Trek Stories: Summiting Kilimanjaro – The Roof of Africa 🇹🇿 |
Trekking up Kilimanjaro is more than just a hike—it’s a journey through shifting landscapes, high-altitude challenges, and unforgettable moments. Paul recently took on the Machame Route, spending seven days hiking from tropical rainforests to alpine deserts and, finally, the icy summit of Africa’s highest peak. 🏔
In this edition of Trek Stories, he shares what surprised him the most, the toughest parts of the trek, and the little things that made a big difference. Thinking about taking on Kilimanjaro? Let’s hear from someone who’s been there! 🥾
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Machame gate to Machame camp- let's gooo 💪
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🏔 What was your first thought when you saw Kilimanjaro in person, and how did the changing landscapes along the Machame Route surprise you? |
“It was a cloudy day… we didn’t see much🥲 But for a moment, we saw something huge in between the clouds, and it was really impressive! It was so magical! We really went from a tropical rainforest with monkeys🐒 to the moon😳 It’s like having many different trips in one😍!”
👀 Did You Know? Kilimanjaro is actually a dormant volcano made up of three cones—Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Uhuru Peak, the summit, sits atop Kibo at 5,895m! 🌋
➡️ The name “Kilimanjaro” is believed to come from Swahili and Chagga words meaning "Mountain of Greatness" or "Shining Mountain.👸💎"
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🤔 How did you handle the cold and high altitude, and what was the most challenging part of the trek? Any tips for future trekkers? |
"I’m from the Alps 💁🏻♂️😂 (sassy much!). Go hiking and skiing before the trip so you’ll know yourself and your equipment better. Everything felt easy, but I was well-prepared, and everything feels more easy when you’re surrounded by nice people🥰!"
👀 Did You Know? The Machame Route is often called the “Whiskey Route” because it’s more challenging than the Marangu (“Coca-Cola”) Route😅. It’s tougher, but the views are worth it!
➡️ The summit success rate for the Machame Route is higher than some other routes because it allows more time for acclimatization☝.
👉 Check out Paul's vlog from Day 3
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🤩 Can you share your most unforgettable moment from the climb? |
“There are many moments that are coming to my mind. Of course, reaching the summit was a special feeling! 🤩 But I remember more the moments shared with the team and the porters. All that great energy and those beautiful human relations💃.
I was also impressed by how much altitude can be dangerous to some people. 😬”
➡️ Altitude sickness can start at 2,500m, and with only 49% of sea-level oxygen at Kilimanjaro’s peak, acclimatization is key—hikers follow the "climb high, sleep low" rule to adapt gradually😬.
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😍 What’s one item you packed that turned out to be a lifesaver? |
“My fluffy slippers 😂 (comfort first, am I right?) Also some food with sugar & vitamins to have a little boost during the final climb. And a hat cause the sun can be tough🥵🧢.”
👀 Did You Know? Temperatures at the summit can drop to -20°C (-4°F), and wind chill makes it feel even colder. 🥶
➡️ Check out Paul's POV at 4600m! 😳
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All smiles during the trek 😎
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😇 Would you do it again? If so, would you choose the same route or try a different one? |
“I’d do the exact same thing! And I’d love to go again and try a new route.” 😎
➡️ There are multiple routes up Kilimanjaro, each offering a unique experience. Mapo Tapo has 3 different Kilimanjaro trekking options to choose from:
Whichever path you choose, Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable adventure! 🤩
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🚀 If you'd love to start planning your next adventure, we are here for you, just text Giulia on WhatsApp and she'll help you out 🥰👇
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You can now pay in installments! 😌💸 |
💳 Big news: Booking just got WAY easier! No need to stress about paying the full amount upfront—we’ve rolled out a new checkout, and now you can split your payments with Klarna (because why not treat yourself and pay later? 😉). Prefer PayPal? That’s an option too!
🚀 So whether you’re ready to go all in or take it step by step, your next adventure is just a few clicks away!😌
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You can also pay with PayPal!💸
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📸 Pics from the community |
Discover Mapo Tapo through our travellers' eyes! In each newsletter, we'll be featuring a selection of our favourite snapshots taken during our trips worldwide.👇 Here's a sneak peak of our last trip to Nepal!
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