फोटो फिचर - किलीमांजारो ट्रेक

 Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, is the tallest mountain in Africa and tallest free-standing mountain in the world. The peak of the Kili is at 5895 m (19341 feet) above sea level. It is one of the easier mountains to climb without special equipment. 

Every year hundreds of people attempt to climb to the top as a challenge. There are several routes and can take from 5 days to 9 days. We chose 6 day trek via Machame route. In order to avoid altitude sickness on this route you climb high but come down a bit to sleep which allows acclimatization. 

Day 1 : Machame Gate

Day1 : Porters getting ready to weigh(Max 10 Kg/Person)
Rainforest : Porters carrying trek material

With you, there is a guide and his assistant with cook, porters to carry your bag and camping equipment (allowed only 8 kilos of clothes and material to carry). 

Day 1 : Stop of some energy
Rainforest : 11Km walk to Camp

Every day you get 1 liter of water for brushing, washing in the morning and two and half liters of water for drinking. Most important part is to walk very slowly saying “pole, pole” in Swahili or go slow, slow.

Day 2: Mount Meru in background
Leaving behind camp of day 1

Day 2: Heath zone
Walking in clouds

Scenecio plant found only on Kilimanjaro

Camp Shira Plateau,black hut at the back is public toilet
Plants shaped by wind at camp site 12500ft

Mount Kilimanjaro from up close

Hiker with Kili in the background
On the way to Lava tower hikers along the way

Lava Tower at 15220 ft High point
Leaving Lava Tower

Barranco camp 13000 ft in shadow of Barranco wall
in background 12 Km walk

In order to avoid altitude sickness on this route you climb high but come down a bit to sleep which allows acclimatization.

Hikers on Barranco wall climb
Traffic jam near the top of wall

Barranco camp from top of wall
Hikers on trail to Barafu camp at 15354 ft, 9.5 Km

Start at 3 AM for Summit.Sunrise from somewhere in the middle

Stella point 18828 ft

View of Mawenzi peak from Stella point.Return path down the gravel
Mawenzi vally. Another path seen in the vally

The Summit sign is still away. As seen from Stella point

Mawenzi peak at left,Hiker on path to Summit,Glacier at right
Mount Meru from Mount Kilimanjaro

Finally at Summit, 19341 ft

Roof of Kili from Mweka camp 10170 ft,4.5 Km to peak &
11 Km to this camp in one day

Finally crossing Mweka gate

Photo Courtesy : Vinay Thatte