USSR, Kiev, 1989…I was sitting on my bed and reading “The Snows of Kilimanjaro”. I was in the middle of the book, but still could not understand what this carcass of snow leopard has to do with the story line. I was holding the book in my hands and thinking about Africa and travelling abroad in general. I came to realization that most likely I will never see those “green hills of Africa”. Here is the story about my perfect Kilimanjaro climb
Almost 20 years later, I was talking to my college friend who just came from Korzhenevskaya Peak expedition about possibility and logistics of climbing a mountain together and the idea of climbing Kilimanjaro was born. He couldn’t go due to variety of reasons and I just couldn’t get Kilimanjaro out of my head. Four months later I was in hotel in Moshi getting ready to start my Kilimanjaro climb the next day.
My perfect Mount Kilimanjaro climb
We started our first day by loading duffel bags into several Jeeps and driving to Kilimanjaro National Park. After the registration at Londorossi Gate was completed, we drove another hour or so to the trailhead, had lunch and headed to our first camp.
Lemosho route
There are several routes to the summit. I did initial research and decided to book Lemosho route climb. Lemosho is one of the longest routes, it allows acclimatizing well prior to final summit attempt. The entire hike (yes, it is hike and does not require technical climbing skills) took 7 days, the Lemosho trail is approximately 42 miles long which mean we were hiking about 5-7 miles a day on average. On our way to the summit we stayed in 5 different camps. Every camp had very unique landscape, layout and of course the altitude level.
Full service trek
Just like I mentioned in Kili Q&A, Kilimanjaro is a full-service trek that include guides, porters and cooks. Our group also had a “toilet man” who cleaned our portable toilets daily(yes, portable toilets, yes Pack paddle Ski rocks!). Our tents were set up and ready for us by the time we got to each camp. Our bags were delivered to our tents daily before our arrivals to camps. About half an hour after arrival to each camp the dinner was served in the dining tent. Expect to have camping chairs, camping tables and even table cloths. Didn’t I say my Kili climb was perfect? This was the most luxurious and by far my favorite camping/trekking experience (the next favorite was camping in Cinnamon Bay, US Virgin Island).
What’s cooking, chief?
The trek included 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners, 2 lunches and hot tea once or twice a day. During our 7-day trek menu included variety of soups, pasta with tomato or meat sauces, potatoes with fried chicken, sandwiches, boiled or fried eggs, cookies, biscuits, made from scratch pancakes. For the drinks we had ginger tea, coffee and juices(first four days). They also served porridge and peanut butter sandwiches for breakfast several times. Overall, very simple, but nutritious food.
Kilimanjaro climb
Back to the climb, the first two days were very light and enjoyable, the altitude didn’t kick in yet, 6-7 hours hikes with some elevation gain and breathtaking views. The next two days were not easy for me. I stated feeling altitude symptoms, headache, lost appetite (not important) and motivation(important) at some point, only to regain both back a day later. My oxygen level went down to 87%(which is not critical, but not ideal).
The hike to Baranco Camp took about 11 hours with little extension to Lava Towers,15,000 feet elevation.
Day 5 Baranco wall was my favorite.
Day 6 climb to Barafu camp was very short and easy.
The summit climb was taught as expected. After long 8.5 hours climb, I was on the top on Africa.
I saw the curve of the earth!
I have another post that describes my Kilimanjaro climb via Lemosho route day by day that should give you a good idea what to expect from Lemosho trail. For those of you who are still deciding which trail to take I strongly suggest going with Lemosho. Yes, it is more expensive, but you will have much higher chance of acclimatizing and subsequently summiting. It is the most beautiful trail with the best views of the mountain.
My perfect Mount Kilimanjaro climb
So, what made my Kilimanjaro climb perfect? The answer is “The spectacular views, the weather, the atmosphere and the service, the summit day (of course) and the most important – the fact that I did something that I couldn’t even dream of when I was a teenager.”
Do not underestimate the climb. It is very difficult both mentally and physically. At the same time, it is very doable with proper training and preparation. Do not underestimate the cost either. In addition to the climb, most like you will need to buy some gear. In case you have no climbing/hiking gear, you are looking at about 800-1000$ or may be more investment unless you can borrow some gear from your friends.
Are you ready to get to the top of Africa? If yes, keep reading. Here is the list my Kilimanjaro posts:
Hope my blog will help you plan your Kilimanjaro trip. So, have a plan, book your tickets, start training today, stay hydrated(important!) during the trek, enjoy the scenery, make friends, talk to porters and guides, but most important – have fun and enjoy the moment! I’m sure your climb will be perfect too!
P.S. There is no “frozen carcass of the leopard” on the top.
Did you climb Kili? What was the hardest moment of your climb?
