Everything You Need to Know Before You Climb Kilimanjaro

Mountain climbing, especially to high altitudes like Mount Kilimanjaro’s 5,895 meters, is an exciting and rewarding challenge—but it comes with real risks. At African Giant Adventures, your safety is our top priority. Here’s everything you need to know to climb safely and confidently.

Why Safety Matters on Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro may be a non-technical climb (no ropes or ice axes needed), but the high altitude, changing weather, and long hiking days can be dangerous if you’re unprepared.

Every year, climbers experience:

• Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

• Cold-related injuries like hypothermia

• Physical exhaustion or dehydration

• Slips and falls on rocky or muddy trails

Climbing with trained professionals and proper precautions can prevent most incidents.

Our Safety Standards at African Giant Adventures

We follow international mountain safety protocols, including:

1. Daily Health Checks

• Twice-daily monitoring of oxygen levels, heart rate, and AMS symptoms using a pulse oximeter

• Guides check on your energy, hydration, and appetite

2. Experienced & Certified Guides

• All our mountain guides are certified by Wilderness First Responder (WFR) programs

• Trained to recognize early warning signs of illness and provide emergency care

3. Emergency Equipment

We carry:

• Portable oxygen tanks

• First-aid kits

• Stretcher for emergency evacuations

• Satellite phone or radio for communication with rescue teams

Altitude Sickness: What You Need to Know

Symptoms of AMS

• Headache

• Nausea or vomiting

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Loss of appetite

• Insomnia

Prevention

• Take it slow (“pole pole”)

• Choose longer routes with time to acclimatize

• Stay hydrated

• Consider using Diamox (consult your doctor)

Our Response

If symptoms become severe, immediate descent is the best and safest treatment. Our team makes decisions based on your safety—not summit success.

Proper Gear & Clothing for Safety

Wearing the right gear protects you from hypothermia, sunburn, and injury. We recommend:

• Layered clothing (base, insulation, waterproof shell)

• Quality hiking boots

• Trekking poles

• UV protection sunglasses

• Gloves, hat, gaiters, and thermal wear

See our Kilimanjaro Gear Guide for a full checklist.

Weather & Terrain Hazards

Unpredictable Weather

• Rain, snow, wind, and strong sun can occur—even in the same day

• We monitor daily forecasts and adapt plans if needed

Trail Conditions

• Slippery rocks, loose gravel, and steep inclines

• Our guides help pace the team and navigate technical spots

Hydration & Nutrition

• You’ll drink 3–4 liters of water per day

• Meals are freshly prepared and designed for high-altitude energy needs

• We accommodate special dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, halal, etc.)

Mental Preparedness

Mental stamina is as important as physical strength. Expect:

• Long days (6–12 hours of hiking)

• Cold mornings and hot afternoons

• Patience during slow ascents

We help you stay motivated with positive group dynamics, encouragement, and clear progress tracking.

Travel Insurance Requirement

All climbers must have travel insurance that covers:

• High-altitude trekking (up to 6,000m)

• Emergency evacuation

• Trip cancellation and medical expenses

We recommend companies that specialize in adventure travel coverage.

Climb With Confidence

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a serious goal—and you deserve to reach the summit safely and successfully. With African Giant Adventures, you get more than a tour; you get a trusted team, world-class safety protocols, and a lifelong achievement.

Ready to climb smart and safe? Contact our team to start planning your Kilimanjaro adventure today.