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7 Oct 2024

Eric prepared to fly to Arusha, Nairobi to begin the serious part of his Africa trip - climbing Mount Kilimanjaro! We followed along on his trekking company's Facebook account as Eric's team arrived the following day, and acclimated to the mountain.

8 Oct 2024

Eric arrived at Kilimanjaro International Airport, went through customs, met up with his trekking company, Climbing Kilimanjaro, and had a comprehensive briefing and equipment check with the climbing manager and guides, as he prepared for the 9-day trek up and down Mount Kilimanjaro.

9 Oct 2024

Trek Day 1 - Arusha to Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa / Forest Camp

7,742 ft to 9,498 ft, 4 miles, approx. 3-4 hours

Eric began his Kilimanjaro trek. After breakfast at his hotel, he received a detailed briefing from his guide. At 9 a.m., Eric met with the staff who drove him several hours to the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, arriving at Londorossi Gate. There, the guides and porters prepared and packed all the necessary equipment and supplies.

After completing registration with the Kilimanjaro Park office and enjoying a packed lunch, Eric continued on a 45-minute drive to Lemosho Glades, where the trek officially began.

Eric spent approximately three hours ascending through the dense rainforest, where the trail can be wet and muddy, so his gaiters and trekking poles came in handy. Along the way, he took a break to enjoy the rest of his packed lunch.

By late afternoon, Eric reached Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as "Big Tree" Camp. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by porters who had already set up his camp and tent. He was greeted with boiled drinking water and hot washing water to freshen up. Once settled in, Eric enjoyed a hot dinner in the mess tent, capping off his first day on the mountain.

10 Oct 2024

Trek Day 2 - Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp

9,498 ft to 11,500 ft, 5 miles, approx. 5-6 hours

Eric ascended from the forested slopes of Lemosho, making his way through a podocarpus and juniper forest.

As he climbed higher, he emerged into a zone of heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen, entering the Shira Plateau, which once stood as Kilimanjaro’s third peak before it collapsed.

He stopped for lunch on the trail before arriving at camp in the mid-afternoon. From his vantage point at Shira 1 Camp, the view of Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s peak, was absolutely breathtaking.

Eric spent the night at Shira 1 Camp, resting and taking in the incredible scenery.

11 Oct 2024

Trek Day 3 - Shira 1 to Shira 2

11,500 ft to 12,500 ft, 4 miles, 3-4 hours

Eric continued his trek after breakfast, hiking across and up the Shira Plateau, making his way to Shira Camp 2 at an elevation of 12,500 feet.

Along the way, he joined trekkers from the alternate Machame Route and enjoyed stunning views across the valley below, and the towering Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above.

The plateau is exposed, so Eric was prepared for the cold night ahead, with temperatures expected to drop below zero.

12 Oct 2024

Trek day 4 - Shira 2 to Moir Hut Camp

12,500 ft to 13,580 ft (Lava Tower), down to 15,190 ft, 8 miles, 5-7 hours

Eric continued his journey from Shira Camp 2 to Moir Hut Camp. He left the forest behind as he embarked on a gentle walk across the high-altitude Shira Caldera, surrounded by stunning views of the Arrow Glacier.

Along the way, Eric reached Lava Tower at 13,580 feet before ascending to 15,190 feet, covering approximately 8 miles over 5 to 7 hours.

By the end of the day, Eric arrived at Moir Hut Camp, where he spent the night at an elevation of 4,200 meters, resting and preparing for the next stage of his climb.

13 Oct 2024

Trek day 5 - Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp / Pofu Camp

13,580 ft to 13,200 ft, 7 miles, 5-7 hours

Eric climbed out of the Moir Valley and took a short detour to reach the summit of Lent Hills at 15,400 feet.

After taking in the breathtaking views, he returned to the trail and headed east along the northern circuit.

The final stretch of the day's trek involved some undulating terrain before Eric arrived at Pofu Camp, where he spent the night at 13,200 feet, covering 7 miles in approximately 5 to 7 hours.

14 Oct 2024

Trek day 6 - Buffalo Camp / Pofu to Third Cave

13,200 ft to 12,700 ft, 5 miles, 5-7 hours

Eric continued his trek from Pofu Camp, crossing several small valleys as the trail led eastward. As he progressed, the landscape became increasingly sparse, with less vegetation along the way.

After 5 to 7 hours of hiking and covering 5 miles, Eric arrived at Third Cave Camp, where he rested for the night at an elevation of 12,700 feet, preparing for the next stage of his Kilimanjaro journey.

15 Oct 2024

Trek day 7 - Third Cave to School Hut Camp

12,700 ft to 15,600 ft, 3 miles, 4-5 hours

Eric embarked on a steady ascent from Third Cave to reach the saddle, a unique lunar-like landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. After covering 3 miles and gaining elevation, he arrived at School Hut Camp at 15,600 feet by early afternoon.

The remainder of the day was spent resting and preparing for the final and most challenging part of his journey: the summit day!

16 Oct 2024

Trek day 8 - School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

15,600 ft to 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft, 4 miles ascent, 7 miles descent, 6-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent

Today, Eric began the final and most demanding part of his Kilimanjaro climb!

Around 1 a.m., he set off from School Hut on a challenging switchback trail through loose volcanic scree. His first goal was to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point, where he took a short rest and witnessed a spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. From there, he continued onward to the ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 19,341 feet. Along the way, Eric passed by the awe-inspiring glaciers and ice cliffs that dominate the summit area.

After celebrating at Uhuru Peak, Eric retraced his steps along the crater rim to Stella Point and then began his long descent. He passed through Barafu Camp and continued down to Mweka Camp, where he rested for the night.

In total, Eric covered 4 miles on the ascent and 7 miles on the descent today, spending 6 to 8 hours climbing up, and another 4 to 6 hours descending. It was a long, tough day, but reaching the summit made it all worthwhile.

17 Oct 2024

Trek day 9 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

10,065 ft to 5,380 ft, 6 miles, 3-4 hours

Eric woke up to his final day on the mountain and enjoyed a celebratory breakfast with his team. The staff of the trekking company congratulated him in their unique and special way, marking the end of an incredible journey.

After breakfast, Eric began the final 3-hour scenic descent from Mweka Camp, hiking 6 miles down to Mweka Gate. Once he reached the gate, the adventure officially came to an end. After lunch, Eric headed back to the hotel, where he finally relaxed and enjoyed a long, well-deserved hot shower.

More

• Browse our Peaks for PKD blog to read more about Eric's journey to Kilimanjaro
• Follow Eric's ascent on Climbing Kilimanjaro's Facebook or Instagram accounts
• How hard is it to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, anyhow?
• Learn more about polycystic kidney disease from our blog, "33 Things To Know About PKD"
• Support Eric's fundraiser for PKD research and patient supports