Though the world knows the summit of Africa as "Kilimanjaro" natives refer to the summit as "Uhuru" which means "freedom" in swahili; Aptly referred for such an enchanting journey. summit is on the outer rim of the volcanic crater. Inner crater rim is referred as "Kibo". there are three volcanic summits - Shira, Kibo and Mawenzi. Kibo which encompasses "Uhuru" is the most recent of all the volcanic eruptions.
Kibo is referred as dormant as one can still see the gases coming out from the vent.
The mountain is inhabited by "Chagga" and "Masai" tribes. All the research and erudite explorations (by westerners and others) to understand the naming of the mountain as "Kilimanjaro" went awry. And the mountain enjoys its mystery as it surprised the explorers/Thinkers being close to Equator and yet having snows & glaciers.
Hans Meyer is the first one to summit this peak in 1898.
We (I along with a friend from my IIT Kgp days) started our journey to the summit on 3rd july. After signing up in the registrar at Machame gate we hit the mountain trail (well trodden) that was wet with the drizzle taking care not to slip off the ground. Soon we were engrossed in the beautiful dense rain forest of Kilimanjaro. The giant ferns adorn the initial stage of the forest. Later the tall big trees (I don't know the names) and the bearded lichens hanging from the tree branches captivates you.
Day1: Walk through the dense rain forest which is a botanist's delight, towards the end of the trek you emerge out of the dense forest which shrinks to large shrubs and through these, in distance high in the sky appears the summit of Kilimanjaro for some briefing moments and disappears behind the clouds as though nothing existed there.
Day2: One starts experiencing the reality of the altitude as one walks through the canopy of the alpine flora above 3000m towards Shira camp. Initially it's a steep gradient until one reaches the top of the mountain and emerge out of the dense vegetation. Along the path one can spot very beautiful flowers of Kilimanajro. As we emerge out of the vegetation, there is a very beautiful view of summit of Kilimanjaro just in front of the eyes and Mt.Meru in distant above the clouds (summit protruding out of clouds). From then on it's as though you walk with the company of Mt. Meru till you reach the summit.
The climb is a bit demanding in the first half; later it's a traverse of the mountain until you reach the plains of shira camp. This place bears the arid zone of volcanic left out features. The sunset at Shira camp is one of the amazing experiences. The place looks like a make shift village with at least a hundred people. It's a bit windy at this camp.
Day3: Shira camp to Barranco: Long day; Good for acclimatization as one reaches a altitude of 4600m and descends to 3840m at the camp.
Day4: Barranco to Barafu
The days starts with a scrambling over the steep barranco wall to descend into Karanga valley and then climb again to join the route going to Barafu. Then it's a traverse and the route is not very steep to the summit camp. Usually fit and well acclimatised guys will be able to reach it about 2hrs (by 3PM)from Karanga valley camp.
You have some rest + evening snacks and be prepared mentally for the summit push at 12:00 in the mid night.
Day5: Summit Push
The journey starts in the middle of the night. Several voices can be heard across the tents; As you come out of the tent you will see some string of torches inching their way up the mountain in that vast darkness. The wind is unforgiving and doesn't miss an opportunity to strike your face with a cold blow. One has to protect his hands, feet and face with proper layering. Altitude as well plays its role. You hear your own breathing. Climb Below the stella point feels like never ending one. It's windy as you reach the stella point as it's a bit exposed. One can see the Furtwangler glacier and crater rim. Also Rebmann glacier on your left is amazing. One can get to understand how much snow has melted off from the summit of Kilimanjaro. And it may not be too far when the snows of Kilimanjaro can vanish.
From stella point the gradient eases out to a walk along the summit plane. one can enjoy the amazing sun rise from stella point. plains of Kenya can be seen in distance in the eastern direction on the left side of Mt. Mawenzi.
We reached summit just above 7AM.
After some ceremonial pictures on the summit; it's time to retreat from the summit as early as possible. The descent through loose scree is a bit fun if your in good physical shape. Takes about 1hr - 3hrs for fit guys and those who find it difficult during descent may take more time to reach Barafu (summit camp);
We took about 2hrs rest before heading for the 3000m (Mweka) camp pitched in the dense vegetation.
The last trek/walk out of the rain forest to reach Mweka Gate is very beautiful and before you complete (as it comes close to) the trek you begin miss this amazing mountain. You walk to the Park's office and sign in the register. Your summit certificate will be issued immediately. Board the cab and drive to the hotel for a good well deserved hot shower!
~ The whole journey of this Climb above the clouds - was amazing!
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