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Mount Kilimanjaro Deaths
Rising above the East African plains, Mount Kilimanjaro stands as a testament to nature’s impressiveness. At a staggering height of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, Mount Kilimanjaro takes the title of Africa’s highest Mountain. Dominating Northern Tanzania landscape, This dormant stratovolcano has long captivated adventurers, trekkers, and mountaineers from across the globe. Its snowy summit, juxtaposed against the equatorial backdrop, offers a surreal and awe-inspiring sight.
While Kilimanjaro’s allure is undeniable, it is not a mountain to be taken lightly. This brings us to a critical facet of mountaineering – understanding the inherent risks of high-altitude climbing.
Climbing almost any major mountain carries a certain risk of death, and Mount Kilimanjaro is no exception. According to recent statistics, the mountain claims the lives of about ten climbers each year. This figure is rounded up because current data only shows the number of climbers who were pronounced dead on the scene. Because Kilimanjaro is such a massive mountain, there is no way of knowing if locals died in the area and no one knew. Each year, six to seven climbers succumb to this famous mountain.
How many people per year die on Kilimanjaro?
It’s estimated that approximately 10 to 15 people die each year while attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. However, this number can fluctuate yearly based on a variety of factors including weather conditions, the number of climbers, and other external circumstances. Some studies have found that The overall mortality rate was 13.6 per 100,000 climbers
Most Mount Kilimanjaro deaths are attributed to altitude sickness, particularly Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). Other reasons can include falls, severe weather conditions, and underlying health issues.
It’s essential to note that thousands of people climb Kilimanjaro each year (approximately 35,000 to 40,000), so the proportion of deaths to successful climbs is relatively low. However, the number also underscores the importance of proper preparation, acclimatization, and having experienced guides for such a trek
What is the commonest Mount Kilimanjaro Deaths zone?
The term “Death Zone”. primarily comes from the fact that at certain altitudes, the atmospheric pressure and oxygen concentration are so low that it’s insufficient to support human life, even with supplemental oxygen. Mount Everest, K2, and other 8,000-meter peaks have zones that fall into this category.
Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), doesn’t have a “Death Zone” in the traditional sense used in high-altitude mountaineering, as its summit is well below 8,000 meters. However, this doesn’t mean the death risks are inexistence. High Altitude Sickness, which includes Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), can occur at elevations as low as 2,500 meters, depending on the individual.
Given Kilimanjaro’s considerable height, trekkers can and do experience severe altitude sickness, especially if they ascend too rapidly without allowing their bodies to acclimatize. This risk is especially pronounced at the higher camps, like Barafu Campsite about 6-7 hours from Uhuru peak. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and recognizing early symptoms of altitude sickness are critical to safely trekking Kilimanjaro.
What are the main causes of Mount Kilimanjaro deaths?
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
One of the most common and well-known risks of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is acute mountain sickness (AMS), also known as altitude sickness (or any other high-altitude mountain).
Altitude sickness occurs when your body fails to properly acclimate or struggles to acclimate quickly enough as you ascend. Because there is less oxygen per breath at higher altitudes, your body needs time to adjust and produce more red blood cells to compensate.
If you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness, notify your guides immediately so that proper safety precautions can be taken and they can advise you on how to proceed. Many people will experience Mild AMS symptoms as they ascend above 10,000 feet, at which point it is critical to go slower and stay hydrated to prevent the symptoms from worsening.
Headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite are among the symptoms. Symptoms are generally worse at night and may cause sleep disruption. Mild AMS can be uncomfortable, but the symptoms should go away as your body adjusts.
Severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, ataxia, and shortness of breath are all symptoms of moderate AMS. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must immediately descend to a lower altitude and seek advanced medical attention. Because ataxia causes decreased coordination, you will need to turn back before you are unable to walk alone. Descending to a lower altitude will significantly alleviate the symptoms.
Severe AMS is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Severe AMS symptoms include shortness of breath at rest, mental decline, inability to walk, and fluid buildup in the lungs. Severe AMS necessitates immediate descent or it will result in death.
Two very serious conditions result from Severe AMS: High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). Immediate descent, followed by evacuation to a medical facility are crucial in these severe cases.
Falling and Rocks Hitting you
Most routes on Kilimanjaro are perfectly safe, but the Western side has risks of rock falls on you, which can result in tragic deaths Because there are no risks of rock falls on the other routes, it is best to avoid the Western Breach Route. It is also not uncommon for people to fall on sharp rock
Heart attacks
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a very physical challenge so make sure you get a health check-up and consult with your doctor beforehand to make sure you’re not at risk of a heart attack.
Hypothermia
Temperatures on Kilimanjaro can drop significantly, especially at higher altitudes. If a climber is not adequately prepared with the right gear, prolonged exposure can lead to hypothermia.
The Weather
While the weather on Mount Kilimanjaro is typically pleasant during the dry season (June to October), it can be downright nasty at other times. Climbing during the wet season (March to June) is therefore generally not recommended, as limited visibility and slippery slopes make climbing more dangerous. With rockfalls, increased humidity, and other potentially dangerous factors in play during this season, climbers face an “uphill climb” if they schedule their trips during this time.
How to prevent Mount Kilimanjaro deaths
Preventing deaths on Mount Kilimanjaro or any significant mountain requires preparation, knowledge, and attentiveness. Here are several strategies and tips to ensure a safer journey up Kilimanjaro:
1. Proper Acclimatization
– Opt for longer routes that allow for better acclimatization. Routes like the Lemosho or Machame are preferred by many climbers as they provide a better opportunity to acclimatize due to their longer durations.
