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Climbing the ‘roof of Africa By Wangyutong (Alex) Wu, 7.3

Published on: Published in: Uncategorized

I climbed Kilimanjaro! Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a journey that tests mental strength. The trek to the summit of the highest peak in Africa, standing at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters), is a challenge that attracts climbers worldwide.

The climb typically takes five to nine days, and there are three camps called Mandara, Holombo, and the best camp which is called Kibot with each day offering a new set of challenges and rewards. Starting in the vibrant village of Moshi, the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves accompany you as you make your way up winding trails. After a few hours, the forest changes, and the landscape changes to moorland.

As you climb higher, the air thins and the terrain becomes more rugged. The famous “Whiskey” route or the more gradual “Coca-Cola” route, both leading to the summit, offer different experiences, but the relentless ascent brings a common challenge: altitude. Along with my Dad, we tackled the “Whiskey” route, the more challenging route. Your body slowly adjusts to the lack of oxygen, and you begin to feel the strain on your muscles and joints, especially as the temperatures plummet during the night.

The final push to the summit is the most demanding. We started our ascent in the middle of the night, navigating by headlamp through a rocky, icy landscape. Our goal was to reach the summit by sunrise, a truly magical moment as the first light of day touches the snow-covered peak of Kibot. There is Mawenzi and Shira, the two other peaks, Mawenzi is 5149 meters above sea level and Shira is 3700 meters above sea level. Reaching the summit is not just an achievement of physical strength; it’s the reward for perseverance, for every aching muscle and every step taken in the face of exhaustion.

Finally, I want to say climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is more than just reaching the peak; it’s about the journey, the connection to nature, and the personal growth that comes from pushing oneself beyond the limits. The mountain stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when you refuse to give up, no matter the odds and I feel incredibly proud of myself and grateful for this experience with my Dad.

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