Day 10: 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
Descent from Millennium Camp
After a super long and exhausting hike to the summit and down to Kosovo Camp the day before, our guides decided it was better for us to camp our last night at Millenium Camp, rather than Mweka Camp. I don’t think we had the energy to take ourselves those extra couple of miles. So, since we would now have a longer descent than planned on our final day of hiking, we agreed to be ready for a 7 am start. We were all happy to get below 16000 feet and get to warmer temps, so we happily got going.
We hiked a couple of hours over rocks and mud to Mweka, then continued descending down steep and slippery terrain for a few more hours. Although we were tired and my knees were feeling the pain, we could all practically feel the hot shower that was coming in just a few hours! It spurred me on to see the vegetation change from alpine desert to heather to forest. It was peaceful walking down through the clouds and into the rainforest again. Of course, our fabulous camaraderie kept us sane as well. We clocked almost 9 miles until we reached Mweka Gate.
At the gate we greeted each other jubilantly as we all reached the end. Then our guide John Simon led us into the building to sign the registry to receive our completion certificates. We rode down the hill to have a group lunch and then a tip ceremony with all the porters and guides who made our trip so spectacular. We donated some of our clothes and gear and the porters took turns choosing what items they wanted. We said our appreciation and they did the same. Then we had some music and dancing! It’s hard to say goodbye to some of the people who really helped me when I was at my wits end. I cannot say enough or describe to anyone how giving, thoughtful and kind the entire team was.
After the ceremony, we headed back to the hotel, about a 2 hour drive, and then showered and met for dinner. Exhausted, exhilarated, and grateful for this once in a lifetime experience.
~ Lisa Dobbs