Trip Reports

Kilimanjaro - 14 to 26 Aug '06

Written by Leader Neal Short, August 2006

This was a successful expedition with all eleven team members reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro. The Team were Matthew, Michaela, Richard, Bob, Mary, Quentin, Kevin, Don, Dave, Erik and John.

The expedition started with Mt Meru (4,556m) - locally referred to as 'Socialist Peak'. The Lonely Planet East Africa Trekking guide describes Mt Meru as 'offering one of East Africa's most scenic and rewarding climbs and is definitely worth a visit'. The team and myself would concur with this.

Our ascent of Mt Meru, like the rest of the trip, was in perfect weather. After a couple of days we reached Saddle Hut (3,500m), which is the highest hut on the mountain. That afternoon we ascended Little Meru (3,850m) and then got an early night prior to our attempt at Mt Meru. We left the Saddle Huts at 2.15am but unfortunately en-route two team members didn't feel strong enough to top out and descended. The rest of the team pushed on and with spectacular views of Kilimanjaro and the plains below, summited at 8.40am.

A few days later we moved on to Kilimanjaro and continued to walk at a sensible pace. At this point of the trip a few of the team showed great determination to make it up to the Forest Caves Camp(3,000m) and then on to the Barranco Camp (3,900m).

At the Barranco camp I became aware that a couple of the team where becoming very apprehensive about the following days climb of the Barranco Wall. I reassured them that it was well within their capabilities and that due care would be taken. However I was curious as to why such concern had built up. And after ascending the wall (when one of the concerned team members was heard to say 'what was all the fuss about') it became apparent that they had both read a particular Kilimanjaro guide book [not Lonely Planet]. Upon glancing at the guide, it certainly has a number of good points to make about climbing the mountain but makes quite 'over the top' statements about the 'hard sections' of each route. Therefore it was no wonder that the two of them had become so concerned. [The moral of the tale being - read a number of sources for a balanced view of each route.]

From the top of the Barranco Wall we traversed across, underneath the glaciated southern slopes to the Karanga Camp (4,000m). The team very much enjoyed this day and from experience, I found that this section rivalled the full Western Breach itinerary for views.

The following day with everyone getting much stronger and more confident we reached our top camp, Barafu (4,600m). After an exceedingly early breakfast we left for the summit at close to midnight. Although we where walking at a slow pace, we past many other teams. The night time ascent proved to be quite cold and nearly everyone wore their down jackets. At just after dawn we reached the crater rim at Stella Point. From here the whole team walked together, making the summit of Uhuru Peak (5,896m) and the roof of Africa at 7.30am. We spent nearly an hour congratulating each other, absorbing the views and even texting friends and relatives. It then took a further two days to descend the mountain via the Mweka Route.

Back in Moshi and the Keys Hotel we enjoyed a relaxing time by the pool, shopping for souvenirs and of course, a celebratory drink.

Well done to all for summiting Kilimanjaro and making it such a great team experience.

Neal Short, Expedition Leader.

P.S Top Tip: Take a down jacket.« Previous report | Next report »

Jagged Globe Newsletter

We publish an email newsletter with trip reports and latest availability, plus features, competitions and general news of our climbing, trekking & skiing activities.