Background Information
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa at 5895 meters and remains a fiercely popular destination for hikers and mountaineers from all over the world. As one of the World Seven Summits — the highest points of each of the seven continents—reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is a crowning achievement for any adventure enthusiast.
Kilimanjaro’s surging popularity, however, cites an inevitable cost. Each year, reports surface of climbers succumbing to the mountain’s demanding conditions, prompting questions as to how many people die while climbing Kilimanjaro each year.
Relevant Data
Currently, data trends indicate that anywhere between 5-10 fatalities occur annually climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, with bodies found at various elevations. Additional reports cite over 200 cases of severe altitude sickness, otherwise known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), with some people having to return home prematurely due to extensive symptoms.
At lower elevations (under 8,500 feet or 2,600 meters), AMS typically progresses at a higher rate and can include a whole range of debilitating symptoms, ranging from nausea and headaches to insomnia and confusion. However, once hikers reach higher elevations and are exposed to the hostile conditions, such as dry air and low oxygen levels, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Experts’ Perspectives
Physicians and research teams specialised in the study of extreme environments, observe that, in some cases, climbers succumb to their conditions before their symptoms can be recognised or even diagnosed. In the 2017 documentary series Path of Fury, medical doctor and explorer, Dr. Henry Horger, noted the most common risk factors that can lead to death while climbing Kilimanjaro are:
“People being too ambitious and not taking the time they need to acclimatise properly. That said, altitude ailments can be caused by dehydration, kidney stones, improper nutrition and even by severe fear, aside from a lack of acclimatisation.”
Writer’s Insights and Analysis
Most unfortunate fatalities on the mountain can typically be attributed to one or more of the risk factors listed by Dr. Horger. In a report by research team AVOID, climbers between the ages of 20 to 60 with no previous medical problems often endure extreme fatigue, dizziness, and disorientation as a result of a lack of acclimatisation.
It is necessary for potential climbers to be aware of the high risks associated with Mount Kilimanjaro, especially for those looking to reach the summit in a short period of time. Ultimately, the largest contributing factor towards an individual’s acclimatisation to the altitude is adequate rest. Knowing how much rest to take is an incredibly personalised journey, which should involve the consultation of a physician specialised in altitude sickness.
Additional Considerations
Altitude sickness not only puts climbers in severe danger of bodily harm, but also can obscure key elements of the entire Kilimanjaro experience. From the migrating herds of animals to one of the earth’s most unique and stunning ecosystems, the mountain fosters a truly captivating environment for any true explorer.
Multiple case studies undertaken by research teams like The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) intend to strengthen safety regulations for the region, by closely examining specific conditions that may lead to costly mistakes. For instance, KPAP observed professional climbers forgoing integral safety elements, such as bringing enough water and wearing the right clothing.
Survival Techniques
Studies suggest the best way to prevent altitude sickness is through proper hydration and nutrition, as well as detailed summiting plans meant to suit individual abilities and goals. Such plans should include a steady accumulation of height over no fewer than 7 days, with scheduled rest days of 30 meters or less to let bodies adjust to the thinning oxygen levels.
Furthermore, seeking the consultation of a professional instructor or physician is another key precaution to take when training for the climb. Professional instructors typically provide climbers with the most up-to-date safety techniques, such as proper acclimatisation protocols, risk management strategies and health and equipment inspections.
Alternative Training Routines
For those who want to prepare for their Kilimanjaro journey from their own home, some of the best alternative training programs are designed to strengthen all-body coordination, improve endurance and, most importantly, help climbers adjust to the altitude. Simple and efficient activities like stair-climbing and swimming aid in cardiovascular workouts, which can form a basis for much larger achievements.
Elements like trail running, hiking, and martial arts can also help bolster fatigue-fighting skills and, in the process, prepare mountaineers for upcoming expeditions.
Equipment and Gear
Equipment is a key factor when it comes to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, considering safety and efficiency during the climb. The right gear should include: a durable day-pack, four-season sleeping bag and mat, appropriate headlamps, clothing and gloves, a multi-tool, a high SPF sunblock and sunglasses, and a water-resistant phone case — all of which can fit comfortably into a medium-size duffel bag or travel backpack.
Though the total weight of the pack can reach over 18-kilograms, the comfort and protection it provides should never be underestimated. Additional equipment, such as GPS units and beefier headlamps, may also be required for climbers with more ambitious goals.
Insurance and Risk Management
Finally, taking out an insurance policy against possible accidents is of the utmost importance to climbers considering a journey up Mount Kilimanjaro. Limited resources and medical aid available on the mountain make sufficient insurance plans a vital part of any planned expedition. Insurance should ideally cover relocation and medical treatment services in hospital or clinic, as well as search and rescue services if the need arises.
The vast, unpredictable nature of climbing mountains means all types of risks may arise, some of which are impossible to entrust to safety nets. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of climbers to establish and maintain boundaries for risk management, which also helps in developing specialised safety protocols for climbing any mountain.
