Day 7 Mount Kilimanjaro – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

The team that got us to the summit and back on Mt Kilimanjaro. August took the photo.

Mweka Camp (3080 m) – Mweka Gate (1680 m), 9 km, 1400 m elevation loss, 2 hrs 35 min. Total trip distance 66.6 km, total elevation gain 5032, total hiking time 36 hrs 5 min.

After days of patchy sleep (common at high altitudes), we woke up feeling well rested for a change. We started the day with a celebration. There were group photos and songs sung by both our porters, led by Amiri, and then Siobhan in tribute to our porters. Then we gave all the porters, our waiter, cook and guides their pay packages. Judging by the smiles on their faces they were very happy with what they received. Laura, Micah and I had put the packages together at Karanga Camp. It’s necessary to pay the team in cash but it was a little nerve wracking carrying all the cash around. I am quite sure that rates have changed today but I am a big fan of giving a bit more to everyone. They worked so hard to make our trip a success.

Traditionally all the porters, cooks and guides sing a song to the hikers after the hike on Mt Kilimanjaro
The chorus lyrics are…
Jambo, Jambo Bwana (Hello, Hello Sir)
Habari gani (How are you?)
Mzuri sana (Very fine)
Wageni, mwakaribishwa (Foreigners, you’re welcome)
Kilimanjaro yetu (to Kilimanjaro)
Hakuna Matata (There is no problem)

Siobhan sang a song back to the team to express our thanks for all their efforts.

After a quick wander around the campsite which included the most industrial toilet ever we headed off 20 minutes later at 8:15 am.

More traditional hole but at least has raised foot pads.

August looking around for what has not been done. Camp is almost packed up for the last time.

Getting psyched up for one last hike. Amiri in behind learning on his poles.

The day could not have been easier hiking. The trail was wide, smooth and well groomed. We did lose 1400 m of elevation, but being so near the end our legs were stronger and we made short work of the hike.

Might have been our last good view of Mt Kilimanjaro

Lovely flowing plants of the rain forest are back.

The trail was very nice all the way to the gate.

Less than an hour to go but need to rest. From L-R August, Laura, Amiri (looking chill), Siobhan and Micah .

I have made improvements but carrying the camera on my front involved a complicated pack set up. Curious as to why I have Frosty Paws.

The path is more road-like. The red clay is moist from all the rain and ferns are thick along the sides.

Near the end of the hike, to keep us going we started singing. I guess we had gotten comfortable with our guides since as a group we do not sing well. One of the songs we sang was “The ants come marching one by one…”. August loved the song so much Micah wrote him out the lyrics when we were on the bus back to Arusha.

Coming in to the finish. Photo by August.

Lunging across the finish line. We did it!

Siobhan and Micah at the end of the hike. Can see the buses waiting to transport all the hikers.

Laura and I at the finish, Congratulations to all.

A well-deserved meal to finish. Look, more bananas.

Happy group at the conclusion of the hike

Looking back at the trip and reliving the experience through the photos, this was a wonderful but intense way to spend a family vacation. The trials and triumphs that we shared will be with us forever.

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