Imagine experiencing sunrise near the summit of Kilimanjaro, with the African plains below and the retreating glaciers glimmering in the first light. The 8-day strenuous trek up Kilimanjaro along the Western Breach route is one of the classic treks of the world, with a summit to brag about. Starting off in the rainforest of the lowlands, you make your way up the mountain through several ecological zones, with rare plants and wild elephants. The most dramatic is certainly the tundra below the glaciated slopes, a moonscape high up near the sky. The final summit day is a long one, starting around mid-night with an all night ascent, a photo on the summit (19,340’), and then a quick descent through gravel fields and trampled meadows, to celebrate back in Arusha. Most hikers add a safari to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Parks before heading home. Except for the rainy seasons in April/May and again November, Kilimanjaro can be attempted all year around.

Written by  Nadia Le Bon.

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