Day 9: Climb to Mweka Gate

Our climbers are waking up to their last day on the mountain. They’ll have their last breakfast in the mess tent and then start their trek. They’ll descend through the rainforest past towering trees and lush ferns to a hot lunch at Mweka Gate – where they’ll end their adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro.

MOUNTAIN ROUTE STATS

Starting elevation 13,000 feet

Ending elevation 6,000 feet

Elevation gain 7,000 feet

Distance hiked 7 miles

Average hiking time 5 hours

The last day down.

Before leaving our last camp, we had a great celebration with the entire Beyond team. They presented our tips to each of the sections who worked so hard to make this trip wonderful.  It was such an awesome  way to show our appreciation to the Tanzania staff that have become part of our team family.  —Strangers who became friends, friends who became family. —

A misty rain fell as we descended — after an awesome week of beautiful weather, it was like the mountain was crying that we were leaving.

At the base gate, after collecting gear donations from the climbers, the Tanzania team distributed the items via a lottery— it was so fun to watch, as we ate our lunch.   

Back at the hotel, hot showers and baths, toilets that accept tissue— so very nice.   

This has been an outstanding opportunity to find a new normal in my life. Thank you to entire Beyond team.

Dr. Mary Maniscalco-Theberge