What happens if a hiker has to leave a Kilimanjaro climb early? The whole group does not normally have to descend.
If one hiker needs to leave the mountain because of illness, injury, altitude problems or another reason, a guide or crew member will accompany that person down while the rest of the group can usually continue with the remaining guide team.
Does the whole Kilimanjaro group have to descend?
Usually not. Kilimanjaro group climbs are staffed with enough guides to allow one guide or crew member to accompany a hiker who needs to descend, while the remaining team continues supporting the rest of the group.
The exact decision depends on the size of the group, the number of guides, the hiker's condition and where the group is on the mountain.
Who decides whether a hiker should descend?
Your Kilimanjaro guide is responsible for monitoring your condition and deciding the safest course of action.
If altitude sickness, injury or another health concern makes continuing unsafe, the guide may recommend or require descent. Reaching the summit is never more important than your safety.
What happens during the descent?
A hiker who needs to leave the climb is accompanied down the mountain. The route and speed of descent depend on the person's condition and location.
If necessary, the mountain rescue system may also be used. The aim is to get the affected hiker safely to a lower altitude and, where required, onward for further medical care.
Can the rest of the group continue to the summit?
In most cases, yes. If there are enough guides remaining and it is safe to do so, the rest of the group can continue the climb as planned.
This is one reason Kilimanjaro groups are supported by a team rather than a single guide.
Learn more about safety on Kilimanjaro:
Read our Kilimanjaro health concerns guide for information about health monitoring and when descent may be necessary.
You can also learn more about our Kilimanjaro guides and mountain crew .