Evacuation on Kilimanjaro
Evacuation on Mount Kilimanjaro
At Karibu Adventure, your safety is our top priority. Although it is rare, there are times when a climber may not be able to continue the ascent due to altitude sickness, fatigue, or injury. In such cases, our medically trained head guide or assistant guide will immediately assist you to descend safely to the nearest gate or evacuation point.
🚑 Medical & Air Evacuation Support
Karibu Adventure has arrangements with Intensive Care Air Ambulance (ICAA) and AMREF Flying Doctors for emergency evacuation services.
- Air evacuation is available up to approximately 4,000m altitude (depending on conditions and accessibility)
- In higher altitude areas, our chief guide will carefully assist you down to a suitable evacuation point where a helicopter or rescue team can access you
- From there, you may be evacuated to a hospital in Nairobi or Tanzania for further medical care
For more information about air ambulance services, visit:
http://www.amref.org
🚁 Helicopter Landing & Evacuation Points
Helicopter evacuation may be possible at designated landing areas, including:
- Shira Camp
- Barranco Camp
- Karanga / Saddle Area
- Horombo Camp
Additional high-altitude evacuation zones include:
- Barafu Camp (4,570m / 15,000ft)
- Kibo Hut (4,724m / 15,500ft)
⚠️ Please note: These high-altitude evacuation points are extremely sensitive, and helicopter landings depend on weather conditions and pilot discretion.
🏥 Rescue Procedures on Kilimanjaro
Evacuation on Kilimanjaro is always carefully managed and may involve several steps:
- If possible, the climber is assisted to walk down
- If not, a stretcher evacuation is used by trained staff
- Rescue vehicles operated by Kilimanjaro National Park may transport climbers from lower stations
- Radio communication is maintained between ranger posts and park headquarters
Once evacuated, climbers are transferred to medical facilities such as:
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) – Moshi
- AAR Clinic / Aga Khan Hospital – Arusha
🏨 Mild Cases & Early Return
In less severe cases where hospital treatment is not required, the climber will:
- Descend with a guide to the nearest gate
- Be transported back to the hotel in Moshi or Arusha
- Receive rest and medical observation if needed
⛰️ Mountain Safety Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro is considered a safe trekking mountain with well-established routes and experienced guides. Each year, over 40,000–50,000 climbers attempt the summit, and serious incidents are rare.
However, it is important to understand the main risks:
🌬️ Altitude
Altitude sickness is the most common challenge due to rapid ascent on Kilimanjaro routes. Proper acclimatization is essential.
🌦️ Weather Conditions
The mountain experiences heavy rainfall during:
- Long rains: March–May
- Short rains: November
Cold temperatures, strong winds, and intense sun exposure can also affect climbers.
🧗 General Injuries
Although Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb, minor injuries such as slips, falls, or exhaustion can occur on long trekking days.
⛰️ Terrain & Exposure
Most routes are safe and well-established with minimal exposure. However, some sections such as the Barranco Wall (on Machame, Lemosho, and Western routes) involve steep but manageable climbing sections.
💙 Our Commitment
At Karibu Adventure, we are fully prepared for any emergency situation. Our trained guides, rescue coordination systems, and medical partnerships ensure that every climber receives fast, safe, and professional support when needed.
Your safety is always our first priority.
Karibu Adventure – Safe, professional, and reliable Kilimanjaro expeditions.
