Altitude sickness is not an uncommon occurrence on Kilimanjaro and is impossible to avoid completely. Our mountain teams are experienced in detecting and treating it, so you will be in safe hands with Blessed Africa Tours.
The best and quickest solution to the problem of altitude sickness is to get the climber back down the mountain. To ensure a safe descent, there are several possibilities: your mountain guide will choose the best rescue or evacuation option, depending on the location of those affected.
RESCUE VEHICLE EVACUATION
The Kilimanjaro National Park authorities provide two rescue vehicles on standby, although these can only access certain parts of the mountain. On the Machame and Lemosho routes, the rescue vehicle can reach a point 45 minutes’ walk below Shira Cave Camp and will then return with the climber to Londorossi Gate. On the Marangu and Rongai routes, the rescue vehicle can go as far as Horombo Hut and then take the climber back to the Marangu gate.
At the appropriate gate, a Blessed Africa Tours driver will be waiting with our vehicle to transfer the climber to the hospital or hotel, depending on the climber’s condition at the time.
In the event that a rescue vehicle is required, the Blessed Africa Tours mountain guide will contact the ranger station on the mountain. The ranger station then radios the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority to organise the rescue vehicle.
EVACUATION ON FOOT
Fortunately, not all injuries or illnesses require a climber to be urgently evacuated from the mountain. In the event of a less severe condition, but one that prevents the climber from continuing the ascent, you can be assured that one of your experienced Blessed Africa Tours mountain guides will accompany you back up the mountain to the starting point. From there, Blessed Africa Tours will transfer you to a hotel for rest and medical attention, if necessary. Please note that any additional nights spent in hotels in addition to the night at the start of the trip and the night at the end of the trip will be paid for by the climber in addition to the cost of the trip. During your recovery time at the hotel, Blessed Africa Tours will be closely monitoring your recovery.
STOLLER STRETCHER EVACUATION
If you have chosen the Marangu route to climb Kilimanjaro, specially designed Stoller stretchers are available in case of severe altitude sickness, leg injuries or other illnesses/injuries that may require evacuation of the climber. These stretchers incorporate a large wheel in their design, making it unnecessary for the climber to be carried on the back of a mountain crew member. Each hut on the Marangu route is equipped with one of these, but note that they are not available on other Kilimanjaro routes.
HELICOPTER RESCUE EVACUATION
Your guides also know when things get serious and helicopter evacuation is the only option. This is done with the recognised rescue organisation, Kilimanjaro Search and Rescue (SAR).
This organisation works in partnership with Blessed Africa Tours (and other operators) and provides a helicopter rescue operation on Mount Kilimanjaro. SAR operates Airbus AS 350 B3 helicopters from nearby Moshi airport.
The service involves the mobilisation of trained and experienced pilots, crew and rescue medics, all accustomed to any situation that may arise on the mountain. The response to any emergency call is swift. Along with the actual rescue operation, SAR also operates a specialised medical facility, focusing on conditions caused by the high altitude. Treatments are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from SAR’s medical teams.
To be eligible for the services offered by SAR, you must ensure that you have the necessary travel insurance. This should include cover for high altitude trekking up to 6,000 metres.