It’s been a year since I achieved a remarkable milestone: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route, at the end of June 2023.
This journey was a test of endurance and determination, marked by stunning landscapes, challenging terrain, and unforgettable moments.
The Machame Route, known as the “Whiskey Route,” is a stunning and panoramic trail that is slightly more challenging than the popular “Coca Cola Route.” However, I recommend this route because ascending Kilimanjaro is not an everyday experience, and this path offers a more comprehensive journey, passing through forests and incredible landscapes that are missed on the other route…so, it’s worth the extra effort!
Day by day, the trek challenged us with increasing elevations and physical demands. We started at Machame Gate (1,800 meters) and ascended steadily, passing through Shira Camp (3,800 meters), Lava Tower (4,630 meters), Barranco Camp (3,950 meters), and finally reaching Barafu Camp (4,600 meters) for our summit attempt.
The summit night was a defining moment of our climb. Under the glow of a brilliant full moon, we embarked on a moonlit ascent towards the summit. The moonlight was so radiant that we didn’t need to use our headlamps, illuminating the path ahead as we navigated the icy slopes.
Reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), the highest point in Africa, was an overwhelming experience.
As the sun began to rise, we celebrated with a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. The warmth of hot tea revived our spirits before the final push from Stella Point to the summit, overlooking the expansive glacier and the colossal crater below—an awe-inspiring sight that could house a city.
Welcome to the Roof of Africa—a triumph of persistence and a testament to the wonders of nature.
This climb was not without its challenges and basic living conditions.
We slept in tents throughout the journey, enduring freezing nighttime temperatures where my sleeping bag wasn’t warm enough, and tent zippers froze, making it difficult to exit for bathroom breaks (which were outdoors, behind rare bushes or rocks!).
Adaptability was key—adjusting to the climate, weather conditions, basic meals, discomfort of sleeping, and almost constant uphill trekking.
For a week, physical and mental resilience were put to the test, confronting the altitude that unfortunately claims many victims and prevents many from reaching the desired summit. Despite the fatigue and challenges, sleeping in a tent above the clouds, feeling almost in paradise, made us forget the hardships.
For me, this climb was a dream I had long wanted to fulfill. It was on my wish list since 2020 when a friend first shared their experience.
It was inspiring and definitely worth it. I hope to be an inspiration to you, especially to women.
I embarked on this journey solo, deciding to take on this challenge alone, knowing I would meet people to share the experience, the journey, and the joy. And it was indeed beautiful. I spent many evenings writing in the tent, savoring every moment and making space among my thoughts. I cherish these notes, reflections on life and our journeys… perhaps soon, I’ll revisit them and decide to share them in a new book of my travels!
