Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. It rises from the plains of Africa to 5895 meters (almost 20,000 feet). Though climbing it was not part of the organized trip, the one-week break in Nairobi offered the opportunity to do this challenging hike. It is not technical: all you need are good boots and some warm clothes. A number of friends came from various parts of the world to meet me in Tanzania and share this awesome experience with me. Read the email I sent from Nairobi for a more in-depth description of the hike.
My first view of the top, from the road between Moshi and Arusha
The sign at the park entrance gives you an idea what you’re in for
Dinner in Mandara Hut; a WKI reunion in Tanzania; Fernando taking it easy along the way
Comfortable sleeping quarters!
A lonely hike at times…
At 3700 meters, the clouds are below you!
A few hours before the summit attempt, Maria and Fernando are trying to relax with a book
Twelve people on top of Kilimanjaro. We all experienced it slightly differently:
Eli was happy but tired, while our guide Elias was always willing to pose for another photograph…
Fernando went to sleep, while Maria was out of it, and Gerry was checking his camera…
My brother Pieter seems overcome by emotions, while I have myself photographed as often as possible
View of the glacier at the top