Climbing Kilimanjaro via Machame Route - Day 5 & 6 - Barafu Hut - Uhuru Peak - Mweka Gate

This route is part of the ascent of Kilimanjaro via the Machame route

Day 5, Leg 1: Barafu Hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - 5 km

Get up at 11 p.m. Apparently, some groups have already left before us, because ahead of us we see a light procession of lighthouses. Looking back we see the lights of Moshi in the distance. It's a full moon and there's something magical about this whole performance. If the mountain is in our favor, we'll be at the top by sunrise.

Between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers we head north-west. hard climbing First of all, it's about rock slabs, i.e. solid ground . It's very slow. Heart rate is high and breathing is rapid. I no longer notice who is in front of me or behind me. I don't want to know either. I automatically follow the heels in front of me, which will likely climb up as well.

We enter more difficult terrain . It looks like some kind of loose gravel and stone dust. Poles are indispensable for the first time on this ascent. In addition, the sticks can also use the strength of the shoulders and arms, so that the legs are a bit easier on. It also makes sense to hold on to the sticks when you catch your breath. Some even fall asleep almost leaning on their sticks . Guides who stick to this know this and keep everyone awake, with a pat on the back if necessary.

The pace is slow. We continue with our mind at zero and await the coming morning.

After a few hours we find ourselves behind some high ridges where the moon has disappeared and it is pitch black. Also, here we are in the coldest part of the night: -10° .

An hour before Stella Point there was a very steep drop off with even more gravel and according to the guide this is the hardest part of the climb . When we reach the slope in question, the sun rises and it gets lighter. The headlights can be turned off and we have a reasonable view of the climb ahead.

Finally we reach Stella Point (5750m) on the rim of Kibo Crater . We are sitting here on a narrow ledge between the crater on the right and the glacier and ice walls on the left.

From Stella Point , a path leads to a 145 m higher section, Uhuru Peak . Now it's very slow. Tiredness and altitude allow everyone to progress at walking pace. The inseam is only 1 shoe. The thin air is palpable and you really have to make an effort not to faint. At 8:30 a.m. we stand on the few square meters called Uhuru Peak.

With the few boards that mark the summit , it's tight because we're not alone up there. Of course, every climber would like to have their achievement immortalized in a photo and we are politely asked to make room. There is a metal box in front of a log book , but it is empty.

Day 5, Leg 2: Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Barafu Hut (4700m) - Mweka Camp (3100m) - 9 km

The descent to Stella Point is very disappointing. Even though it was going downhill, our bodies still didn't seem to notice. So he continued slowly because his breathing was still heavy.

From Stella Point to Barafu Hut the slope is so steep that if we had n't been so tired we could have navigated in our hiking boots. Now it was a matter of getting off carefully so as not to slip or fall, because with this backpack it is also more difficult to keep your balance . Finally at 12 o'clock we reach the barracks of Barafu again. Let's eat something and rest for a few hours.

It takes 3 hours to descend from Barafu Hut to Mweka Camp. This is easy open terrain and slightly downhill.

Mweka Camp is a beautiful camp with different camping areas surrounded by bushes and trees. You can also buy beer and cola in the camp.

On the evening after the ascent , the porters are expressly thanked and the necessary group photos follow.

Day 6: Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate, Moshi

The last day is a long walk of 3 hours (10 km) on an easy trail through the rainforest.

At Mweka Gate you will have to sign a log again. We receive a certificate from the guide.

02/2006 R12/2022