The Day I Stood on Top of Africa: My Kilimanjaro Journey via the Rongai Route- Part 2
Rayyaan, always quiet and but full of optimism, kept the mood light, even as we faced the bitter cold and exhaustion. Vigeash’s steady, measured pace gave me a sense of calm in the chaos of summit night. Together with our guide's, we climbed up through the darkness 'pole pole' (meaning slow in Swahili), determined to reach the top before the first light of dawn. I could feel my fingers going numb along the way- but the ginger tea five-minute breaks were a temporary relief every few hours enroute.
One of the toughest stretches came as we approached Gilman's point. The altitude was beginning to hit hard, and with each step I felt the weight of the climb pulling me down. The view of the crater was something unimaginable! But when we reached Stella Point, I could sense the progress we’d made. It was a small victory in the grand challenge, a sign that we were getting closer. But we had to move on- one step at a time 'pole pole' - this is when I felt like I was tearing up- the cold was biting and my inner voice said I could not go further!
At around 8.30 AM, after hours of difficult climbing, we reached Uhuru Peak – 5,895 meters above sea level. The exhaustion was overwhelming, but the sense of accomplishment and euphoria that flooded me made everything worthwhile. The sunrise, casting its warm glow over the mountain, was a perfect reminder that every challenge we had faced led us to this incredible moment.
The Descent: A New Kind of Peace The descent was just as challenging in its own way. My legs were sore, my body fatigued, but my heart was light. We had made it. As we made our way down from Uhuru Peak, past Stella Point and Gillman's Point, we shared quiet smiles and moments of reflection. The hardest part was behind us, and now we had time to enjoy the sense of accomplishment we had earned together.
As I walked with Rayyaan and Vigeash, I realized that the true beauty of the climb wasn’t just in reaching the summit, but in the journey itself. It was in the shared moments of struggle and triumph, the way we encouraged each other when we were at our lowest. There was a unique bond that formed between us on the mountain – one that would last long after the descent was complete.
Little did we know the decent would not be a walk in the park, it came with its own challenges! Our final day a 21km trek down to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, walking for 8 hours in the rain on a path where water was gushing down as you tried to balance your next step. We were welcomed by our team and had a small celebration; we were each awarded a certificate and medal- the highlight for today would have been that hot shower when we got back to the hotel at around 7pm.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Summit The Rongai Route gave me much more than the opportunity to stand on the highest point in Africa. It provided me with the space to reflect, to connect with nature, and to push myself in ways I never thought possible.
Standing at Uhuru Peak, looking out over the vast African plains, I realized that Kilimanjaro had taught me much more than just physical endurance. It had shown me the power of perseverance, the strength of personal resolve, and the importance of believing in the journey, even when it seems impossible.
To anyone contemplating a Kilimanjaro climb, I say this: embrace the challenge. Take your time. Celebrate the milestones along the way, whether it’s Stella Point, Gilman’s Point, or Uhuru Peak-Because every step, every moment, will bring you closer to something extraordinary.
