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In every inspiring natural creation there is a realism that speaks to you. In every moment on a mountain you find it more and more...

KILIMANJARO, TANZANIA

Dave
2004-02-22 13:14:18

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the hardest hiking days. You climb from 15,3000 to 18,500 feet. If you were going to climb 3200 feet vertical from sea level you would have a much easier time. This vertical elevation gain at this high altitude is much harder. It is best to take it slow and climb carefully. This is the most dangerous day of the climb. Some of the sections are extremely steep and slippery, not to mention you may have to watch out for rock fall. One group that I am aware of had a member who was recovering from a melon-sized rock that crashed into his skull. His blood was draining into a plastic bucket as they attempted to bandage and help him. There will be climbing on all fours on this day in particular sections. The views are incredible! 16,000 foot Mt. Meru is clearly visible peaking above the ascending cloud layer. While we were climbing we did not see or hear any rock fall. If you are careful you will be fine. In the steep sections, take it very slowly and be aware of where you are stepping or climbing. Camp elevation this day is 18,500 feet. Hiking time is between 7 to 10 hours.

Mweka Camp is located at 10,000 feet. Before getting to this camp you summit the mountain, which takes about 1 to 2 hours from Crater Camp. There are two routes, one straight up to the summit, or the other via a longer route up the valley and then up to the summit. I won’t give any specifics of the summit except to say it is an incredible experience upon reaching the top. After spending some valuable time on the top you descend down to Barafu Hut. Descending can be quite difficult. You are descending on volcanic scree which is very loose. You end up sliding down in sections more than actually hiking. This day will have dropped about 9500 feet from the summit. Mweka camp is located at 10,000 feet. Here you briefly experience the crowds that climb this mountain. When I was here, this camp had the feel of a refuge camp. Many tour groups had tents scattered as far as the eye could see. Toilets and other belongings were randomly strewn about. From here you have great views of Kilimanjaro. Hiking time on this day is about 7 to 9 hours.

The last day takes about 4 to 6 hours to make the steep descent to one of the park’s entrances at the Mountain Village Lodge. This was the muddiest day of the entire climb. You end up being in mud up to your knees in some places. If the trail was not muddy you could make very good time.