There were months of planning, training, packing, re-packing, and breaking in my hiking boots. Then finally in February 2020 the moment arrived where my dear friend, Julian and & I arrived in Arusha, Tanzania and saw the continent’s tallest mountain – also known as “The Roof of Africa”.
Mt. Kilimanjaro’s snowcapped peak wasn’t even visible that first day, hidden behind wispy dramatic clouds as we entered Kilimanjaro National Park and approached the Londorosi Gate. It was time to start walking the Lemosho route, considered to be the more scenic approach that twines through all the different micro-climates found on the mountain. It was fascinating to see the transition from lush tropical jungle to sparse plateau with completely different flora, as if we had been transported to a new planet.
The sun was just beginning to set as we got to camp and had our dinner in the mess tent before relaxing by the campfire and learning the constellations bright above us.
Each day we would rise with the sun, gear up, eat a hearty breakfast and “pole pole” (slowly slowly) trek up the mountain. The sun was strong, and the air was thinning as we walked on and on, until we reached the infamous “Baranco Wall” – I could not believe my eyes. It looked like a line of colorful ants were navigating the completely vertical rock barrier in our path, I remember turning to our guide and saying, “that’s where we’re going?!?” with completed disbelief. It was the only way forward, so keeping that in mind and letting my adrenaline fuel me, we climbed our way up the vertical rock face and once we were at the top, I realized through my rush of relief that I was officially higher up than the clouds and could see not only the peak of Kilimanjaro but also the peak of Mt. Kenya in the distance. It’s a sight I’ll never forget and will always be associated with having 30 turns around the sun and the feeling of the best still is yet to come.
Ever onwards,
Grace Oken
