-3 months before
- • Discuss altitude medication options
- • Get necessary vaccinations
- • Review any existing health conditions
Fitness Preparation
- • Build cardiovascular endurance
- • Strengthen legs and core
- • Practice hiking with a pack
- • Include hill training
Mental Preparation
- • Research the climb thoroughly
- • Set realistic expectations
- • Practice meditation or breathing
- • Prepare for challenging moments
🥾 During the Climb
Daily Health Monitoring
- • Monitor your energy levels
- • Check for headache or nausea
- • Track sleep quality
- • Report any concerns to guide
Nutrition & Hydration
- • Eat regularly, even if not hungry
- • Drink water consistently
- • Avoid alcohol and caffeine
- • Take electrolyte supplements
Warning Signs
- • Severe headache that won't go away
- • Confusion or disorientation
- • Difficulty breathing at rest
- • Inability to walk straight
Oxygen & Altitude Information
Understanding oxygen levels at different altitudes
📊 Altitude vs Oxygen Levels
| Altitude | Oxygen Level | Effects | Kilimanjaro Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0m (Sea Level) | 100% | Normal breathing | - |
| 1,640m | 83% | Slight breathlessness | Marangu Gate |
| 2,700m | 73% | Noticeable effort | Mandara Hut |
| 3,720m | 64% | Moderate difficulty | Horombo Hut |
| 4,700m | 55% | Significant difficulty | Kibo Hut |
| 5,895m | 49% | Severe difficulty | Uhuru Peak |
💨 Oxygen Supplementation
When to Use
- • Severe altitude sickness symptoms
- • Emergency situations
- • Medical recommendation
- • During descent if needed
Types Available
- • Portable oxygen cylinders
- • Oxygen concentrators
- • Emergency oxygen masks
- • Hyperbaric chambers (rare)
⚠️ Important Notes
Not a Substitute
Oxygen supplementation is not a substitute for proper acclimatization. The best treatment for altitude sickness is descent.
Emergency Use Only
Oxygen should only be used in emergency situations or under medical supervision.
Guide Decision
Your guide will decide when oxygen supplementation is necessary based on your condition and symptoms.
Safety Checklist
Essential safety items to verify before your climb
📋 Pre-Climb Checklist
- ☐ Medical clearance from doctor
- ☐ Travel insurance with evacuation
- ☐ All necessary vaccinations
- ☐ Emergency contact information
- ☐ Medications and first aid kit
- ☐ Communication device (satellite phone)
🎒 Equipment Checklist
- ☐ Properly fitted hiking boots
- ☐ Warm clothing layers
- ☐ Waterproof outer shell
- ☐ Headlamp with extra batteries
- ☐ First aid kit
- ☐ Emergency whistle
🧠 Mental Preparation
- ☐ Understand the risks involved
- ☐ Know your physical limits
- ☐ Trust your guide's decisions
- ☐ Be prepared to turn back
- ☐ Stay positive and focused
- ☐ Communicate any concerns
Have Safety Questions?
Our experienced guides are here to answer your safety questions and help you prepare for a safe and successful Kilimanjaro climb.