More people have died to date trekking up Kilimanjaro than Mount Everest but Everest is attempted by fewer climbers.


High Altitude Classification of Zones:
High altitude = 1,500–3,500 metres (4,900–11,500 ft)
Very high altitude = 3,500–5,500 metres (11,500–18,000 ft)
Extreme altitude = above 5,500 metres (18,000 ft)

 

Consequently, the incidence of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is widely deemed to be unacceptably high on Kilimanjaro, with high volumes of fit young people succumbing to the condition.

DAY ONE:

We drove to the starting point with Team Kilimanjaro which included our guide Kalvin plus ans asst. guide, a cook, asst. cook, security, and six porters to carry the necessary gear.

It was already getting cold after the first days hike.

2,641 Meters / 8,664 Feet

DAY TWO:

Asst. guide, Rand and me with Kilimanjaro in the background.

Lunch was served in a cave to get us out of the sun, TIA (This Is Africa).

The tent we used had an area in the front for getting ready to hike we sleep in the other section.

3,686 Meters / 12,096 Feet

DAY THREE:

Above the forest the daytime temperature can soar above 40oC yet and drop below 0oC at night. Coupled with increased winds and decreased rainfall, giant heathers, wild grasses and a rocky trail replaces the trees and mud of the forest.

4302 Meters / 14,114 Feet

DAY FOUR:

This region of the mountain is a strange place, truly deserving the title of Desert. There is a mean annual rainfall of less than 200mm a year and what plant life exists at this altitude has to put up with fierce, burning sunshine and sub-zero temperatures – all in the same day.

Slept up this high for acclimatization.

4,741 Meters / 15,554 Feet

DAY FIVE:

We had been rained on, seen snow and even hell.

Very Cold but our spirits were high since we could see the summit I felt we could make it.

Slept at a lower altitude to be ready for the assult to the top.

3,930 Meters / 12,893 Feet

DAY SIX: Summit Day

The Kilimanjaro National Park shows that only 41% of trekkers actually reach the Uhuru summit with the majority turning around at Gilman’s Point, 300 metres (980 feet) short of Uhuru, or Stella Point, 200 (660 feet) meters short of Uhuru. Kilimanjaro is often underestimated because it can be walked and is not a technical climb. However, many mountaineers consider Kilimanjaro very physically demanding.

We made it to Uhuru Peak!

5,895 Meters / 19,341 Feet above sea level

DAY SEVEN:

Going down was easier than going up but, not easy by any means

After seven days up on mountain we first stopped by Chris Burger for a cheese burger and a Kilimanjaro beer. Then, on to Arusha and the hotel for a shower...