Uhuru Peak — Attraction in Kilimanjaro

I took the gravest risk in February 2023 Kilimanjaro climb at the age of 68 (I told close ones that I might not come back from that trip before departing Sri Lanka). It went well up to the last camp (Kibo Hut). It was below freezing and snowing. My Oxygen level at a dangerous low of 65 but I wasn't feeling. Appetite lost and couldn't eat enough food but agreed to continue starting 11pm. Safely reached Gilman's Point 5685m (first of 3 points at the summit) at dawn where I expected to have breakfast. We were 2 hikers, and each one had a guide and 2 porters. Other hiker was a fast climber (Viet 70km marathon runner) who didn't like my slow pace and went ahead earlier with her team. My breakfast had gone with her guide. Then continued to next Stella Point 5756m. After that I reached the ultimate goal Uhuru Peak 5895m and sat on a boulder. I had passed out and when I regain half consciousness, I was flat on ground with oxygen feed. Took the iconic photo and the guides decided I had to be brought down ASAP. Came climbing down with 2 aides to Kibo Hut (last camp). Then I was transferred on a single wheel manual stretcher to Next camp Horombo hut from where I was taken to a Hotel in the nearest city by 4WD SUV. Full recovery took several weeks. Kilimanjaro hike is open to non-climbers but I took the shortest (cheapest at $1500) 5 day option. 6 day hike includes an acclimatization hike before the last leg. As a lesson learned I recommend choosing 6...

Hi all - I was working in Kenya in 1981 to 84 and being a keen mountaineer in the UK Mt Kenya and Kili became our 'mountains of choice'. Myself and my climbing partner climbed regularly on Mt Kenya completing all the major routes of the day (Diamond Couloir, Diamond Buttress route etc.) On Kilimanjaro we completed roughly 20 summit tops illegally entering Tanzania via Oloitkitok and the then outward bound Centre. We did routes such as the Heim glacier route, Breach wall etc. And do you know what??? on both mountains we rarely if ever saw a soul!!

Both Mountains have now lost most of their glaciers and have essentially become theme parks full of people trying to be mountaineers. I am so pleased I went when I did. That was true pure African mountaineering without the crowds, the porters, the modernization, the charity seekers and the overall crowded brouhaha!!! We never shared the summit with anyone. Pure isolation and adventure. Everyone should go to the summit of Kili on a clear morning when you can see witness the curvature of the earth and probably see for a thousand miles - but you will never be alone like we were and that is the shame...

From Moshi trek seven to nine days to Mt.Kilimanjaro. The highest point in beautiful African continent is in beautiful Tanzania. Really wonderful, mesmerising, mind blowing when you are on top of Uhuru Peak on Kibo's Crater Rim. It is Life Time experience. At 5895m height it is beautiful Africa's enthralling point. It is world's highest free standing peak. Starting 2.5 million years ago, Earth worked hard to spew lava here to produce a beautiful mountain with three volcanic cones and in one of the cones is Uhuru Peak. It grew in height spewing lava and gradually cooled down to attract snow cover adding more beauty. This is UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be on top of mighty Mt Kilimanjaro. Be...