Mount Kilimanjaro is a stratovolcano mountain situated in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania, boasting the title of the highest mountain in Africa with three volcanic cones: Kibo, Shira, and Mawenzi. Mount Kilimanjaro is also the world’s highest freestanding mountain, rising to 5,895 meters above sea level. Thousands of tourists from all over the world are attracted to climb Kilimanjaro annually, and most have been successful.
Is Kilimanjaro Dangerous?
Mount Kilimanjaro is not as dangerous as other mountains of similar or even lesser height. The death rate for tourists climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is very low, with an average of about 10 people annually, and the primary cause of death is altitude sickness.
Mount Kilimanjaro can also be climbed by first-time mountaineers, making it less dangerous because it doesn’t require any technical skills or prior experience to reach the summit. Children, disabled individuals, and elderly people have successfully reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Although Mount Kilimanjaro is not inherently dangerous, there are still risks involved in climbing the mountain. However, these risks can be mitigated with proper planning and the use of a professional tour operator, which can help limit the potential dangers of trekking Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s crucial to inform your guides immediately if you start feeling unwell during the hike so that they can take appropriate action.
The primary danger and risk on Mount Kilimanjaro is altitude sickness, which can affect anyone, regardless of their experience or physical fitness level. Mount Kilimanjaro is considered a high-altitude mountain, and as you ascend to the summit, the oxygen becomes thinner, increasing the risk of altitude sickness. To manage this risk, it is advisable to spend more days on the mountain and trek at your own pace.
One effective way to prepare for altitude sickness on Mount Kilimanjaro is by acclimatizing on Mount Meru, located a few kilometers from Mount Kilimanjaro, or by undergoing altitude training before embarking on the journey of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Some people use Diamox medicine to prevent altitude sickness while climbing the mountain, which can help them acclimatize more smoothly. Additionally, it’s advisable to visit your doctor for a check-up to ensure you are in good health and to rule out any respiratory, heart issues, or other health-related conditions that could affect your trek.
Altitude sickness often presents mild signs and symptoms as a warning. If these symptoms continue to worsen, it’s time to abandon the climb and descend. Failure to heed the signs and symptoms could lead to High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), which can be life-threatening.
In such cases, oxygen masks or bottles may be required, and guides may use stretchers to descend trekkers to lower altitudes for medical treatment. In very severe emergency cases, the Kilimanjaro Rescue and Search team may use helicopters for evacuation, although access may be limited. Helicopter rescues are typically available only to individuals with valid travel insurance covering such emergencies.
The signs and symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) include nausea, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, shortness of breath (even while resting), and difficulty sleeping. Many people may experience these symptoms, but the best approach is to hike more slowly and ensure proper hydration. The signs should subside as you continue the trek. If the symptoms persist and worsen, a guide should accompany you during the descent to seek medical attention.
Severe altitude sickness can be extremely dangerous, with symptoms such as fluid build-up in the lungs, a decline in mental state, chest tightness, coughing up white fluid, disorientation, memory loss, ataxia (loss of coordination), and an inability to walk. In such cases, immediate descent is required, as it could potentially lead to death.
While accidents and other health-related emergencies are not common on Kilimanjaro, they can happen to anyone. However, this does not inherently make the mountain dangerous. It is advisable for travelers to obtain travel insurance that covers altitudes up to 6,000 meters above sea level, including helicopter insurance, in case of emergencies such as a broken leg that immobilizes you and requires helicopter evacuation to a hospital.
In conclusion, Mount Kilimanjaro is not inherently dangerous. To ensure a safe climb, proper training, acclimatization, and planning are essential. Climbing slowly and steadily to help your body acclimatize to the altitude will reduce the risk of mountain sickness. Additionally, choosing a longer trekking route and complying with the guidance of experienced guides will enhance your safety during the climb.
