Travel Insurance & Safety Tips
Climbing Kilimanjaro is an adventure activity. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all our trekkers. Please Note: Standard “credit card travel insurance” or basic holiday policies often exclude high-altitude trekking. You must check the fine print.
Your Policy Must Cover These 3 Critical Areas
1. High Altitude Trekking Coverage (Up to 6,000m)
This is the most common reason policies are invalid.
- The Rule: Your policy must explicitly cover “trekking” or “hiking” up to
6,000 meters (19,685 feet). - Why? Kilimanjaro’s summit is 5,895m. Many standard policies cap coverage at
3,000m or 4,000m. If you need assistance at 5,000m and your policy cap is lower, you will not be covered.
2. Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
In the unlikely event of an emergency (such as severe altitude sickness or injury), you may need to be evacuated by helicopter or ambulance to a hospital in Nairobi or back to your home country.
- Coverage Limit: We recommend a minimum coverage of
$100,000 USD for emergency medical evacuation. - Helicopter Rescue: Ensure your policy covers “Search and Rescue” or specifically mentions helicopter evacuation.
3. Medical Expenses
Coverage for hospital stays, doctor visits, and medication while in Tanzania.
Recommended Insurance Providers
While we cannot sell insurance, our clients frequently recommend the following providers who specialize in adventure travel:
- World Nomads (Standard & Explorer plans often cover high altitude—check your country of residence).
- Global Rescue (Specialists in medical evacuation).
- True Traveller (Popular for UK/EU residents).
- Allianz (Check specific adventure add-ons).
Health, Vaccination & Altitude Acclimatisation
Your health and safety are our top priority. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a serious physical challenge, but with the right preparation and medical precautions, it is accessible to most healthy individuals.
Below is the essential medical information you need to prepare for your trip.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer: We are mountain experts, not doctors. The information below is based on standard guidelines for Tanzania and high-altitude trekking. Please consult your personal doctor or a travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure for specific medical advice tailored to your history.
Vaccination Requirements
Do I need a Yellow Fever vaccination for Kilimanjaro?
This is the most common question we receive. The answer depends on your travel route.
- Direct Arrivals (Europe/USA/Asia): If you are flying directly into Tanzania (JRO, Dar es Salaam, or Zanzibar) from a non-endemic country (like the UK, USA, or most of Europe), a Yellow Fever vaccination is NOT mandatory.
- Transit Passengers: If you have a transit stop of more than 12 hours in a country with a risk of Yellow Fever (such as Kenya, Ethiopia, or Rwanda), you WILL be required to show a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate upon arrival.
- The “Safe” Approach: Border officials can sometimes be inconsistent. If you are transiting through any African country, we recommend carrying your certificate if you have one, just to be safe.
- Exemptions: If you are over 60 or have a medical contraindication, you must travel with an official medical waiver letter from your doctor.
Recommended Vaccinations
While not legally mandatory for entry, the following are highly recommended for travel in East Africa:
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
- Tetanus / Diphtheria / Polio (Make sure your booster is up to date).
Malaria on Kilimanjaro
The Good News: The risk of malaria on Mount Kilimanjaro itself is extremely low. The Anopheles mosquito (which carries malaria) generally does not survive above 1,800m (6,000ft). Since most of your climb takes place above 3,000m, you are safe from bites on the mountain.
The Reality: You will, however, be spending time in Moshi, Arusha, or Zanzibar before and after your climb. These lower-altitude areas are malaria zones.
Our Advice:
- Take Prophylaxis: We strongly recommend taking anti-malarial medication (such as Malarone) for the duration of your trip.
- Bite Prevention: In the hotel before your climb, wear long sleeves in the evening and use insect repellent with DEET.
- Symptoms: If you feel “flu-like” symptoms (fever, chills, headache) after returning home, tell your doctor immediately that you have been to a malaria zone.
Altitude Sickness (AMS) Explained
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the most significant health risk on Kilimanjaro. It is caused by the rapid gain in altitude, which results in lower oxygen levels in your blood.
It can happen to anyone—regardless of age, fitness, or gender. Being a marathon runner does not make you immune. The only cure for severe altitude sickness is descent.
The “Silent Killer”: Understanding the Symptoms
Most climbers experience some mild symptoms. This is normal. However, you must be honest with your guides about how you feel.
- Mild Symptoms (Common): Slight headache, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep, mild nausea.
- Moderate Symptoms (Warning): Severe headache not relieved by painkillers, vomiting, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath while resting.
- Severe Symptoms (Emergency): Confusion, loss of balance (walking like a drunk), bubbling sound in the chest, coughing up pink froth. (Immediate evacuation is required).
How We Keep You Safe
Our guides are certified Wilderness First Responders. They monitor you daily using:
- Pulse Oximeters: To measure your oxygen saturation.
- The Lake Louise Scoring System: A daily questionnaire to assess your condition.
- Supplemental Oxygen: Carried on all climbs for emergency use only.
Prevention: The 4 Golden Rules
- Pole Pole (Slowly Slowly): This is the mantra of Kilimanjaro. Walking slowly keeps your heart rate low and allows your body time to adjust. Do not rush.
- Drink Water: You should aim for 3–4 liters of water per day. Dehydration mimics AMS symptoms.
- Climb High, Sleep Low: Our routes are designed to take you to a high altitude during the day (for acclimatisation) and bring you down to a lower altitude to sleep. This boosts your red blood cell production.
- Eat: You may lose your appetite, but you need calories. Eat small amounts frequently.
Medication: Diamox (Acetazolamide)
Many climbers use Diamox to help prevent AMS.
- How it works: It acidifies the blood, which stimulates deeper breathing (especially at night), helping you oxygenate your blood more efficiently.
- Should I take it? We highly recommend discussing this with your doctor. Most climbers take 125mg twice a day, starting one day before the climb.
- Side Effects: Tingling in the fingers/toes and frequent urination are common and harmless side effects.
Physical Fitness
You do not need to be an Olympic athlete to climb Kilimanjaro, but you do need endurance.
- The Challenge: You will be hiking for 6–7 hours a day for multiple days in a row. Summit night involves 12–15 hours of walking.
- Training: The best training is simply hiking. Put on your boots and a weighted backpack and go for long walks. Cardio (running, swimming, cycling) is also excellent for building heart and lung efficiency.
- Medical Check: If you are over 50 or have any pre-existing conditions (heart/lung issues, diabetes), please see your doctor for a “fitness to climb” check-up.
Quick Medical Checklist
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Yellow Fever Certificate | Only if transiting >12hrs in risk country. |
| Malaria Tabs | Highly recommended (Malarone is popular). |
| Diamox | Consult your doctor for a prescription. |
| Painkillers | Ibuprofen/Paracetamol for headaches. |
| Blister Plasters | Compeed or Moleskin (Essential!). |
| Rehydration Salts | Electrolytes for your water. |
| Sunscreen | High SPF (The sun is brutal at altitude). |
| Lip Balm | SPF 30–50. Brands like Banana Boat Sport, Nivea Sun, or Sun Bum. |