Mount Kilimanjaro Expedition 2012

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Last Stretch...

We awoke to the joyful sounds of happy hikers getting ready to go home. This is the last stretch, and a very pretty one at that if you care to look. We had a slow, relaxed breakfast, and although by now I can't stand the sight of Rottis or Tea anymore, it was still a good meal. I am not sure how fresh the ingredients are anymore, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and ignorance is absolute bliss. We are going home! Nothing can phase me now.

The trail today is well maintained and renovated, and it is actually a fun walk. The only problem is your knees. This is a fast, steep descent, and the knees does not appreciate it very much anymore after the first hour. But, this is the way home and I happily continue through the stabbing pain of each step.

We reach the 4x4 path, and it feels like this last part does not finish fast enough. After about another half and hour, we see the huts. This is it! The Gate!

We are surrounded by a hoard of entrepreneurs wanting to sell us their wares the moment they realize that you are indeed looking for something to buy. Freddie arranges with a friend of his to sell me a T-shirt (been there, done that, got the T-shirt), and I buy a few other curios as well. I haggle the sellers for much better prices than they were offering initially, and both parties are satisfied.

Freddie presented us with our certificates for making it to the top, and it was a proud moment taking the last photographs.

Our little bus is waiting patiently to take us back to the hotel, and as I gratefully sit in the bus, I feel a little sad. After all the months of preparation, we've done it. The mountain crew has become like our family, the shy, timid Pasat, Bariki, Freddie... and I don't know how to show them my extreme gratitude for this momentous thing they have helped us achieve.

Reflection...

We came to Kilimanjaro with the hope in our hearts and determination in our mind that we can make it to the summit, and through the grace of God we got that chance. We've done it. Nobody can change that fact or ever take it away from us.

Will I do it again? Probably not. It was the hardest thing I've ever done, but I made it to Uhuru peak, and that is enough. I don't think a second time could ever be the same experience. Would I suggest that you do it? Most definitely. It is a once-in-a lifetime experience and it will change the way you view the world and yourself. Prepare well, have the right mind-set, and go for it.

So at last, as we drive away from the gate, I think of home and whisper a soft goodbye to the snow capped giant, Mount Kilimanjaro, the Roof of Africa.