We got the least crowded Umbwe route, also called the “Double Whisky Route” because of its sharpness and intensity.
This is the steepest and fastest way to Kilimanjaro, where the altitude gain is very rapid, without gradual acclimatization, which adds to its uniqueness.
From the very first kilometers, we felt nature testing our endurance.
Starting from the dense rainforest, which immerses you in the atmosphere of wild, untouched nature, the route climbs steeply, offering stunning views of rocks and clouds floating underfoot.
One of the most impressive moments was reaching the Barranco Wall, a massive rock that had to be climbed by hand.
But the reward was worth it - this is the moment when you forget about fatigue, cold and height.
As you climb, you see the huge Barranco Valley gorge below and the glacier-covered slopes of Kibo above. The view of the sunrise from the top of the wall is especially impressive.
The trail gradually climbs upwards, and the nature around us becomes harsher. There are no more trees or bushes, only scattered volcanic stones and lava fragments.
The wind increases, and the temperature drops sharply. Breathing becomes more difficult, and many are already experiencing mild symptoms of altitude sickness.
In total, the route takes six days, including ascent, assault and descent.
We started the assault at half past one on the night of the fifth day, and headed up the stony path, having to gain a little over 1200 meters.
The higher we climbed, the lower the temperature dropped, the wind became more unbearable, the percentage of oxygen in the air decreased, and we had more and more headaches, some of us were nauseous and very sleepy.
At 8 o'clock we climbed to the crater of the long-extinct volcano Kilimanjaro, to Stella Point - 5756 meters. The oxygen level here is about 45%.
But it's not over yet, there's still about an hour's walk to the highest point.
And now it's 8:40 am and we have reached the highest point of the entire continent, Uhuru Peak, 5895 meters, surrounded by glaciers that are more than 11 thousand years old.
I'm in tears, overwhelmed with a sense of euphoria, trying to comprehend what I've managed to do. These feelings at the top cannot be compared to anything else...
And there is still a long way down...
This day, when I stand at your foot, holding my breath...
You are like the lonely queen of the universe, majestic and unbreakable, proudly towering over the continent, while the fog of childhood dreams and ghostly fantasies swirls in your head.
That very day, somewhere deep in the subcortex, a new dream was born, like a secret impulse, that had been haunting me for eight years.
A dream to come back again, to go through those amazing and exciting adventures that were so mysteriously and fascinatingly described in books, like an echo of unknown worlds that were always beckoning.
And this moment has come... I am standing at your foot again, oh majestic Kilimanjaro, together with a team of like-minded people.
I humbly address you as if you were an ancient ruler and ask: let us into your domain, let us follow the paths of the winds and clouds, touch your greatness.
It was a difficult but interesting challenge - together we realized our common dream, thanks to Kuluar and Anna Mysyshyn for their help
