If you’re interested in doing the Seven Summits, Kilimanjaro makes a great starting place. If you’re interested on standing on the highest point in Africa, on the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, or just pushing your limits, Kili is also your huckleberry.
At 19,341 feet, it sits right in the middle of the Seven Summits list:
#1: Everest (Nepal/China, Asia): 29,029
#2: Aconcagua (Argentina, South America): 22,837
#3: Denali (Alaska, North America): 20,156
#4: Kilimanjaro (Tanzania, Africa): 19,341
#5 Elbrus (Russia, Europe): 18,510
OR
Mont Blanc (France/Italy, Europe): 15,774
Depending on a dispute whether Elbrus is in Europe or Asia.
#6: Vinson Massif (Antarctica): 16,050
#7: Wilhelm (Papua New Guinea, Australia):14.793 feet
OR
Kosciuszko (Australia Mainland): 7,390 feet
Both compete for the highest peak on the Australian continent, based on political or geophysical data.
After doing some research with my climbing buddy SuperDave, we picked Tusker Trail for an outfitter. Excellent reputation, two medically trained guides, a trained chef, and a whole accompaniment of porters. Talk about luxury! We would be joined by two ER doctors, Crazy Clay from Chicago, and Ashley from Abu Dhabi, UAE. They became friends in medical school, and despite living across the world from each other they have kept in close touch and have done several amazing trips together. Both very experienced world travelers, they would turn out to be fun trip partners with lots of great stories.
We picked the 12 day Lemosho route, the same as the 11 day route but with an extra night to sleep in the crater at 18,000 feet. This route gives you enough time to properly acclimatize and enjoy the hike, something you don’t get with the short routes. We saw plenty of people doing the short climbs absolutely suffering from altitude sickness up there!
An Icon
If you think about doing an African Safari, or pretty much anything in Africa – the Land Cruiser is what you think of. And for good reason. Tusker uses these to transport their guests to the Landarossi Gate for the start of the hike.
The Crew
Our awesome crew – Guadance, Nemes, and Joseph. Tusker Trail is the most expensive Kilimanjaro outfitter, and for a reason. Medically trained crew, consumate professionals, a chef to prepare all the meals, and quality, well maintained gear. Sure there are cheaper options, but there’s no sense turning into a cheap-ass when your life could depend on it.
Searching
Porters from various trekking companies search for a cellular signal at Barranco Camp.
Warm and Cozy
Our tent looks warm and cozy against the cold mountain sky at Shira Camp.
Closed for the Night
This Giant Lobelia lives high in the mountains of East Africa, and has adapted to the cold environment by closing itself up at night to preserve moisture.
Onward and Upward
Clay and Ashley, when we were all still fresh and smiling.
Meru
Ashley and Clay pose with Mount Meru in the background.
Keeping Watch
Nemes and Gaudence keep an eye on our group as we stop for a photo op.
Frosty Morning on the Mountain
We wake up to frost-covered tents. Clear, open skies and altitude make for wild temperature swings.
Mountain Mealtime
Just one of the many fantastic meals that Eric cooked for us on the mountain. Since we’d normally get done hiking fairly early, we spent our afternoons in the tent playing cards and munching down on yet another awesome buncha chow. Clay and Ashley turned out to be formidable Euchre players, and kept SuperDave and I on our toes.
The Fortress
Mount Kilimanjaro is a forbidding sight.
Road to Nowhere
When you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.
Dry and Dusty
The group treks across one of many dry, dusty trails.
Which Way
Just in case you don’t know where you’re at
D.I.R.T.
Funny how none of these boots started this color.
Kick Em Up
Sometimes you just have to kick your feet up after a long day on the trail and enjoy the view.
The Karanga Horse Thief Gang
Looks like a group of horse thieves to me!
Lavaland
The barren landscape is a constant reminder of the massive forces that created the volcano.
Window to the World
A gorgeous mountain view from my tent.
The Task Ahead
The group reflects on the long climb ahead. The porters are absolute beasts, carrying huge loads on their heads and backs up and down the mountain.
The Strip
A long trail across a barren landscape between Karanga Camp and Barafu Camp.
Peak Peek
The first rays of light peek over Mawenzi Peak
Endless Sea of Clouds
A mountain sunrise above the clouds
Our Fearless Leader
Gaudence was one of our Tusker guides – aka, our Fearless Leader. He and Nemes were consumate professionals – knowledgable about the flora and fauna, medically trained, great wit and personalities, and generally fun to hike with. Between the guides and other hikers, I couldn’t have asked for a better group.
Chins Up
Stopping for a smile.
Pole, Pole
Pole means Slow in Swahili, and the mountain guides are famous for saying "Pole, Pole" to keep you moving slowly and steadily. This photo sums up everyone’s energy level as we approach Stella Point. Heads down, watch your next step, and take the step. Rinse, lather, repeat.
The Important Picture
The important picture!
Can’t Unsee This
Try as you might, you can’t unsee Clay in his Speedo
Glaciers Ahead
The barren path into Crater Camp
Furtwangler
The Furtwangler Glacier
Land of Ice
The glacier creates an unwelcoming landscape of needle-sharp ice spikes.
View to the Summit
The view of Uhuru Peak above the Furtwangler Glacier and Crater Camp
Drip. Drip. Drip.
The Furtwangler Glacier is but a small remnant of what it once was, and continues to drip it’s lifeblood away daily as global warming continues to increase temperatures across the globe.
