The Everest is considered among the most dangerous mountains to hike. What most people will not think about is that every other mountain has its own death traps and so is the highest mountain in Africa, the Kilimanjaro.
Hiking any mountain will definitely have some risk just like the Kilimanjaro. According to statistics, the Kilimanjaro claims about 10 lives every year.
These are deaths that died from the scene; there are some deaths that have been suggested that have been triggered by factors from the Kilimanjaro Mountain.
The Kilimanjaro is such a huge mountain and it has been hard to record the deaths of the locals some o them are not recorded at the time of climbing since they are on the mountain for other reasons other than the touristic ones.
How many people die on Kilimanjaro per year?
It is reported that about 30,000 people climb the Kilimanjaro every year. There are about 4 to 10 deaths recorded every year. The number of the climbers to the number of deaths is low compared to the expected number considering the risk that one has to endure.
One of the reasons for the deaths is because there have been no proper climbing techniques enhanced here and this causes some deaths that rather would have been avoided.
Usually when someone dies, the team evacuates the body. Therefore there are no dead bodies that you will encounter while you hike the Kilimanjaro.
What is the commonest Mountain Kilimanjaro deaths zone?
The peak of mountain Kilimanjaro is almost the same height at the base of the Everest Base Camp. Above 26,000 feet, the area is called the death zone. Breathing Oxygen in this zone is dangerous and it makes acclimatization almost impossible.
What are the main causes of Mount Kilimanjaro deaths?
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
This is the most common hindrance to hiking the Kilimanjaro. It’s also known as altitude sickness. This occurs when the human body fails to adjust to the altitude. In terms of oxygen intake and other related body processes.
It is important that if you feel any abnormalities, you inform members of your team such that all the measure is taken. The team will have experienced people that will advise you if you can proceed or not or even wait a few days. Usually when someone develops symptoms of this disease, they will ascend abit such that the sickness doesn’t worsen.
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. Some of the symptoms include dizziness, Nausea and shortness of breath.
The Rock Falls
Most routes on the Kilimanjaro are safe but the western trails have some risks of rocks falling. There have been sudden deaths in the past due to these incidences. If you can, try to avoid the western routes.
Hypothermia
There are fewer risks of anyone catching this disease if you have enough clothes t keep you warm. The porters are the ones that have disease most as they barely carry enough clothes to keep them warm.
Heart attacks
The hike to the summit of the Kilimanjaro is a heavy thing that will definitely take a stroll, on your body. This physical challenge will require that you consult with your doctor before you take on this challenge and check for any possibilities of Heart attack.
The Weather
The Kilimanjaro is most favorable to climb during the dry season which comes in the months of June to September and December to February. It’s not advised to climb during the wet months as the mountain is very slippery. It is however very possible that you can climb the Kilimanjaro in the rainy season.
Climb Kilimanjaro Mountain in Tanzania with these recommended Kilimanjaro climbing companies or inquire with us directly below.
