At Follow Alice, your safety on Kilimanjaro is our top priority. We ensure a safe Kilimanjaro climb with expert guides, essential medical gear, clean water, nutritious meals, and a solid evacuation plan if need be.
byPaul Kelly
Jul 15, 2025
20 min read
Safety is everything on Mount Kilimanjaro. At 5,895 m (19,341 ft), Africa’s highest peak presents serious challenges, including extreme altitude and rapidly changing weather conditions. The air gets thinner the higher you climb, and without proper precautions, altitude-related illnesses can become dangerous. That’s why a safe Kilimanjaro climb starts long before you set foot on the mountain with careful preparation and, most importantly, the support of a trusted tour operator.
At Follow Alice, we believe that the right crew equipped with the proper training, experience, and emergency gear makes all the difference between a risky trek and a life-changing adventure. Before we walk you through how we prioritise your safety, let’s first look at the main risks involved in climbing Kilimanjaro. Understanding the risks will help explain why the safety protocols used by reputable Kilimanjaro tour operators and trained Kilimanjaro guides are so essential. If you are still unsure, schedule a call with us today - we will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Sometimes we meet travellers who assume that climbing Kilimanjaro is relatively easy - after all, it’s a walk-up trek that doesn’t require ropes, crampons, or technical climbing experience. But don’t be fooled: climbing Kilimanjaro is a serious physical and mental challenge. For many, it’s the hardest thing they’ll ever do and with that challenge comes real risk. A safe Kilimanjaro climb depends on proper preparation, the right gear, and most importantly, a professional and well-equipped mountain crew. At Follow Alice, we take those responsibilities seriously.
The summit of Kilimanjaro sits in an arctic climate zone despite its equatorial location.
To help you understand the importance of climbing with a qualified Kilimanjaro guide and experienced tour operator, let’s break down the three biggest risks you face on the mountain:
1. Harsh weather conditions
Even though Kilimanjaro sits near the Equator, its summit has an arctic climate due to its extreme elevation. Temperatures often plummet well below freezing, fierce winds sweep the upper slopes, and snow and ice are common near the top.
Exposure to these elements is one of the most dangerous parts of the climb, especially if you're not properly protected. While your personal trekking gear is your responsibility, it’s your Kilimanjaro tour operator who must provide reliable tents and sleeping equipment.
At Follow Alice, when it comes to Kilimanjaro, we go beyond the basics. All climbers receive:
Four-season tents for maximum weather protection.
Four-season sleeping bags and insulated mats for warmth and comfort.
Optional hot water bottles to stay cosy at night.
Essential gear rental, like down jackets for summit day.
This level of care makes a huge difference when temperatures drop dramatically at higher camps.
One of our climbers, Finn, is keeping warm at Uhuru Peak in his rented red-and-black Follow Alice jacket.
Unlike most Kilimanjaro tour operators, Follow Alice provides each climber with a high-quality sleeping bag built to handle the extreme cold at high altitude.
Altitude sickness occurs when your body struggles to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels at high elevation. On a Kilimanjaro climb, the risk of altitude sickness is very real, especially as you ascend above 3,000 m and eventually reach the summit at 5,895 m.
In its mild form, known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), it can cause symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness, and poor sleep. But in severe cases, it can escalate into HAPE (fluid in the lungs) or HACE (swelling of the brain)—both of which can be fatal if not treated quickly.
This is why every safe Kilimanjaro climb depends on knowledgeable, attentive Kilimanjaro guides. At Follow Alice, our guides at Kilimanjaro are trained to:
Recognise the early symptoms of altitude sickness.
Monitor your health daily using pulse oximeters and check-ins.
Administer altitude medication and oxygen when needed.
Know when and how to initiate an evacuation.
To manage the risks properly, every group must be supported by experienced, qualified guides and equipped with the right medical and safety gear.
Mount Kilimanjaro stands nearly 1.5 km taller than the Matterhorn.
