Intense study took place while planning my climb to Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the highest mountain of continent Africa. I read various articles to have the feel of trek. And to get the nature of ascent and descent during climb. I found multiple options of five to nine days to trek on different routes. I closed in the trekking route of five days.
Five day trek is possible only through Marangu route. Steep climb and no extra day for acclimatization. This means putting your physical and mental strength to extreme test at high altitude. But this is not the right way to proceed, in fact. One day acclimatization on route is highly recommended for higher chances of climbing success in very high altitude.
I have been walking, hiking regularly. Still I maintained my fitness regime and regular exercise for the climb. I booked my trip with two extra hotel days, before and after climb, in Moshi, the base town for climbers. Eagerly waited for 13th Jan 2017, the day to depart from Delhi for Kilimanjaro. It was a long air journey from Delhi. And further one hour drive from Kilimanjaro international airport to Moshi town.
Tired but excited, I took some rest then had briefing session with my guide and the trip organizer. Though to reduce total cost I had opted to join group but my date of climb did not match with group dates so I had to book as solo climber with a crew of four: my guide; my cook; two porters to carry my rucksack, food items, fruits, vegetables, water etc. even a small size cylinder of cooking gas, too. One hiking bag I kept with me.
Next morning after more than an hour’s drive from Moshi town, I reached Marangu gate waiting hall. Here all trip organizers complete the documentation and permit formalities. In the meanwhile all trekkers rest and get ready with final preparations for the Kilimanjaro trek of six days or five days. It takes lot of time. In fact it took around two hours to get my permit. But instead of sitting and sipping coffee, I preferred warm up walk to keep me in motion.
Than began my thrilling hike that would continue next 5 days. The trail passed through dense rain forests transiting into the moorland. Panorama changed every few kilometers. Exotic flora and fauna emerged. Than the chilling feel of endless desert. And the dreadful night climb. Culminating into the defining moment of victory. 
My limbs were tired. My toes were broken. But my spirit was high and alive which kept me pushing towards victory.
Links to the other posts of series:
My Kilimanjaro Climb-Green Oasis
My Kilimanjaro Climb-Exotic Moorland
My Kilimanjaro Climb-Alpine Desert
Wow. Sounds like an amazing experience. You are such an inspiration to travel solo and explore the world. Hopefully our paths will cross one day.
❥ tanvii.com
Thanks Tanvi. I will be delighted when our paths cross.
Kilimanjaro that too solo. Wow, just wow. I travel all around the world to meet different people with different stories. I guess I should go there too may be I will find something or someone interesting.
Yes you must. You will have different perspective there.
Wow u did solo to Kilomajaro! That’s so amazing experience. Please tell me what is the one thing you think about during the whole trip walking up the trek?
Climbing without acclimatization.
Great article! I hadn’t heard about Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, so its really awesome that you got to treak to the highest mountain of Africa!
Thank you.
nice one
Whoa! Such a challenging trip!
You are quite brave to trek on an adventure like this.
A friend of mine recently completed the summit and I am head over heels with her experience and photos. Awaiting to know yours.
Will share more with friends.
This is an amazing adventure. Most trek i did is less than 2 days.
Wow I’m so impressed that you did this trek alone, great job!
Interesting. I love walking in mashy areas.
I’ve always wondered what it would take to climb a mountain like Kilimanjaro. I didn’t know you could save a little money with going with a group! I’m excited to read more about your climb!
My pleasure.
Looks like an amazing trek, would love to complete it one day.
Wow trekking by yourself, that’s so brave of you. I mean, there are other people, but personally I would prefer someone I know with me.
I travel solo that has taught me to walk through challenges.
wow! i have never been to a trek! But you give me motivation!
I am delighted to know that I could encourage you.
This look really cool and seems so much fun. Five day for trek is really cool.
But tough because I did it without acclimatization.
Congrats on hiking Mt Kilimanjaro. I don’t hike or the person I really want to, but I congrats on your challenging endeavor.
Thanks.
Wow such an adventurous solo trek. I have never been on a solo trip once or twice and its really memorable. I have read some of your blog posts and they are really inspiring.
Thanks Ishani.
Very impressive and inspiring! Kilimanjaro Climb-Trekking and that too.. Solo. Very commendable Indu as it does seem to be a tough one. Its close to 6000 meters right? And not much time for acclimatisation! Bravo!
In fact I did it without acclimatization and challenged my limits.
Oh, I can’t wait to read the rest of your Kilimajaro adventure! It seems like it took a lot of preparation but I bet it was totally worthy!
Sharing all with friends.
It sounds like you had an amazing time. I bet it was a once in a lifetime experience too.
Indeed so.
Wow! I love solo travel Actually last April I came to hike alone and this is really fun and enjoy! Nice travel I like your photos!
Delighted to know of your solo hike.
Wow! solo trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro. I just love this idea. I wish I had so much courage.
You can certainly develop Charu.
You are one brave woman. It takes so much courage to climb a mountain solo
It needs mental toughness alongwith physical fitness.
I feel so excited reading about your trek. It requires a lot of determination and I get inspired from your journey.
Absolutely requires firm determination.
It sounds amazing. How was the weather there?
Frozen at last stretch.
That is admirable..I cannot even get my mind to process the thought..:P
You can do too surely.
Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania alone sounds like an amazing achievement. I could never see myself doing that but I am very happy that you successfully climbed it.
Of course you can do too getting in fitness regime and doing some prior treks to high altitudes elsewhere.