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
My team and I had a great moment on top of the Mt.Kilimanjaro(Uhuru Peak), which is 19,340 Ft. As a global Leader, I call myself a hero for being part of a hiking Team that was determined day by day to reach to the top of the mt.
DESCENDING FROM THE MOUNTAIN
Whereas the slower pace of climbing can lend itself to taking in breathing views, descending on trail is a thrill in and of itself as I experienced on day six and seven during our descending from the *Kili* *Top*.
Our team leader Drew Voyles had made good arrangements such that, after reaching the peak, coming down would be on an individual basis and his/her guide.This made the descending easier.
My Colleague from Rwanda-Bruce,and I were Lucky to be the first to arrive at Kasovo camp in one hour time, by the help of our highly experienced guide John Lymo.
While Descending,In between Kili Top and Stella Point,we had to go through toughness as we stepped on snow which had covered the way as well as put on sunglasses to avoid Direct contact of our eyes from sun rays that was directly heating the snow.
*Going* down was not that easy.
Personally I was very uncomfortable for I could not step my feet from over striding that made me move with high speed due to the steepness of the way.
After our Lunch at Kasovo camp, we all begun our four hours journey- down to Millennium Camp where we had our dinner and spend our 6th night. Even though tired, passing through obstacles,up and down hills -in our hearts we were walking while celebrating the record we had made early morning. On our seventh day, Sunday 25th July 2021, despite of the tiresome which every one of us had, We all woke up feeling better,ready to keep moving. The day was very cold,the fog covering almost every part. We had trouble relaxing on descending,at the same Point it forced us to go down as if we are dancing, sometimes jumping with the feet,with no tension in the body.
Finally, after 6 hours of going through fog, stones, muddy in the rain Forest and un-ending steepness We Arrived At Mweka gate(6,000 fits)Which is an exit point (Gate)From The Kili Top. Everyone was joyful,more happy for making it to the top of the mt., coming back safely. And was great to be back again to normal altitude most of us are used to. I felt like iam back home.
After our Lunch together at Mweka gate,we drove back to our Hotel-Mt.Meru In Arusha Town. Interestingly, I had a shower closely to 2 hrs. This is simply because, none-of us had a shower for more than a week.This is the trend for all mt. Climber's,'weather you are black or white'.
Our Climbing Trip Ended on Monday 26th July 2021, when Our Team Leader Drew Took us For an Dinner out At Arusha Coffee Lounge. Over here,I can't express much joy I had,when I received my Certificate as a global Leader and a hero who made to climb the top of the Mt.Kilimanjaro which is the largest in Africa Continent.
QUOTE
“There is something humbling about mountains. Maybe it's their tall and grandiose appearance or the initial intimidation when you cast your eyes on it.But ultimately,the most humbling part is the sense of accomplishment that you get after accomplishing one.”
Journal Entry by John Andati “Global Leader” (YL Kenya Staff)