Nutrition and hydration are often overlooked when preparing for a Kilimanjaro climb, but they’re important to your performance and safety. Long days of trekking burn serious calories, and your body needs the right fuel to recover and keep going. You also need a consistent supply of clean, safe drinking water.
At Follow Alice, we prioritise both. Here’s what you can expect:
Purified water provided daily (no need to bring tablets)
Three fresh, hot meals per day, packed with carbs, protein, fruit and veg
An experienced mountain cook (shoutout to Raja!) who knows exactly how to fuel climbers for summit success
Optional snack packs and hot drinks for added energy and morale
Climbing Kilimanjaro on an empty stomach or with poor hydration is a recipe for disaster. We make sure that doesn’t happen.
Finally, two lesser dangers are drinking unclean water and not eating enough nutritious food. You need a tour operator with a good water purification system in place. You also need a cook who knows what's required to fuel you for all the climbing you do on the mountain, and then ensures the company provides the supplies necessary to cook those meals at the required quantities. Inadequate meals are one of the quickest ways to ensure an unhappy climbing group!
The overall point we wish to make here is that Kilimanjaro can be dangerous if your mountain crew is inexperienced, ill-prepared or inclined to cut corners. So when you research Kilimanjaro tour operators, you want to find out how they approach the dangers and challenges posed by the mountain.
Water collected from the mountain slopes must be carefully filtered and purified before drinking.
Kilimanjaro guides - qualifications and experience
At Follow Alice, we believe that one of the most important factors in ensuring a safe Kilimanjaro climb is having experienced and highly qualified mountain guides. When you trek with us, your safety is our top priority – and our guides play an important role in that.
Every Follow Alice Kilimanjaro expedition is led by a head guide who carries overall responsibility for the group’s well-being and success. Our lead guides are not only seasoned professionals with many successful summits under their belts – they’re also trained in high-altitude first aid and emergency response. They know how to recognise early signs of altitude sickness, how to manage challenging situations, and how to keep a team motivated and moving safely towards the summit.
But beyond certifications, what sets our team apart is its leadership, sound judgment, and knowledge of the mountain. A great Kilimanjaro guide is more than a mountain expert – they’re a planner, a decision-maker, and a trusted companion. With Follow Alice, you can rest easy knowing you’re in the hands of guides who are not only highly trained but also genuinely care about your safety and experience.
Watch the video below to see our legendary guide Chris doing what he does best:
Follow Alice's wilderness first responders
All of our Kilimanjaro guides – both lead and assistant – are certified Wilderness First Responders (WFRs). This is the highest level of non-medical emergency training available to wilderness professionals. It means our crew is equipped to handle medical emergencies in remote, high-altitude environments like Kilimanjaro, where access to immediate medical help is limited.
From altitude sickness to sprains, dehydration and more, our guides know exactly how to assess and respond to issues quickly and effectively. Their WFR training covers a wide range of skills, including patient assessment, evacuation planning, wound care, and CPR – all taught with the unique challenges of the wilderness in mind.
With Follow Alice, a safe Kilimanjaro climb isn’t left to chance – it’s built into everything we do.
Crossmang, Florence and Trevor proudly holding their Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training certificates after completing their course.
Follow Alice guides - unmatched Kilimanjaro experience
When it comes to a safe Kilimanjaro climb, experience makes all the difference – and the Follow Alice Kilimanjaro team has it in abundance. Our company was born after our founder, Reto Bolliger, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and decided to team up with Chris to start this adventure travel boutique. Calling us well-versed would be putting it mildly—we live and breathe Kilimanjaro. Each of our lead guides has successfully summited the mountain over 300 times. That’s hundreds of climbs through varying weather conditions, with trekkers from all walks of life.
With this incredible experience, our guides know the mountain inside and out – from how to manage altitude adjustment to reading weather patterns and ensuring the right pace for the group. Climbing Kilimanjaro with Follow Alice means placing your trust in experts who have made the journey countless times and who are deeply committed to your safety and success.
Follow Alice's guide, takes a selfie with one of our clients.
