In 2019, I successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m), the highest peak in Africa and one of the Seven Summits. Located in Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb, which makes it a popular destination for climbers aiming to experience high-altitude mountaineering. Despite its non-technical nature, the climb still posed its own challenges, primarily due to altitude sickness, extreme weather conditions, and the need for careful acclimatization.
I began the journey by flying into Tanzania and traveling to the town of Moshi, which is the primary base for Kilimanjaro climbers. After organizing the necessary permits and meeting the team of guides and porters, we started our ascent via the Machame Route, one of the most scenic and challenging routes on the mountain.
Trekking to Base Camp: The trek to the mountain’s base camp was well-supported, with porters handling much of the heavy gear and tents, allowing climbers to focus on the ascent itself. We spent several days acclimatizing at various camps along the route to prepare for the high-altitude environment.
The climb was done in several stages over 7 days. The terrain varied from rainforests at the lower altitudes to alpine deserts and eventually the snow-capped summit. The route offered dramatic changes in landscape and altitude, challenging climbers both physically and mentally.
Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,800m): The first day involved a steep ascent through lush rainforest, where we encountered muddy paths and occasional wildlife.
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,960m): The second day included a long trek across the alpine desert, with incredible views of the peak and nearby glaciers.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,000m): A tough day involving a steep ridge climb known as the Barranco Wall, but the view at the top was breathtaking.
Karanga Camp to High Camp (4,750m): The last camp before the summit push, we began feeling the effects of the altitude, with breathing becoming more difficult.
High Camp to Summit (5,895m): We began the summit push around midnight to reach the summit before sunrise. The final push was an exhausting climb in the dark and the cold, requiring both physical strength and mental endurance.
Altitude Sickness: By the time we reached 5,000m, the effects of altitude sickness were starting to become noticeable. I had to maintain a slow, steady pace to prevent exhaustion and avoid symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
Cold and Wind: The summit night was freezing cold, with temperatures plummeting to -10°C or lower. The wind chill made the experience even more difficult, requiring us to stay bundled in layers of clothing.
Exhaustion: The final ascent was physically demanding. The long night climb up the Kilimanjaro glaciers required strength and perseverance, but knowing the summit was so close kept us going.
After a gruelling 8-hour ascent, I reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m) just before sunrise. The sight from the summit was surreal. I stood on the highest point in Africa, surrounded by craters, glaciers, and views of the surrounding savannah below. Watching the sunrise over the African plains was an unforgettable experience.
