Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest peak and a bucket-list destination for adventurers worldwide. It rises to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), making it a challenging yet achievable climb for those who are prepared. However, deaths on Mount Kilimanjaro do occur. This raises worries about the risks involved. The mountain is less technical than peaks like Everest. Yet, its high altitude and remote position pose certain risks.
This guide examines the causes of fatalities on Mount Kilimanjaro. It covers safety measures and how to ensure a secure climb, enabling travelers to make informed decisions.
What are the Risks of Climbing Kilimanjaro?
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a non-technical trek. It requires no ropes or specialised gear. However, its high altitude poses concerns, particularly altitude-related illnesses. The primary cause of deaths on Mount Kilimanjaro is altitude sickness. Common conditions include Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE), and High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE). These situations occur when the human body struggles to adjust to low oxygen levels.
Air levels are approximately 40% lower at elevations higher than 3,600 meters (12,000 feet) compared to sea level, which can trigger headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and trouble sleeping.
Some of the other health risks include:
- Heart Attacks: Pre-existing medical conditions can worsen with extreme physical activity and lead to fatal heart attacks.
- Rockfalls: The Western Breach route has had fatalities due to rockslides. For example, the 2006–2007 events that claimed the lives of four climbers.
- Environmental Factors: Severe weather conditions, including intense cold and unpredictable storms, pose significant risks to climbing. Unprepared climbers are especially vulnerable.
- Malaria: Malaria is not a threat on the Mountain itself. However, climbers may get it in lower-altitude regions. Symptoms can show before or during their journey without proper precautions.
Despite these risks, Kilimanjaro is considered safer than many high-altitude mountains. Its mortality rate is approximately 0.03, which is much lower than Everest’s.
How Many People Have Died While Climbing Kilimanjaro?
Accurate statistics on Mount Kilimanjaro deaths are difficult to obtain. The limited information is because the Tanzanian National Parks Authority does not publish official figures on the matter.
Estimates place the annual number of climbing deaths between three and ten. Some sources suggest the number may be higher due to unreported deaths among porters. About 30,000 climbers attempt the summit each year. This results in a low fatality rate compared to other prominent summits, such as Mount Everest.
Among the reasons for the lack of detailed data are:
- Underreporting, especially for porters who may succumb to malaria or altitude sickness.
- Tourist deaths are more likely to be documented in the media. These deaths are often due to altitude sickness or heart attacks.
- A 2023 incident reported by the Manchester Evening News highlighted a fit climber’s death from suspected altitude sickness. It shows the unpredictability of these conditions.
Is Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Safe?
Mount Kilimanjaro deaths are rare. Yet, the question remains: Is climbing Kilimanjaro safe? Safety depends on preparation. It also depends on route choice for the trek and the outfitter you choose. Compared to Everest, Kilimanjaro is more accessible. Everest has recorded over 335 deaths as of 2024. Kilimanjaro’s non-technical nature makes it a safer option. However, risks like high-altitude illness and unprecedented natural events, like sudden storms, require proper preparation.
There are several ways to increase safety significantly:
- Selecting the Best Route: These routes adhere to the “climb high, sleep low” theory. This practice helps the body adapt to higher altitudes.
- Employing Skilled Guides: Reputable operators offer qualified guides. They are prepared for aid and altitude sickness prevention, ensuring a rapid emergency response.
- Appropriate Preparation: Physical conditioning is essential. Proper equipment and malaria prevention are necessary for both pre- and post-climb travel.
- Emergency Procedures: To handle crises, operators often utilise search and rescue services, such as helicopter evacuations from Moshi.
By taking these precautions, the likelihood of fatalities during the climb is reduced.
How Can I Climb Mount Kilimanjaro Safely?
Minimising risks requires knowing how to climb Mount Kilimanjaro safely. Physical training starts months in advance. This includes cardio, strength training, and hiking to build stamina. Selecting a reliable tour operator guarantees access to knowledgeable guides who provide daily health checks and comprehensive equipment lists.