At Follow Alice, there are no middlemen; we sell and run our own Kilimanjaro climbs. This hands-on approach means we know every detail inside out, from careful planning to execution, ensuring your safe Kilimanjaro climb is unforgettable.
Chris Sichalwe, director of Follow Alice Tours (T) Ltd, has been climbing Kilimanjaro since 1999. With over 300 successful summits under his belt, Chris has guided thousands of clients to the top of Africa’s highest peak. When Chris is your lead guide, you’re in expert hands. Calm under pressure and quick with a story or a joke, he makes the climb both safe and enjoyable.
Chris Sichalwe brings decades of Kilimanjaro guiding experience and warm hospitality to every climb.
His brother, Robert “Bobu” Sichalwe, is also a director and one of our outstanding lead guides. Known for his warm, welcoming nature, Robert genuinely cares about everyone’s journey. A true family man, he’s passionate about photography, soccer, and pizza, and an excellent motivator when the mountain starts to feel tough. His encouragement is invaluable on the path to the summit.
Robert “Bobu” Sichalwe is known for his warm encouragement and passion for photography and soccer.
Together, Chris and Robert bring expertise, heart, and a personal touch to every Follow Alice Kilimanjaro climb. When Chris is your lead guide, you know you're in very capable hands. He's cool as a cucumber – never gets rattled. You've also got a great storyteller with you, and someone with a great sense of humour. Robert is very warm and welcoming and shows genuine interest in people's lives. He's a real family man.
These brothers are the driving force behind Follow Alice’s reputation as a leader in Kilimanjaro climbs.
Porters are the backbone of every safe Kilimanjaro climb, and at Follow Alice, we believe they deserve proper pay and respect for their hard work. Choosing a Kilimanjaro tour operator who is a KPAP member means you’re trekking with a company that prioritises the welfare of its team.
When you book your Kilimanjaro climb with Follow Alice, you support responsible tourism and help improve the lives of the people who make your adventure possible.
Kilimanjaro porters work so darn hard and deserve respect and equitable treatment.
Pre-climb safety measures for a safe Kilimanjaro climb with Follow Alice
At Follow Alice, Kilimanjaro climbs are important, and safety starts well before you set foot on the mountain. We have a series of thorough pre-climb steps in place to ensure your adventure is smooth, well-prepared, and most importantly, safe.
Let's take a look:
1. Health and safety form
Before your climb, we ask all clients to complete a detailed health and safety form. This helps us understand your allergies, dietary needs, insurance details, and any pre-existing medical conditions—critical information for a safe Kilimanjaro climb.
2. Preparation manuals
We send you comprehensive Kilimanjaro preparation manuals, including a packing list, essential safety tips, and a guide to what you need to know before tackling the mountain. These manuals help you prepare mentally and physically for the climb ahead.
3. Client WhatsApp group
Each Kilimanjaro climb group gets its own WhatsApp chat, including your fellow climbers, your trip manager, and local leaders. This platform is perfect for introductions, questions, updates, and last-minute flight or itinerary changes.
4. Zoom pre-climb chat
About a month before departure, your trip manager hosts a group Zoom call to cover all final details and answer questions. This ensures everyone is confident and ready for the challenge ahead.
Tash, one of our Kilimanjaro trip managers, leads an interactive group Zoom call to prepare climbers for their upcoming adventure.
5. Climb briefing the night before
Once you arrive in Moshi or Arusha, your lead guide hosts a detailed briefing. You'll review the climb plan, equipment checklist, and health monitoring procedures, and meet your fellow climbers. This briefing sets the tone for a safe, well-organised Kilimanjaro climb.
6. Dedicated trip manager
Every group is assigned a dedicated trip manager who oversees your entire journey, from planning to your safe return. They stay in close contact with guides and crew on the ground to ensure everything runs smoothly, making Follow Alice one of the most reliable Kilimanjaro tour operators.
Our commitment to your safety continues on the slopes of Kilimanjaro:
Every Follow Alice Kilimanjaro lead guide is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR), the highest level of mountain medical training available. They expertly monitor altitude sickness symptoms and manage any emergencies.
