Day 1: Starting with Excitement and Nervous Energy

The adventure begins at the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, where excitement mingles with a hint of nervousness. After meeting our guides, porters, and fellow trekkers, we embark on the trail. For me, the first day was relatively easy, trekking through lush rainforest alive with birdsong and vibrant greenery. The terrain is gentle, and spirits are high.

By evening, the rainforest gives way to moorland. The first camp feels like a small village, with tents pitched in neat rows and trekkers exchanging stories over dinner. It’s early to bed, with the sounds of the wilderness as our lullaby.

Day 2: Into the Moorlands

Day two brings a noticeable change in landscape. Gone are the dense trees, replaced by rolling moorland dotted with giant lobelias and senecios. The trail is steeper, and the air starts to feel thinner. I remember feeling my first twinge of altitude adjustment—a slight headache that disappeared with hydration and rest.

The camaraderie among trekkers grows stronger. As we tackle the uneven trail, we encourage one another, sharing tips and laughter. By the time we reach the next camp, we’re a team united by the mountain.

Day 3: The Challenge of Acclimatisation

The third day is an acclimatisation trek, and it’s tougher than expected. We climb higher than our camp’s elevation and then descend to sleep—a strategy that helps the body adjust to the altitude. This “climb high, sleep low” principle is essential to a successful summit.

This day tests your mental resolve. The terrain becomes more barren and rocky, and the altitude starts to take its toll. I remember feeling more fatigued than usual, but the stunning views of the distant plains kept me motivated. By evening, I was grateful for the warm meal and the chance to rest.

Day 4: Into the Alpine Desert

We enter the alpine desert, a stark and otherworldly landscape. The temperatures drop significantly, and the winds pick up. The trail is a mix of loose gravel and volcanic rock, making footing tricky. By now, the altitude is impossible to ignore—every step feels heavier, and conversations become shorter.

Reaching the next camp feels like a victory. Our guides check on us regularly, measuring oxygen levels and asking about symptoms of altitude sickness. Their care is reassuring, and their encouragement keeps us focused on the goal ahead.

Day 5: The Summit Push Begins

The fifth day is all about preparation for the final ascent. After a shorter trek to the base camp, we rest for a few hours before the summit attempt begins at midnight. There’s a palpable tension in the air as everyone prepares for the hardest part of the climb.

I struggle to sleep, a mix of nerves and excitement keeping me awake. The guides remind us to layer up—it will be freezing at the summit.