Discover the Journey: Climbing Kilimanjaro to Life’s Summit Experience
The allure of Africa often begins with the promise of a safari. Our group of five had initially planned an 18-day adventure to track wildlife and relax on the idyllic Zanzibar Island. However, just five days before our departure, we made a spontaneous decision to swap Zanzibar for the thrilling challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mount Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa, offers the unique experience of watching snow at the equator, pushing personal limits, and conquering nature. Reflecting on it, these impulsive decisions are exactly what life is about. We opted for the Mechame, or Whiskey, route, renowned as the most classic path up Kilimanjaro. This route provides a daily change in scenery, a gradual increase in altitude, and more time to acclimate, resulting in a higher summit success rate.
Two other popular routes are the Marangu, or Coca-Cola, route, which is the only one offering huts for the first few days. It starts with a gentle ascent followed by a steeper climb, leading to a slightly lower summit success rate. The Lemosho route, typically an 8-day journey, is longer and more expensive but allows for even better acclimatization due to its extended duration.
The Whiskey route usually takes 7 days and 6 nights, but we compressed it to 6 days and 5 nights, adding a layer of mental and physical challenge. Our local tour cost $1200 per person and included 22 porters and guides. For those six days of outdoor camping, they carried all our essentials, from clothing and food to shelter and supplies.
We only needed to carry our day-use items. This level of service is truly unparalleled, and despite the hardships, we felt like royalty every day. From the delicious meals they prepared to their unwavering support and encouragement, everything was top-notch.
The Swahili phrases “Pole Pole” (slowly, slowly), “Hakuna Matata” (no worries), and “Jambo, Jambo” (hello, hello) still echo in my mind. After each meal, we would sing and dance, and I picked up these phrases just by listening.
The first five days of our compressed itinerary were relatively manageable. We gradually adapted to the altitude and climate, and the landscape transformed daily. On the fourth day, we faced strong winds and heavy rain. One of our companions, unfortunately, wore the wrong clothes and got drenched, leading to a breakdown. Thankfully, after reaching the camp and making timely adjustments, he recovered.
On the fifth day, we arrived at the 4600m camp, preparing for the final push to the summit. We started resting around 3-4 PM.
At midnight,
Finally, the moment to summit arrived.
Under the glow of headlamps and the silvery moonlight, we set off towards the summit. The cold wind howled past our ears, threatening to knock us over, but our determination remained unshaken. The path underfoot was barely visible, feeling narrow and steep.
Throughout the journey, a profound silence enveloped us, each step a testament to our determination and resilience. No one dared to pause or rest, fearing that even a moment’s hesitation could sap our resolve. We bolstered each other with words of encouragement, pushing forward as a united front towards the summit.
As the first light of dawn illuminated our path,
I realized that life is truly lived in these very moments.
Standing at 5895 meters, atop the highest peak in Africa, I gazed out over the endless mountain ranges and the sea of clouds, my heart swelling with a profound sense of accomplishment and pride. The sight of the gradually melting glaciers stirred a deep emotion within me.
In that moment, I felt the immense power of nature and the humbling insignificance of humanity. Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa, is more than just a mountain; it is a symbol of the indomitable spirit that drives us to challenge ourselves and conquer every obstacle.