Daily health checks include oxygen saturation and pulse monitoring using a pulse oximeter to track your condition closely.
We provide one oxygen tank for every six climbers, ensuring immediate access if needed.
If serious altitude sickness is suspected, we use the Lake Louise Scoring System to assess severity and determine if evacuation is necessary.
Helicopter evacuation service
In extreme emergencies, evacuation by helicopter is available through Kili MedAir, based in Moshi. However, most evacuations are carried out on foot or by stretcher, handled swiftly and safely by our experienced team.
A Kili MedAir helicopter in flight.
Evacuation protocol
Should illness or injury prevent you from continuing, you will be evacuated promptly to medical facilities. The efficiency of this process depends heavily on your tour operator’s training, experience, and equipment. By choosing Follow Alice for your Kilimanjaro climb, you’re not just signing up for an adventure; you’re investing in expert care, thorough preparation, and a truly safe Kilimanjaro climb from start to finish.
On Kilimanjaro, the golden rule for illness or injury is simple: descend immediately—descend without delay.
Every Kilimanjaro tour operator is responsible for evacuating their own clients and staff. At Follow Alice Kilimanjaro, we have clear, well-practised protocols to ensure our guides—who are all certified Wilderness First Responders (WFRs)—know exactly what steps to take and when.
If a climber becomes sick or injured, a guide will immediately assess and provide treatment. If evacuation is necessary, the climber will be escorted down the mountain by a guide either on foot or by stretcher, using the shortest and safest route to the nearest access point within Kilimanjaro National Park. The guide continuously monitors the climber’s condition throughout the descent.
A vehicle will be waiting at this access point to transport the climber promptly to the hotel or the closest hospital. Throughout the descent, the guide continuously monitors the climber’s condition to ensure their well-being.
Throughout this process, the guide stays in close contact with the Follow Alice administration team, who will update the climber’s next of kin as needed. If hospitalisation is required, the guide remains with the climber to assist and relay important information back to family members.
With Follow Alice, your safe Kilimanjaro climb is supported by expert care and swift, organised evacuation protocols every step of the way.
Kilimanjaro evacuation routes and access points
Knowing the evacuation routes and estimated times from key camps is essential for a safe Kilimanjaro climb. Below are the main evacuation routes used by Follow Alice Kilimanjaro guides, based on the climber’s location on the mountain:
Mti Mkubwa Camp: Descend via the Lemosho Route to Lemosho Gate — approximately 1 hour
Shira 1 Camp: Descend via the Shira Route to the nearest rescue point — approximately 20 minutes
Moir Hut: Descend via the Shira Route to the rescue pick-up point — approximately 1 hour
Lava Tower: Descend via the Shira Route to the rescue pick-up point — approximately 1.5 hours
Barranco Camp: Descend via the Umbwe Route to Umbwe Gate — approximately 8 to 10 hours
Karanga Camp: Descend via the Mweka Route to Mweka Gate — approximately 7 to 9 hours
Barafu Camp: Descend via the Mweka Route to Mweka Gate — approximately 7 to 9 hours
Crater Camp (Uhuru Peak area): Descend via the Mweka Route to Mweka Gate — approximately 9 to 11 hours
Each evacuation route prioritises the fastest and safest descent to an access point where a vehicle can transport the climber to medical care. The duration varies depending on the distance and terrain from the climber’s location. When climbing with Follow Alice, rest assured our guides are fully trained and familiar with these routes to ensure quick, effective evacuations if ever needed.
The view along part of the Mweka Route, a common evacuation path on Kilimanjaro.
Health and safety equipment on every Follow Alice Kilimanjaro climb
When you book a climb with Follow Alice, your health and safety are fully covered. Included in your climb fee is all the essential equipment and support you need for a safe Kilimanjaro climb, from comfortable camping gear to expert medical monitoring:
High-quality, four-season mountain tents designed for the toughest weather.
