Helicopter Rescue Services on Mount Kilimanjaro

In the rare event of severe illness or injury on Mount Kilimanjaro, helicopter evacuation may be necessary. With the goal of making Kilimanjaro one of the safest tourist destinations in Africa, there are several search and rescue companies equipped to handle emergency evacuations. These companies use high-altitude helicopters and fully-trained medical personnel to ensure timely responses.

History and Current Status

Previously, helicopter evacuations were uncommon due to the lack of local operators, necessitating deployments from major cities such as Nairobi, which led to delays. Since 2018, with the establishment of local helicopter rescue services based in Moshi, the availability of helicopters on the mountain has improved. However, in adverse weather conditions, helicopters might not be able to land, and manual evacuations via stretcher, provided by Kilimanjaro National Park, may be required.

Helicopter Landing Points

• Highest Landing Point: As of now, the highest designated landing area on Kilimanjaro is at Kosovo Hut, located at 4,900 meters.
• Common Rescue Locations: Most rescues are conducted from Horombo Hut or Barranco Hut. Road-based ambulance rescue is available from Shira Hut.

Safety Protocols

• Training and Coordination: Our staff is trained to work with helicopter pilots and medical personnel to ensure efficient and safe evacuations.
• Helicopter Landings: Not all areas of the mountain are suitable for helicopter landings. In some cases, climbers may need to be carried or stretchered to a feasible landing area.
• Emergency Preparation: While helicopter rescue is a crucial safety measure, it should not be relied upon as an excuse for neglecting safety protocols. Proper acclimatization and adherence to safety guidelines are essential.