Originally published: November 2016. Last updated: November 2018
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can be a dangerous experience and there have been a few recorded deaths on Kilimanjaro. It can be even more dangerous if you are oblivious to the dangers that lead to death or coming close to it on Kilimanjaro. Much as the hostile conditions on the tallest mountain in Africa play a significant role, the human element contributes significantly, even when you travel with an ethical and fair treatment certified tour operator. A lack of prior planning and adequate preparation may be a recipe for disaster. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Failure to plan is planning to fail.” Conversely, as Confucius is said to have concluded much earlier, “Luck is where opportunity meets preparation.”