Warm, four-season sleeping bags to keep you comfortable through cold nights.
Insulated sleeping mats for added warmth and cushioning.
Private Follow Alice toilet tents for hygiene and privacy on the trail.
Experienced, English-speaking guides certified as Wilderness First Responders (WFRs).
All meals on the mountain, prepared by skilled Kilimanjaro cooks to provide nourishing fuel.
Purified, safe drinking water is supplied throughout the climb.
Pulse oximeters are used daily by guides to monitor your oxygen levels and heart rate.
Emergency oxygen cylinders are ready for anyone showing signs of altitude sickness (AMS).
With this comprehensive safety and health support, Follow Alice ensures you’re equipped to enjoy your Kilimanjaro adventure with confidence.
One of our four-season sleeping tents – each accommodates two people.
We also offer winter down jackets for rent—warm, reliable, and branded with our signature Follow Alice logo.
Salo is modelling our Follow Alice down jacket.
Follow Alice Kilimanjaro crew size
On a Follow Alice Kilimanjaro climb, the size of your mountain crew depends on the number of climbers and the amount of equipment needed. For example, a group of eight climbers typically requires a support crew of around 40 people to ensure a smooth, safe, and well-managed trek.
The exact crew size is finalised at Londorossi Gate, where all equipment is weighed. Once that’s done, you’ll be introduced to each crew member by name and trust us, by the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure, you’ll feel like family.
Here's a breakdown of how we calculate the ideal climber-to-crew ratio for a safe Kilimanjaro climb:
Lead Guide: 1 per group
Your lead guide is the expedition leader. He’s responsible for your health, safety, and the overall success of the climb.
Assistant Guides: 1 for every 2 to 3 climbers
Assistant guides help pace the group, monitor everyone’s health, answer questions, and support climbers throughout the ascent.
Cook: 1 per group
Your cook prepares all meals—breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and hot drinks—ensuring you're well-fed and energised.
Porters: 3 per climber
Porters carry tents, food, personal belongings, and communal gear. They also set up and break down camp each day.
Helping Porters: Variable
This option is available if needed: porters can assist with carrying additional loads, while helping porters may also serve meals, wash dishes, or manage the toilet tent.
Why crew size matters on Kilimanjaro
Some low-cost Kilimanjaro tour operators reduce crew size to cut expenses, but this can put your safety and overall experience at risk.
Having enough qualified guides is important. If a guide is stretched too thin, monitoring too many climbers, they may miss subtle signs of altitude sickness or be unable to give you the personal support and encouragement you need.
In the event of an emergency evacuation, it’s also vital that there are enough guides left to safely support the rest of the group. At Follow Alice, we ensure there’s always sufficient staff to handle any situation without compromising your safety or summit success.
When you climb Kilimanjaro with us, you benefit from the experience, organisation, and care of a fully staffed and well-supported team, ensuring your Kilimanjaro climb is safe, enjoyable, and successful.
Florence is one of our excellent (and highly photogenic!) Kilimanjaro guides.
There are seven main routes to climb Kilimanjaro, each with its own advantages and challenges. One of the most important factors when choosing a route is how well it supports acclimatisation, as this significantly affects your chances of avoiding altitude sickness.
Some routes offer better acclimatisation profiles than others, making them a smarter choice for a safe Kilimanjaro climb. At Follow Alice, we place your health and success first by helping you choose a route that gives you the best chance of reaching the summit safely.
The Lemosho is one of our two favourite routes as it offers really good acclimatisation.
While travel insurance isn’t included in your Follow Alice Kilimanjaro trip fee, it is mandatory for all climbers. Your policy must specifically cover trekking up to 6,000 metres above sea level, as this is essential for a safe and fully protected adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Be sure to double-check this detail when purchasing your insurance, as not all standard policies include high-altitude trekking.
Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit sits at 5,895 m above sea level, so your travel insurance must cover trekking up to at least 6,000 m.
Chat to us if you have any questions
As always, we welcome you to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have.
