Arrival in Tanzania. Tonight, you are in a luxury lodge. After meeting the Ake and the team, you attend a briefing. The seriousness of the undertaking dawns on you. You check the gear diligently and get into the adequate mindset. Tomorrow, you take on Kilimanjaro.
There are many commercial routes up the mountain. Many travellers want a quick ascent, to snap a selfie, mission accomplished. Not you. The western slopes are difficult but immensely rewarding. A short trek shows you just how difficult. You haven’t even begun the ascent yet.
You make your way into the Shira Plateau. In the span of a morning, you enjoy three different ecosystems. You spot wonderful animals, such as the white-naped raven. This is the lowest point at which altitude sickness can be felt. You are doing alright, but your legs are getting heavier. Tonight you camp under the stars.
From the Shira Plateau, you trek towards Kibo Massif. One of the three volcanoes that make up Kilimanjaro. It is a relatively easy day. Your guides are monitoring everyone’s progress carefully. Acclimatization is paramount. However, you learn of the volcanic eruptions that shaped this mythical mountain.
The horses are trudging up a rocky slope, and the Andes tower ominously above you. Facundillo uses his potent hindquarters and hops up with determination. You can feel the power move you intensely. Horses do not make for good mountaineers. You must proceed on foot to the summit. The mysterious mountains show their most inhospitable face. The wind is strong in the ridge. Fortunately, you descend to the crater lagoons. A bit protected for the wind, you manage to enjoy lunch. When he hears you approach, Facundillo neighs warmly. You have had a taste of the forces of nature. Patagonia protects itself, and that is a good thing. You ride back at an easy trot.
Today is all about an old mountaineers adage: walk high, sleep slow. You climb to the Lava Tower at 4,600 m. Now this is a proper challenge. You descend for the evening towards Barranco, a rather awe-inspiring location.
The summit prep begins. You traverse Barranco wall and make your way through the valley. The ascent has truly begun. You look down to the mists that cover the endless plains of Tanzania. It is otherworldly, to say the least.
The climate has changed completely. It is cold, there is snow, and you find it hard to believe you are in the heart of Africa. Today you reach the last camp before the summit. The group has grown closer, you are all partaking in an epic adventure.
The summit is just within reach. The effect of the altitude is written on the faces of those around you. You try to keep your composure. High-mountain pace is slow and yet taxing. Finally, you reach the roof of Africa. After lunch, and some respite to take in the moment, you must all head to lower slopes. This is not a place for humans, but for gods.
You make your descent through a delightful forest where flowers endemic to this area grow. When you reach your refuge for the night, you are met by a welcomed prospect: showers. After you’ve washed away the last days of exertion, you join your fellow travellers for a lovely celebration, where you eat in abundance, you exchange stories, and build bonds of friendship.
Today is farewell. You knew you would get the “Africa Bug”, and your Blueflower adventure continues in the wildest reaches of Serengeti. You’ve surveyed the house from the roof, now it’s time to explore it.
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