Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 19,340 feet or 5895 m, and it is as Africa’s tallest mountain. At 19,336 feet, snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the world’s tallest walkable mountain, and what a walk it is. The Mount Kilimanjaro hiking up attraction is not a technical climb, so no equipment such as ropes and oxygen are necessary. But it’s no walk in the park. Through 5 climatic zones trekkers make their way, as you’ll see from the images below before reaching the summit. From moment to moment weather changes and the high altitude wreaks havoc on the body and mind.
Using the Route of Lemosho-Barranco-Barafu, the photos below are from a trek made in Dec – January 2007/8. This is a 8 day trek, 7 night and allows enough time to the high altitudes for acclimatization, critical for a successful ascent of Kilimanjaro.
Porters
On every trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, Porters are essential. Porters carry tents, equipment, food and other essential items. Porters also cook, set up camp and provide entertainment. Without them, The trek is impossible, so that every group that hikes the mountain has to have them. Usually, porters get paid by the organization that hires them, but your tip at the end of the trip will be their main source of income.
Shira Camp 1
Shira is one of the three Mount Kilimanjaro peaks and on clear days, the view of the summit (Kibo/Uhuru) is spectacular. From the Forest Camp, Shira Camp is a six hour hike. There’s frost in the early morning and the elevation is at 11,300 feet. The summit is in sight.
Moir Camp
Moir Camp has elevation at at 13,600 feet. On this 8 day trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Moir Camp marks the 3rd night.
Lava Tower
Recently, the Western Breach has reopened in December 2007, and hikers would camp and stay at Lava Tower before heading to Arrow Glacier for the night. However, many trekking companies still prefer to use alternative, less dangerous routes.
Barranco Valley
Hikers are blessed with the green and surreal landscape of Barranco Valley after the rocky, bleak terrain past the Lava Tower, with its Giant Groundsels. The Great Barranco Camp lies at 13,500 feet in the Barranco Valley.
Great Barranco Wall
Awaits hikers on the 5th morning is a stiff 800 foot climb up the Great Barranco wall, “Pole pole” (slowly, slowly) does it. The beautiful Karanga Valley comes into view, after the hikers make it up the Great Barranco Wall, and offers a nice respite. Breathing becomes labored at this altitude, especially when you’re scrambling uphill.
Barafu Camp
Mawenzi Peak from Barafu Camp at 15,500 feet. It’s difficult to get warm because of temperatures dip down to 15 Fahrenheit.
Crater Camp
At 18,500 feet, Crater Camp is the last stop before the push to the summit. Next to the Furtwrangler Glacier, the camp is in Kibo’s crater. At this elevation, usually some of the hikers start to lack of oxygen. Also altitude can affect the brain making people feel befuddled and confused. Even make it to the toilet, it’s a huge effort to.
Glaciers
Due in part to global warming, the Mount Kilimanjaro’s glaciers are fast disappearing. In the past century, glaciers have apparently shrunk more than 80%.
Uhuru Peak
Finally, it’s the summit Uhuru Peak, which every climbers deamed to reach. It’s worth to spend more than 30 minutes at the top. Reaching the summit is an emotional moment, often shortened due to the freezing conditions. But for trekkers, there’s also a long day ahead as they try to descend to get more oxygen into their bloodstreams as quickly as possible.
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