Kilimanjaro has two main types of rescue services:

1. Helicopter Evacuation by Kilimanjaro Search and Rescue (SAR)

Kilimanjaro SAR is the only air rescue service on the mountain, providing helicopter evacuations for critical emergencies.

How It Works:

1. A guide or tour operator contacts Kilimanjaro SAR when a climber is in distress.
2. A medical team assesses the climber’s condition remotely.
3. The helicopter is dispatched from Moshi (20-30 min flight time) and lands at designated evacuation zones:
   • Barranco Camp (3,900m / 12,795ft)
   • Karanga Camp (3,995m / 13,106ft)
   • Barafu Camp (4,673m / 15,331ft) – the highest rescue point
   • Horombo Hut (3,720m / 12,205ft)
4. The climber is flown to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or a hospital in Moshi or Arusha for treatment.

Important Notes About Helicopter Evacuations:

• Only available for climbers with valid travel insurance that covers high-altitude evacuation.
• Helicopters cannot operate in bad weather or above 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) due to thin air.
• If a helicopter rescue is not possible, ground evacuation is used instead.

2. Ground Rescues by Guides and Porters

For mild to moderate cases, ground evacuation is the only option.

How It Works:

• Guides help the climber descend on foot if they are still able to walk.
• If walking is impossible, porters use a one-wheeled rescue stretcher to transport the climber down the trail.
• The stretcher is taken to the nearest road access point, where an ambulance can pick up the climber.

Ground evacuations take longer than helicopter rescues and can be challenging on steep and rocky trails.

3. Kilimanjaro National Park Rangers

The park rangers, stationed at checkpoints and huts along the routes, play a role in rescues by:

• Coordinating emergency responses with tour operators.
• Providing first aid and monitoring climbers’ conditions.
• Guiding evacuation efforts in collaboration with guides and porters.