- Kilimanjaro Day 1 – Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
- Kilimanjaro Day 2 – Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
- Kilimanjaro Day 3 – Horombo Hut to Kibo hut
- Kilimanjaro Day 4 – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
- Kilimanjaro Descent – Uhuru Peak to Marangu gate
Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.Neale Donald Walsch
Kilimanjaro Descent – Uhuru Peak to Marangu gate
- Day number: 4
- Starting Point: Uhuru Peak
- Target Point: Horombo Hut
- ETA: 6 hours
We were on top of the moon after successfully summiting the worlds highest free standing mountain – Kilimanjaro. The view on top of the summit is very well worth the effort – the views over the horizon showed earths curvature and the gleaming Kili glaciers in the morning sun rays were the icing on the cake. However, it provided a new challenge – Steep Descent!
Prepare well about what you need to take and wear while hiking Kilimanjaro – Read more.
The descent is much easier obviously but need to be very careful as it’s quite steep. We descended the rocky boulders very carefully one step at a time. It also gave us a good opportunity to see what exactly we had hiked in the pitch darkness of the night!
We then reached the area which we felt was quite sandy during the night ascent to the peak. The guides then asked us to slide through the sandy section of the descent. It was basically running/sliding down the section. It’s quite sandy so wouldn’t hurt much if u fall but there are few rocks littered and we had 1-2 falls which did hurt the knees a little. But, thats the best way to get down the peak quickly – more like sand skating. The guides helped Amoli a lot by holding her hand and slide down.
As the Kibo hut approached, one of our porter made his way up to get us some Orange juice to hydrate us – really sweet of him and walked with us way down to the Kibo hut. No five star hotel can match this hospitality!!!
We had our breakfast at Kibo and were asked to take some rest. At this stage, we were completely worn out. Though we were amazed at the feat we had achieved, the altitude and sleep deprivation was really the thing which stole the thunder. Finally, after an hour’s rest, we made our way back to the Horombo hut. This was when the hike got the best of me – a bout of migraine before finally making our way to Horombo hut. 20 miles of walk in a day with only 4 hours of sleep never felt so satisfying!
We were now at lower altitude and this was when it sunk in as to what we had just accomplished and the first thing I wanted to do was sleep. I skipped dinner and just slept. This was the best sleep I have had in the last 4 days.
- Day number: 5
- Starting Point: Horombo Hut
- Target Point: Marangu Gate
- ETA: 6 hours
It was a long way down and we insisted on starting early. It was a cake walk now as we descended down and reached Mandara hut for lunch and shared our experience with other hikers. Lack of sleep had caused acidity and food was not something I wanted now – all that came to my mind was some Indian home-made food and some yoghurt.
Filled with memories and emotions, we descended further down and reached the Marangu gate where we received our summit certificates – the best certificate I had received till date and something I’m very proud of. Our Guides/Porters sang for us the Kili song and we bid adieu to our wonderful team and made our way back to the hotel in Arusha. If you need any information about tipping the guides/porters – Click here.
This was one of the most beautiful experiences of our lives. Something which changed a lot of perceptions, challenged us physically and mentally, and gave a new perspective to life. Something to be cherished for ever and ever.
View our Kilimanjaro Hike Video here –
Also read our successful Kilimanjaro Hike journey here – Click here.
This is Aldrin and my partner Amoli. We bring you "Earths Pilgrim" - a unique insight into our travel escapades while leaving life in a cubicle. If you are looking for some inspiration to break the shackles of a regular life, then you are the right place. Read more about us- Click here.
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