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P.O.Box: 6714, Moshi, Tanzania
+255 764 501 774
hello@travelrouteafrica.com
P.O.Box: 6714, Moshi, Tanzania
Once you have made the decision to climb Kilimanjaro there are some things to consider about Health And Safety On Kilimanjaro ensuring you have a safe and successful Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. While Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, there are possible results that you may go up against some test including some success related issues in the midst of your trek. The purpose behind these medicinal issues is generally a result of the distinction in tallness and atmosphere.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Tanzania specialists
We will say it once and we will repeat it often: health and safety on the climb is our top priority, and it has to be yours, too. So, here’s the chance to find out what we do to provide you with the safest climb possible. And you can also learn what you can do to help.
Our advice looks at safety specific to a Kilimanjaro climb at any time, as well as a climb during the coronavirus era, the important question of altitude sickness, how to plan and prepare, the important daily health checks we carry out and the process of rescue and evacuation – in the unlikely event that it becomes necessary.
If you choose a responsible operator such as Travel Route Africa for your Kilimanjaro adventure, then you will expect that they have put in place the required measures to keep you safe.And we have done just that! From organizing extra staff training to producing Standard Operating Procedures, we have invested heavily to keep your health and safety as our top priority.
The good news is that you can still climb during this period. Both the Tanzanian Government and Travel Route Africa have done everything possible to keep the virus away from Kilimanjaro trekkers. Let us give you some reassurance!
Altitude sickness is a systemic issue on Mount Kilimanjaro. This is partly to do with the fact that Kilimanjaro is a high altitude trek, but more critically because the speed of ascent on most Kilimanjaro routes is relatively rapid. Acclimatization is the process by which the body becomes accustomed to lower availability of oxygen in the air and can only be achieved by spending time at various levels of altitude before progressing higher.
Ascend gradually. If possible, spend a few days at intermediate altitudes to allow your body to acclimate before going higher.
Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as they can contribute to dehydration.
Consume easily digestible, high-carbohydrate meals. Avoid heavy, greasy foods.
Some medications, like acetazolamide (Diamox), can help prevent altitude sickness. Consult a healthcare professional for advice on medication before your trip.
Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness, which can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.
If you or someone in your group experiences severe symptoms of altitude sickness, descend to a lower altitude immediately.
Rest often and avoid overexertion, especially in the first few days at high altitude.
Keep yourself warm to prevent cold-related issues that can exacerbate altitude sickness.
 In severe cases, supplemental oxygen may be necessary. Portable oxygen systems are available in many high-altitude areas.
Remember, altitude affects individuals differently, and there’s no guaranteed way to prevent altitude sickness entirely. Being attentive to your body’s signals and taking preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk. If you have pre-existing health conditions, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional before traveling to high altitudes.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenge, a proper challenge. Travel Route Africa expertise and experience give you the best chance of getting to the top. But things can go wrong, so you need to know that your operator can react quickly and correctly to deal with any emergency. At Travel Route Africa, our mountain crews know just what to do.
Two rescue vehicles are provided on standby by the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities, though these can access only certain locations on the mountain. On the Machame and Lemosho routes, the rescue vehicle can reach a point 45 minutes’ walk below the Shira Cave Camp and will then return with the climber to Londorossi Gate. On the Marangu and Rongai routes, the rescue vehicle can reach as far as Horombo Hut, and then takes the climber back down to the Marangu Gate.
At the relevant gate, an Travel Route Africa driver will be waiting with our vehicle to transfer the climber to either the hospital or hotel, depending on their condition at the time.
In the event that a rescue vehicle is required, the Travel Route Africa mountain guide will contact the ranger post on the mountain. The ranger post then radios the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority to arrange for the rescue vehicle.
Thankfully, not every injury or illness requires a climber to be evacuated urgently from the mountain. In the case of a condition that is less severe, but which prevents the climber from continuing with the climb, you can rest assured that one of your experienced Travel Route Africa mountain guides will accompany you back down the mountain to the starting-point. From there, Travel Route Africa will transfer you to a hotel to rest and to receive medical attention, should that be necessary. Please be aware that any extra nights spent in hotels in addition to the night at the start of the trip, and the night at the end, will have to be paid by the climber in addition to the trip cost. During your recuperation time in the hotel, Travel Route Africa will be closely monitoring your recovery.
If you have chosen the Marangu Route for your Kilimanjaro climb, then specially designed Stoller-type stretchers are available in the event of severe altitude sickness, leg injury or other illness/injury which might require evacuation of the climber. These stretchers incorporate a large wheel in their design, which makes it unnecessary for the climber to be carried on the back of a mountain crew member. Each hut on the Marangu Route is equipped with one of these, but note that they are not available on other Kilimanjaro routes.
Your guides also know when things are serious and evacuation by helicopter is the only option. This is done with the recognized rescue organization, Kilimanjaro Search and Rescue (SAR).
This organization works in partnership with Travel Route Africa (and other operators) and provides a helicopter rescues operation on Mount Kilimanjaro. SAR operate Airbus AS 350 B3 helicopters out of the nearby airport at Moshi.
The service involves mobilization of trained and experienced pilots, aircrew and rescue doctors who are all used to whatever situation might arise on the mountain. Response to any emergency call is swift. In conjunction with the actual rescue operation, SAR also operates a specialist medical facility, focusing on conditions caused by high altitude. Treatments is available 24/7, from the SAR medical teams.
To be eligible for the services offered by SAR, you must ensure that you have the necessary travel insurance. This must include cover for high-altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters.
+255 764 501 774
hello@travelrouteafrica.com
P.O.Box: 6714, Moshi, Tanzania