Choosing longer routes, such as the 8-day Lemosho or Machame, enhances acclimatisation. A more extended trek can increase the summit success rates to 85% compared to 45% on shorter routes like Marangu. Climbers should also disclose any medical conditions and take malaria prophylaxis when travelling to lower-altitude areas.
Best Time to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Selecting the ideal time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is crucial and can significantly impact the success of your trip. The dry seasons are January to March and June to October. They offer clear weather, stable trails, and improved visibility. You can reduce the risks associated with rain or snow, allowing for post-climb activities such as Tanzania safari tours.
January and February offer warmer temperatures. June to October provide cooler, drier conditions, making them ideal for trekking. Avoiding the rainy seasons (April-May and November) minimises slippery trails and hypothermia risks, ensuring a safer climb.
Who Was the First to Climb Kilimanjaro?
The history of Kilimanjaro’s climbs adds perspective to its safety record. Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller ascended Uhuru Peak in 1889. Meyer was the first person to climb Kilimanjaro. The difficulties of the mountain are highlighted by their ascent, which was made with limited equipment and a limited understanding of altitude sickness. Climbing is now safer thanks to improvements in equipment, medical knowledge, and guiding, but there are still risks.
Safety Tips for Climbing Kilimanjaro
To minimise risks and avoid contributing to Mount Kilimanjaro deaths, follow these tips:
- Train Adequately: Focus on cardio, strength, and hiking to prepare for the physical demands.
- Choose a Longer Route: Routes of 8 days or longer, such as the Machame route, improve acclimatisation and summit success (45-85% depending on the route).
- Pack Proper Gear: Layered clothing, sturdy boots, and a quality sleeping bag are essential. Zara Tanzania Adventures provides a detailed gear list.
- Monitor Health: Be honest about pre-existing conditions and follow your guide’s advice on altitude sickness symptoms.
- Avoid Risky Routes: The Western Breach, while thrilling, is dangerous due to rockfalls and the “point of no return”, which is at 5,500 meters.
How Do You Find A Reputable Kilimanjaro Mountain Guide
To ensure a safe ascent and avoid fatalities on Mount Kilimanjaro, it is essential to find a trustworthy mountain guide. A competent guide can make the difference between a risky experience and a successful summit. The following advice can assist you in selecting one:
- Verify Certifications: Look for guides certified by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority, who have received training in first aid and altitude sickness management. This ensures they’re equipped to handle emergencies effectively.
- Experience should come first: Select guides who are well-versed in Kilimanjaro’s routes, climate, and topography. Skilled experts foresee difficulties and offer vital assistance.
- Examine Reviews: To verify the outfitter’s dependability and safety record, look up customer reviews on websites such as TripAdvisor. Positive reviews left by previous climbers show a reliable service.
- Ensure Ethical Practices: Choose operators that place a high value on treating porters fairly, as this demonstrates a commitment to team safety and overall professionalism.
- Verify Safety Procedures: Ensure the outfitter provides access to emergency evacuations, including helicopter services from Moshi, daily health checks, and top-notch equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What causes most deaths on Mount Kilimanjaro?
Most mount Kilimanjaro deaths are due to altitude sickness (AMS, HAPE, HACE), heart attacks from pre-existing conditions, and rare incidents like rock falls.
- How many people die climbing Kilimanjaro each year?
Estimates suggest that 3-10 deaths occur while climbing Kilimanjaro annually, although the number may be higher due to unreported porter deaths.
- Is climbing Kilimanjaro dangerous compared to other mountains?
Kilimanjaro has a low mortality rate (0.03%) compared to Everest; however, altitude sickness remains a significant risk. Proper preparation makes it safer.
- What is the safest route to climb Kilimanjaro?
Longer routes, such as Lemosho or Machame, are safer due to their gradual ascents, which aid acclimatisation.
