Conquering Kili: My Unforgettable Journey to The Roof of Africa
Located in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak, standing at an impressive 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. It is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, meaning it is not part of a mountain range. The mountain is composed of three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo is the highest and home to Uhuru Peak – the ultimate goal for climbers. Kilimanjaro is one of the most accessible high-altitude mountains, attracting thousands of trekkers each year who seek to experience its breathtaking landscapes, from lush rainforests to arid alpine deserts and snow-capped summits.
After a one-on-one with Nakitende Esther Kayiza, a mountaineer who has hiked all mountains in Uganda and several others outside Uganda. Our discussion focused on her journey to the roof of Africa.
Esther and I embarked on an unforgettable adventure to conquer Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. Traveling from Uganda with Nkwanzi Travel, our group of eight set out for a five-day hike that tested our endurance, willpower, and camaraderie. The journey was as rewarding as it was challenging, and every step brought a new appreciation for nature’s beauty and our own resilience.
Day One: Marangu Park Gate to Mandara Hut
Before setting off, our tour guide David meticulously checked our gear to ensure we were well-prepared. After an hour-long bus ride, we arrived at Marangu Park Gate, where we met additional guides and porters. The excitement was palpable as we snapped pictures, holding onto the motto, “Take nothing but pictures.”
Starting at around 2 PM, the hike to Mandara Hut (2,720m ASL) was relatively short, allowing us to ease into the climb. We maintained a slow pace to conserve energy and soak in the pristine beauty of the well-maintained trails. Upon arrival, we settled in, enjoyed dinner, and received our briefing for the following day.
Day Two: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (11km)
Waking up fresh and eager, we started the day with prayer and took more pictures. Being the rainy season, we donned our raincoats before setting off. The hike was significantly longer than the first day but equally thrilling. Singing with our guides and marveling at the breathtaking scenery made the journey enjoyable. The higher we climbed, the colder it became, reminding us of Kilimanjaro’s formidable altitude.
The rain persisted throughout the day, making the trek feel longer. However, upon reaching Horombo Hut, we were rewarded with a stunning view of the town below, seemingly touching the clouds. The night sky was a spectacle, and we couldn’t stop taking pictures, grateful for this moment in nature’s masterpiece.
Day Three: Acclimatization at Zebra Rocks
This was a rest day designed for acclimatization. We took a short two-hour hike to the famous Zebra Rocks, allowing our bodies to adjust to the altitude. It was a much-needed break before the grueling challenge ahead. We spent the remainder of the day at camp, taking in the beauty of the mountain from a distance and storing up energy for the upcoming test of endurance.
Day Four: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (20km, 10 hours)
The real challenge began. After breakfast and our customary morning prayer, we braced ourselves for the longest and toughest part of the trek. The initial climb was steep, immediately testing our resolve. As we ascended, the lush greenery faded into a vast, seemingly endless desert, with only the imposing Mawenzi and Uhuru peaks in sight.
The hike was slow and deliberate, preserving energy for the ultimate push. The last stretch to Kibo Hut was particularly grueling, as the camp seemed to recede further away with every step. However, our determination and group spirit kept us moving. When we finally arrived, exhaustion was replaced by excitement for the final ascent. After dinner, we packed our gear and crawled into our sleeping bags, catching a few hours of rest before the midnight summit push.
Summit Night: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
At exactly midnight, after a light breakfast and another prayer, we began our ascent in a single-file, snake-like formation. The freezing cold turned our water bottles into blocks of ice, and every step felt heavier than the last. As we climbed, we witnessed one of the most mesmerizing sunrises, giving us renewed energy.
Reaching Gilman’s Point was a milestone in itself. This first summit is named after climbers who either turned back or tragically lost their lives attempting to reach the top. While reaching Gilman’s is an achievement, we knew we had to push on to Uhuru.
Stella Point was the next landmark, and by this time, fatigue was taking its toll. Climbers descending from the summit kept saying we were “almost there,” a phrase that seemed both encouraging and frustrating. Finally, the Uhuru Peak signpost came into view. The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. We celebrated with group photos, capturing the moment of triumph. One father in our group had brought his son and daughter for this unforgettable experience, making it even more special.
The Descent: Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Descending was an adventure of its own. Unlike the slow, measured ascent, we embraced a technique called “gogolo,” a form of dry skating down the slopes. It was both exhilarating and hilarious, as we resembled clumsy zombies sliding down the mountain. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, we packed up, had lunch, and continued down to Horombo Hut, where we celebrated our success with our team.
Day Five: The Final Descent
The morning was filled with joyous singing from the porters and guides, culminating in a freshly baked cake to commemorate our achievement. We expressed our gratitude to the team before beginning our final trek to the park gate.
While some opted for a van ride out, four of us decided to challenge ourselves further by running down the clear paths. Along the way, we passed a group of American students who mistook us for professional hikers, unaware that we were simply reveling in the joy of accomplishment.
Reaching the park gate around 2 PM, we received our certificates, took final group photos, and boarded the bus back to the hotel—ready to return to reality but forever changed by the journey.
Will I Do It Again?
Without a doubt! Hiking is not just about reaching the peak, it’s about the journey, the bonds formed, and the self-discovery along the way. With the right tribe and mindset, every challenge becomes an adventure. My motto remains: Leave all problems at the gate and go have fun!
This article along with the accompanying images are the intellectual properties of Emmanuel Kintu, Head of Media (East Africa) at More Cream Than Coffee. The article appears in Travels & Thrills magazine Vol 1: Issue 2, published in April 2025.
