Is Climbing Kilimanjaro safe?

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not without risks and considered dangerous. Every year, about ten climbers fall to their deaths, and the number is estimated to be much higher, while another 1000 are evacuated to safety from the traps of the mountain.

 

is-kilimanjaro-safe-to-climb

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can be extremely hazardous, therefore, it is highly recommended to understand the dangers associated with high altitude climbing before starting out. By paying attention to the guidance of a professional climber, the likelihood of hazards can be greatly decreased.

Do not let the risks deter you from pursuing your adventure, but instead use them to educate yourself and plan ahead.

What is the cause of death in Kilimanjaro?

Every year, numerous deaths on Mount Kilimanjaro are linked to altitude sickness and heart attacks brought on by pre-existing medical conditions. Sufferers of altitude sickness experience a number of symptoms, ranging from a mild headache to a life-threatening lack of oxygen.

It is therefore important to be aware of the dangers of high-altitude climbing and to ensure that adequate medical preparation and monitoring are provided. Additionally, individuals with existing medical issues should be especially cautious when considering climbing and/or trekking at such elevations.

What is acute mountain sickness

At sea level, the percentage of oxygen is about 21 per cent. As you climb higher, the percentage remains the same but the amount of oxygen is reduced with each breath you inhale. When you reach 12,000 feet (3,600 meters), there are only 40 percent oxygen molecules available in every breath you inhale, forcing your body to fight to adjust to the available oxygen at that level. As you continue hiking, your body is fighting a losing battle as it fails to adapt quickly enough to the reduced oxygen. This is called Acute Mountain Sickness, and it can attack the healthiest individual.

Acclimatization while Climbing Kilimanjaro

The primary cause of AMS is climbing too high too fast. Given enough time, your body can adapt to low levels of oxygen at a specific altitude. This is referred to as acclimatization and is a must for any aspiring climber. For successful acclimatization to take place, set aside two to three days at a given altitude. While acclimatization is taking place your body changes to enable it to cope with low levels of oxygen. Here is what takes place:

a.    The depth of your respiration goes up

b.    Your body produces more red blood cells to carry more oxygen

c.    The pressure in your capillaries is increased. This forces blood to penetrate areas in your lungs which are generally not used when breathing normally.

d.    The body releases more enzymes that cause oxygen to be absorbed by body tissues.

We may not exhaust the science involved, but the symptoms of AMS start at around 12 to 24 hours after arriving at altitude. These symptoms are:

o    A headache

o    Dizziness and nausea

o    Lack of appetite

o    Fatigue

o    Shortness breathing

o    Bad sleep

o    General irritation

Other dangers while climbing Kilimanjaro

Apart from Acute mountain sickness, other dangers climbers are warned against while climbing Kilimanjaro are:

  • Hypothermia (loss of heat due to cold)
  • Slipping and falling off rocks
  • Getting hit by avalanches
  • Falling off cliffs
  • Heart attacks
  • Diarrhoea
  • Cold and respiratory infections
  • Twisting your ankles
  • Tropical diseases like Malaria and Typhoid

Final word

Recently there has been many deaths and evacuations associated with climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Whether it was due to ignorance, lack of adequate preparation or irresponsible tour operators is still debatable. But climbing Mount Kilimanjaro need not be dangerous if you plan well and prepare in advance, you can reduce most risks significantly if not avoid them entirely.