Reaching the Top of Kilimanjaro- A Day-by-Day Approach!
Written By
African Scenic Safaris
02/10/2021
Trekking
Every climber’s goal while Mount KilimanjaroClimbing is to get to the summit. Reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro feels like undertaking an adventure. But how exactly is the journey to the summit? That’s a question that lingers in the mind of many travelers.
Rising above the plains of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro has a spectacular natural beauty. And the dream of Mount Kilimanjaro Hike is perfect for any aspiring climber.
Regardless of the six Kilimanjaro Routes, the Machame Route is one of the most preferred routes. It is so popular because it provides plenty of time to acclimatize along the way. During the trek, you will pass through the mountain’s 5 distinct ecosystems. It is truly fascinating to see how the vegetation and landscapes change with the altitude.
Let’s take an example of the 7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb breakdown, what it’s all about providing during the Journey….
Table of Contents
DAY 1- The Beginning
The climb begins much like a walk in the park. It’s very easy. The forest around is a beautiful sight. Even though this part of the stretch is easy, be sure to go slowly. Going slowly will help to tempo your body and reserve your energy for when things get tough. The uphill is like a set of terrace steps that supports the climb. We suggest you stop every 40 minutes for water and a break. The ascent will affect your appetite so make sure to force down as much food as possible.
And the night sky in this stretch might be one of the greatest night skies you’ll ever see.
DAY 2 – One Step More
Day 2 is when the landscape changes from lush rainforest to shrub-strewn moorland. The land becomes perfectly textured. You will have a tasty breakfast, pack up, and get your legs moving by 8:20 a.m.
On day 2, at nearly 10,000 ft above sea level, the path is much rockier than expected. It requires paying attention to where you’re walking. It is also when the peaks suddenly begin to appear. The rapid ascent to high altitude will begin to register. First, you catch sight of Mawenzi Peak. And then the snow-capped Uhuru Peak comes into view in the distance.
After dinner, you can sit out and watch the stars. The quietness of the night and the clear sky will create a tranquil moment.
DAY 3- Taking a break
On day 3, a good and warm night’s sleep will be followed by a refreshing morning coffee. You will get to see a stretch of grasslands covered with the Kilimanjaro plants. Kilimanjaro is the unmistakably shaped signature tree of Mount Kilimanjaro.
After your lunch, resting in a warm tent in the shadow of Kilimanjaro is fantastic. But the walk does become monotonous. It’s just a barren, brown, and infinite pathway. And you have a long way to go to reach the end.
DAY 4- Don’t give up
On day 4, after a wonderful night’s sleep – being warm makes all the difference. After the usual morning routine of freshening up and breakfast, you set out on your journey for the day.
At a height of 15,000 feet, it feels like standing on top of the world. The environment became sparse with vegetation and becomes rockier. It is a very gradual, consistent Kilimanjaro Climb.
After several days of climbing when travellers got exhausted the porters sing a song to motivate them. The song goes by
“ Tembea Pole. Hakuna Matata!
Utafika Salama. Hakuna Matata!
Kunywa Maji Mengi. Hakuna Matata!
Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro,
Kilimanjaro, Mlima Mrefu Sana.
Walk Slowly, Slowly. No Trouble!
You’ll Get There Safe. No Trouble!
Drink Plenty Of Water. No Trouble!
Kilimanjaro! Kilimanjaro!
Kilimanjaro, Such a High Mountain.”
DAY 5- Resting under the Stars
Day 5 is a familiar routine. A warm and restful sleep followed by a morning coffee. It is also the day when it becomes harder to keep on walking.
A short acclimatization walk, then rest, and then an early dinner. This is how the day goes by.
DAY 6- Just one last step
After a relaxing night’s sleep, the morning sun will provide much-needed pleasant warmth.
On day 6, you make your way to the base camp from which you will ascend the next morning. As you trek upward, the sun will provide warmth regardless of the cool temperatures.
As soon as you reach the base camp, you must prepare for the next day’s challenge. Dinner early and in bed by 7:00 p.m. You have to rise as early as 3 a.m. to head to the summit!
DAY 7- Standing on the Top
All the hard work of the past few days has finally brought you to the summit night. Only about 4,000 feet are needed to go up and you will finally be able to reach the summit.
The wind is cold and the conversation is minimal. The climbing is hard but everyone just keeps moving forward. When you finally reach Stella’s point, the hard climbing is over. The joy of having reached this point is overwhelming, and a very emotional moment.
And as you finally reach the Kilimanjaro Summit and Uhuru Peak, you will feel an immense sense of satisfaction.
DESCENT DAY- Retuning with Achievement
The descent isn’t easier. You are going downhill and it’s challenging in its way. You have to watch your every step. The descent follows a different path and you can feel the difference. The steps are easier and the heart is filled with excitement!
For more information about Kilimanjaro Travel Safety or our exclusive Kilimanjaro Climbing Package please contact us-
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro through the Machame Route is one of the best decisions. It is a day you will remember for a lifetime. Standing on the top is a different feeling, it’s a sense of achievement. Standing at the peak you will realize that all your hard work and exhaustion are worth it. As there is a saying the best view comes after the hardest climb.
If you want to know more information about Kilimanjaro trekking visit our Mountain Kilimanjaro trekking page.
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