My trek through the Kilimanjaro National Park to the extinct volcano’s summit was among those few “I can’t believe I’m actually here” moments. It was a very long moment, lasting six days, completely detached from all manners of life-as-we-know-it and fully plunged into the hike, the adventure, and sleeping in a tent in the cold, crisp altitude.
In entering through the Rongai Gate with my trekking company, I was afforded the chance to cross Shira’s Plateau, the crater, and see more of the mountain in a single hike. If you want to get technical, you could even call it a two-for-one deal, thanks to the acclimatization hike up Mount Mawenzi (Kili’s little neighbour to the north).
Even during the most arduous and exhausting moments of that whole experience, I wouldn’t trade a second of it.
It was, in a word, amazing.
Here are some of my favourite shots of the scenery, the mountain(s), and the things that made me smile.
Click any image for a full-page slideshow.















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