We got up on 13 October 2013 The summit of Kilimanjaro. The highest point in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain on earth. A magical moment to remember and an absolute must for anyone who wants to experience something very special. Our preparation in the altitude tent turned out to be no superfluous luxury. About half of our group did not make it to the top because of altitude sickness.
Below an overview of our route to the roof of Africa.
Machame Gate - Machame Camp (3000 m)
Day 1 - After our breakfast we are picked up by our mountain guide and we are taken to the Machame Gate brought. All formalities and entrance fees are handled here.
We walk up at our own pace through the dense cloud forests. We get a bit of a fairytale forest feeling here, around us we see tropical birds, monkeys and chameleons. After climbing 6-8 hours we arrive at the Machame Camp, where the cook starts with dinner. After dinner we quickly crawled into our tent so that we could start the next day of our expedition in a fit state.
Machame Camp (3000 m) - Shira Camp (3840 m)
Day 2 - In the early morning, after a hot cup of tea and a sandwich, we put on the laces again. The landscape changes from a tropical cloud forest to a fragrant heathland landscape. After a while the landscape becomes increasingly rocky, with volcanic rocks and cacti.
Here we have a nice view of it Shira Plateau and Mount Meru, an extinct volcano. Along the way we see the snowy top of the Kilimanjaro already lie. After the picnic lunch we arrive in 4-5 hours Shira Camp where we could wash ourselves with soap and warm water from a bowl. After dinner we took a short walk here with our guide to properly acclimatise to the altitude. Then quickly crawled into our sleeping bag.
Shira Camp (3840m) - Barranco Camp (3950m) via Lava Tower (4500m)
Day 3 - Walked up to today Lava tower at 4500 meters and then again descended toBarranco camp at 3600m. This way, we could get used to the altitude and thin air again. In total, we walked for about 6 hours today to Barranco Camp, a beautiful place that is a bit in a gap.
When we arrived, we unfortunately could not see much of it because of the fog. However, when we stuck our head out of the tent at night, we saw the Kilimanjaro up close with a kind of 'purple glow' due to the reflection of the moon. This was really a moment to remember. Amazing!
Barranco Camp (3950 m) - Barafu Camp (4600 m)
Day 4 - After breakfast we climb via the Barranco Wall (300 meter high rock wall) up. We then continue our journey in a surreal lunar landscape. Because of the thin air we really had the idea that we were walking on a strange planet ..
From Barafu Camp we again had a spectacular view of the Kilimanjaro. Tonight we will finally attack the top. After dinner we quickly went looking for our tent again, because just before midnight we leave for the top of the Kilimanjaro ...
Barafu Camp (4600 m) - Uhuru peak (5895 m)
Day 6 - Just before midnight we leave in the moonlight for the toughest part of the climb. We regularly have to stop to catch our breath in the thin air. This is really the toughest stage of the entire expedition. We need no less than 7 hours to cover the 4.8km (!) And 1200 altitude meters. The last part to the crater rim is still quite difficult due to loose pebbles. Eventually all our efforts are rewarded and we reach at 6:44 AMStella Point (5735m), where a spectacular sunrise is going on at that moment.
From Stella Point we have to walk for another 30 minutes to the ultimate summit: Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa 5895 meters height. At the top we forget all the pain and enjoy the breathtaking views. It is difficult to describe this. We will never forget this moment! WOW! The stories of all our customers about the Kilimanjaro are by no means an exaggeration. This mountain has something magical. And provided a good one height acclimatization this is absolutely achievable for everyone!
Greetings,
