Kilimanjaro National Park - part 2

Aerial photo of Kibo Crater.
D5) School Hut - Gilman - Stella - Crater Camp D6) Crater Camp - Uhuru Peak - Stella - Going down.

I found this aerial photo of Kibo on the Internet... I edited it to clearly show the trail we follow. On day 4, we sleep at School Hut at 4700 metres.

On day 5, the climb is steep and arduous due to the effect of altitude that hit us. People are not really sick, but they may have light headaches. However, everybody has shortness of breath, and accordingly they must walk very slowly. Moreover, the slope is quite steep; thus the trail is laid out in big zigzags since a direct climb would be too difficult. We go up to Gilman's Point, next to Stella Point, and then we go down into the crater to sleep at Crater Camp at the foot of Uhuru Peak which is the highest point of Kilimanjaro. As an option, it is possible to climb the Reusch Crater in the afternoon.

On day 6, we leave before dawn from Crater Camp, and we climb to Uhuru Peak for sunrise. It is only a 100 metres ascend, but it is exhausting for many people. We just slept at an altitude of 5700 metres and it is very difficult to get a good night of sleep. In addition, the tiredness after trekking 9 days takes a bit of a toll. But, once we reach the summit, we finally see the famous sign that welcomes us at the highest point of the African continent.

After some time enjoying our victory and taking some pictures, we follow the crater rim trail to Stella Point, where we start a staggering descent of around 3000 metres down to Mweka Camp. The temperature rises and the negative effects of the altitude magically disappear. A very pleasant descent, but one that takes a toll on your knees.

The difficult climb from School Hut to Gilman's Point.

We reached Kibo Crater rim, at Gilman's Point at 5681 metres.

The glaciers can now be seen.

We are all very happy.

We go down to the Kibo Crater floor in order to reach Crater Camp in front of the Furtwängler Glacier.

In the Kibo Crater, going to Crater Camp.

The peak on the left is not the highest one on Kilimanjaro.

The Glaciers

One of the highlights once we reach Kibo Crater is to see the glaciers all around. They are quickly disappearing with time due to climate changes, but they are still very impressive.

According to scientists, as recently as the end of the 1880s, Kibo was entirely covered by an ice cap. Then, at the end of the 19^th century, a major change in the climate hastened their demise. Nearly 85% of the glacier disappeared between 1912 and 2011. Between 1912 and 1953, the glacier loss rate was 1.1% per year. It accelerated year after year; from 1989 to 2007, the loss rate was at 2.5%. As of now, it is predicted that the glaciers will have completely disappeared between 2040 and 2060.

Yes, there are lots of glacier photos and they often are quite similar, but they are so beautiful. I am treating myself here since I enjoy looking at them. It brings back plenty of memories.

The Furtwängler Glacier near Crater Camp.

Furtwängler Glacier.

Furtwängler Glacier.

View of the glacier from the crater rim near the summit.

View of the glacier from the crater rim near the summit.

Mount Meru is visible in the background.

Mawenzi is visible.

Near Crater Camp.

Far away, Crater Camp.

The small glaciers in front of Crater Camp.

Reusch Crater

Looking at the aerial photo, two craters can be seen. For Kibo, imagine a circular line that goes through Uhuru Peak, Stella Point, Gilman's Point, and that intersects with the far away glacier. There is also a more recent crater in the centre of Kibo; the Reusch Crater.

Very few people walk to this crater which is an optional walk after the long 1000-metre climb from School Hut to Gilman's Point. It is also not visible from Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the mountain. I went there only twice with some of the travellers I was with, and it was really worth the effort.

In the centre of Reusch Crater is the Ash Pit with a depth of 350 metres. The Reusch peaks at an altitude of 5835 metres while Uhuru Peak reach 5895 metres.

View from Reusch Crater.

View of Crater Camp from Reusch Crater.

The crater when I visited the second times.

Uhuru Peak (5895 metres)

Reaching the summit.

Here we are! At dawn, we reach the summit of Kilimanjaro after a climb of roughly one hundred metres. The summit peaks at an altitude of 5895 metres. As of 2021, it's the highest altitude I have ever reached in my life.

On the photo, Mount Meru is visible on the left, and also the shadow from Kibo. The sun is starting to rise...

The old sign at the summit.

The shadow of Kibo, where we currently stands, is aligned with Mount Meru.

Other groups of travellers at the summit.

Note that under the logo 'Voyages de Jocelyn' people can be seen at the summit.

People are visible at the sign at Uhuru Peak. Most people arrive after the sun is fairly high in the sky. Most of the groups start trekking at midnight from Kibo or Barafu, and they must walk in the dark and cold night. Thus, it is difficult to reach the sign for dawn with such a long hike to do.

A new sign.

Going Down

It is time to start our descent. After the summit, we go to Stella Point, and then we go down some 3000 metres to Mweka Camp.

While we were summiting, the local team with the exception of the guides were busy taking down the camp. They are visible in the crater as they are also walking to Mweka Camp.

Stella Point at 5739 metres.

Barafu Camp where sometimes dozens of groups can sleep there at any one time. We don't camp there.

Barafu Camp.

Barafu Camp.

At the end of the trek, giving tips to each member of the local team.