Mount Kilimanjaro
After taming the cameroonian river Dja, the time came for another Aztorin challenge – conquering Mount Kilimanjaro looming high over the continent.Mount Kilimanjaro
After taming the cameroonian river Dja, the time came for another Aztorin challenge – conquering Mount Kilimanjaro looming high over the continent. The mission was assisted by blogger-traveller, Anna Skura, realising at the same time her lifetime’s ambition. Aztorin again demonstrated that it is made for extreme tasks, and Anna – that passion and determination will take you wherever you desire.
Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the highest peak in Africa and one of the highest free-standing mountains. Bound up in the religions of the local tribes, worshipped and awe-inspiring. It is of enormous tourist, landscape and natural value. In 1921 a nature reserve was established there and since 1987 it has appeared on the UNESCO world heritage list.
At Machame Gate we sorted out the permits allowing us onto the summit and began trekking along the Machame Road, known locally as Whisky Road. We made the final checks that we had everything. After registering at the park gates and receiving permission to go to the start point, we had around 11 km of trekking in front of us, which we had to cover in about six hours.
Four wheels were a luxury available only on the first stage – reaching the Gateway to Kilimanjaro. Then you switch to two legs. And so on throughout long days of strenuous trekking, during which you are at the mercy of your own condition and that of your equipment. Aztorin didn’t let us down.
Here you have to climb. we’re not actually using crampons or ropes, but only our hands to “scramble.” There is a place called the Kissing Stone. A place where you can only put one foot in front of the other as you pass over a cliff, “kissing” or rather hugging the rock face. And there are no safety measures there. Just a cliff.
Kili looks quite innocent and you hear people say it’s a technically easy mountain. And yet, as you know, it can really take it out of you and show that you should never underestimate it. You don’t need ropes, crampons or ice axes to climb it. You need to be fit and, especially when attacking the summit (the toughest stage!), a lot of determination.
I was always bold enough to dream and to make those dreams real. OK, maybe not always. I dreamt, but I didn’t have the courage at first. Now, when a challenge appears on the horizon, I know that sooner or later, I’ll do it.