– Follow the “climb high, sleep low” principle. This means you ascend to a higher altitude during the day but descend to sleep at a lower altitude. This method assists in acclimatization.
2. Recognize and Address Altitude Sickness
– Understand the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).
– If symptoms develop, do not ascend further until they subside. If they worsen, descend immediately.
– Medications like Acetazolamide (Diamox) can be used prophylactically to prevent AMS, but you should consult a doctor before taking any medication.
3. Physical Fitness
– Train for the climb several months in advance. Cardiovascular conditioning, stamina building, and hiking at higher altitudes (if possible) will help prepare your body.
4. Proper Nutrition and Hydration
– Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dehydration can exacerbate the symptoms of altitude sickness.
– Consume a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates to maintain energy levels.
5. Gear and Clothing
– Wear appropriate gear for the climate, including layers that can be added or removed as temperatures change.
– Ensure you have good quality, broken-in hiking boots to prevent blisters and foot injuries.
6. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking while Hiking Kili
– Both can exacerbate the effects of altitude and reduce your body’s ability to acclimatize.
7. Understand Weather Patterns
– Kilimanjaro can have rapidly changing weather conditions. Being prepared for rain, cold, and even snow at higher altitudes is crucial.
8. Health Checks
– Consult a doctor before the trip to ensure you are fit for the climb.
– Consider undergoing a high-altitude fitness test, if available.
9. Respect the Mountain
– Always remember that reaching the summit is an optional goal. Returning safely is mandatory. It’s okay to turn back if conditions become too difficult or health issues arise.
Safety should be the primary concern on any mountain trek. With the right precautions and preparations, climbers can significantly reduce the risks of hiking Mount Kilimanjaro or even death.
Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking Tours
Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes
Machame Route
The Machame route is the most popular route on the Mount Kilimanjaro. The route offers a 6-7 day camping hike with stunning views, enough time to acclimatize and a reasonably challenging hike. From the records, over 35% of the hikers use this route. Camping is allowed on this trail and this ensures authentic hiking expeditions. The hike on this route takes you past famous landmarks like Shira plateau and the Lava Tower.
Hikers are rewarded with stunning views as the trail wanders through ridges and valleys. This offers a desired level of challenge for the hikers. The trail starts from the southern side through the southern ice field before making it to the summit.
Lemosho Route
This route is one of the most beautiful trails on the mountain. Traversing the Shira plateau, it offers a relatively even hike. More to that, the trail offers exclusive hiking adventures before the Macheme route. Lemosho route shares a part of the path with Machame route. Its relatively new but has more advantages over machame. This trail starts at the western part of the Mountain, wandering through the remote sections of Kilimanjaro. Trek through the rain forest with chances of primate sightings of black and white colobus, blue monkeys and a variety of bird species.
Northern Circuit Route
Although the northern circuit is the newest on the mountain, it is arguably the best. It encompasses the best attributes of the other routes on the mountain. The route offers stunning scenery, exclusive hikes, healthy challenge and changes of spotting wildlife. The route follows the Lemosho route before branching southward at Kibo. This route is nearly deserted. The campsites are quite offering serene moments on the mountain.
Although the route is longer than the other trails, you get to spend more time on the mountain. The Shira Plateau, Kibo peak and Uhuru summit are some of the beautiful scenery to enjoy on the hike.
Marangu route
Commonly known as the “Coca Cola route”, the Marangau route is the oldest and well-established trail on the mountain. The hut accommodation on this route makes it the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. The hike on this route is a slow and steady climb to the different camps. However, the ascend to the final camp is a demanding climb with a 1km of vertical hike.
The trek to the summit on this route takes 5 days making it popular with hikers with limited time. This on the other hand doesn’t leave you with a lot of time for acclimatization. This has led to more failure rates to summit than any other routes. As you plan for your Kilimanjaro hike, please keep that in mind.
The Marangau route uses the same path ascending and descending. Trekkers will experience the same scenery on the way up and down. This also leads to a 2 way traffic which can lead to overcrowding.
Rongai route
The rongai route is the depiction of true wilderness on Mount Kilimanjaro. This appeals to trekkers who prefer solo or less crowded encounters on the mountain. It starts from the North eastern part of the mountain along the Kenya Tanzania border. Because of its remoteness, the route is the least visited but offers peace and tranquil moments during the trek. The trail merges with the Marangau route for the final thrust to the summit.
Its not uncommon for hikers to have the trail to themselves for hours or days at a time. This adds to the allure of the trail. The trail receives the least amount of rainfall and is the driest because it starts at the northern side of Kilimanjaro. This makes trek throughout the year possible. During the rainy seasons, the storms tend to stay on the southern side. There are chances of spotting wild game like colobus monkeys. There are a number of campsites along the route.
Nature Walks/Hiking Tours in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
The nature walks and hiking tours in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park are designed to allow visitors to explore the area on foot but with the assistance of a guide. The nature walks take place on several pathways across the park, and throughout the activity, you may see many park monkeys, animals, birds, and bird species.
Primate Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Apart from community visits, another activity in Nyungwe Forest National Park is monkey trekking. The monkey trekking activity allows travelers to see most of the park’s monkeys in their natural habitat. Tourists can observe grey-checked mangabeys, l’hoest monkeys, olive baboons, blue monkeys, crowned monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, Dent’s Mona monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and owl-faced monkeys during the monkey trekking excursion.
