A Journey of Triumph and Lessons

Kilimanjaro

My First Time Scaling Mount Kilimanjaro:

A Journey of Triumph and Lessons

Mountains have a way of calling to you. When they do, you answer. This is the story of how I answered Kilimanjaro’s call, summited Africa’s highest peak, and learned some hard lessons along the way.

The Call to Kilimanjaro

I shared Kilimanjaro’s call with my fellow day dashers. Turns out, they felt it too. We started planning immediately.

Kilimanjaro has several routes, but we chose the Marangu route. Known as the “Coca-Cola route,” it’s the longest but has the highest success rate. Plus, it offers bandas (mountain huts) instead of tents—a luxury we appreciated.

Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895 meters, 1,000 meters higher than Mount Kenya. At that altitude, oxygen levels are just 50% of what they are at sea level. It was going to be daunting, but we were determined.

We gathered our gear: warm sleeping bags, proper summit clothes, and more. In late November 2024, the 4 of us set off from Nairobi, ready for the adventure.

Preparing for the Climb

I shared Kilimanjaro’s call with my fellow day dashers. Turns out, they felt it too. We started planning immediately.

We gathered our gear: warm sleeping bags, proper summit clothes, and more. In late November 2024, the 4 of us set off from Nairobi, ready for the adventure.

The Journey to Kilimanjaro

Our team included Dan, Moffat (a 62-year-old hiking legend), Mark (a first-time hiker who’d conquered Mount Kenya’s day dash), and me. We drove from Nairobi to Marangu via the Tarakea border, arriving at the foot of Kilimanjaro by evening.

We stayed at Nakara Hotel, just a short drive from the Marangu Gate. The excitement at this point was palpable. Everyone was in high spirits.

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Horombo Hut

The next morning, we set off for the gate. Kilimanjaro’s organization impressed me immediately. The staff were friendly, and the registration process was smooth. After a few photos, we began our ascent.

The first leg to Mandara Hut was easy, with lush forests and picturesque streams. We arrived in about two hours, enjoyed lunch, and continued to Horombo Hut.

Horombo was stunning. The bandas were cozy, and the dining area served a three-course meal—luxury in the mountains! But I developed severe diarrhea, losing fluids rapidly. Thankfully, Mark had antidiarrheal medication, which saved me from aborting the mission.

Day 2: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Day two was a shorter trek, covering just 9.5 kilometers. The terrain grew rockier, and the vegetation thinned out. As we neared Kibo Hut, rain forced us into our raincoats.

Kibo Hut was foggy and cold, but the bandas were warm and comfortable. We had an early dinner and rested, knowing the summit push would begin at midnight.

Summit Night: The Ultimate Challenge

At 10 PM, we woke up to snow. Kilimanjaro had transformed into a winter wonderland. We layered up and set off just before midnight.

The climb was brutal. The snow was knee-deep in some sections, and the altitude made every step a battle. We reached Gilman’s Point (5,700 meters) after four grueling hours. The final stretch to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) felt endless.

After 7.5 hours, we finally saw the summit sign. I was exhausted but elated. The wind was fierce, and I barely had the energy to celebrate. I took a quick photo and started the descent, knowing the journey wasn’t over.

The Descent: A Race Against Time

Descending was harder than I expected. The snow made the trail slippery, and fatigue set in. By the time we reached Kibo Hut, we realized we had no dry clothes left. Due to poor planning we were forced us to descend all the way to the gate—a 33-kilometer trek.

We didn’t mind the long walk, knowing a cozy bed at Nakara Hotel awaited us. It’s funny how, in the middle of the wilderness, all you crave is the simple comfort of a warm, soft bed

We pushed through, covering 42 kilometers in one day. By 7:30 PM, we were back at Marangu Gate, utterly spent but triumphant.

Lessons Learned

Gear Matters

I underestimated the importance of proper summit gear. Waterproof socks, gaiters, and snow goggles are essential.

2. Preparation is Key

I didn’t read the gear list thoroughly, assuming my Mount Kenya experience was enough. Big mistake.

3. Respect the Mountain

Kilimanjaro is beautiful but unforgiving. Proper planning and respect for its challenges are non-negotiable.

Conclusion

Kilimanjaro is majestic, domineering, and worth every ounce of effort. The organization, the scenery, and the sense of accomplishment made it unforgettable. I left with a summit certificate and a promise to myself: I’ll be back, better prepared and ready to conquer it again.

If Kilimanjaro calls you, answer. But remember—prepare well, respect the mountain, and enjoy the journey.

My First Time Scaling Mount Kilimanjaro: