{"id":116,"date":"2020-02-19T13:31:39","date_gmt":"2020-02-19T13:31:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/earthtojess.com\/?p=116"},"modified":"2025-03-29T13:15:36","modified_gmt":"2025-03-29T13:15:36","slug":"africa-mt-kilimanjaro-and-beyond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/earthtojess.com\/?p=116","title":{"rendered":"Africa – Mt. Kilimanjaro and Beyond"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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After months of planning and training, the day finally arrived. I boarded a Qatar Airways flight from JFK to Doha, my first stop en route to Tanzania. The layover in Doha was brief, but before I knew it, I was soaring toward Kilimanjaro International Airport, eager to set foot on the African continent for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Night Under Mount Meru<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

My journey truly began in Arusha National Park, where I spent two nights at a private Wilderness Travel camp nestled on the lower slopes of Mount Meru. At 6,500 feet, it was the perfect place to acclimatize before the climb. The camp was serene, surrounded by lush montane forests and stunning views of Kilimanjaro in the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A warm shower and a hearty dinner under the stars welcomed me to Tanzania, and the next day, a short acclimatization hike led us through the ancient forest, where black-and-white colobus monkeys swung through the trees. The anticipation for Kilimanjaro grew stronger with every step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Kilimanjaro Ascent: Step by Step to the Summit<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

We started our climb from the Kilimanjaro National Forest Reserve, ascending through a dense canopy of giant trees before reaching our first camp at 9,300 feet. Each day, we trekked higher\u2014passing through shifting ecosystems, from lush forests to rocky moorlands. The stark landscapes of the Shira Plateau and the towering Lava Tower were surreal, each turn revealing a different face of this mighty mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"JessOne of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of the trek was the Western Breach ascent. This rugged and demanding section led us to the crater camp at 18,500 feet, where we spent the night near the magnificent Furtwangler Glacier. The following morning, we completed the final push to Uhuru Peak\u2014standing at 19,341 feet, the highest point in Africa! The sunrise from the summit was beyond words\u2014a breathtaking expanse of glaciers, rugged cliffs, and the endless African plains stretching below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The descent was steep and relentless, but with each step down, oxygen became richer, and the forests welcomed us back. That final evening at Mweka Camp was filled with celebratory toasts and well-earned rest before heading back to Arusha for a well-deserved shower and a soft bed at Mount Meru Game Lodge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zanzibar: A Different Kind of Adventure<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From the heights of Kilimanjaro, I shifted gears and flew to Zanzibar for a completely different experience. The island\u2019s rich history and vibrant culture were evident from the moment I arrived in Stone Town. I explored the Freddie Mercury House, wandered through the historic Old Fort, and admired the grandeur of the Sultan\u2019s Palace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next day, I refreshed my scuba skills with a dive course before setting out on an unforgettable dive off Zanzibar\u2019s coast. The waters were crystal clear, teeming with colorful coral and marine life. A sunset dinner at Emerson on Hurumzi was the perfect way to cap off a day of underwater exploration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most unforgettable meals of the trip was at The Rock Restaurant, perched on a rock in the middle of the ocean, accessible only by boat during high tide. The seafood was fresh, the views were mesmerizing, and the entire experience felt surreal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before leaving Zanzibar, I spent a morning exploring Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, home to the rare red colobus monkeys, and visited a spice farm where the island\u2019s famous cloves and vanilla are cultivated. The scents of cinnamon and nutmeg lingered in the air as I prepared for the next chapter of my adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safari Dreams: The Maasai Mara<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Next, I flew to Kenya\u2019s Maasai Mara for a luxury safari at Angama Mara, a lodge perched high above the vast plains. My days were filled with exhilarating game drives, spotting elephants, lions, and even a rare cheetah chase. Sunsets in the Mara were magical, each evening celebrated with sundowners at a scenic viewpoint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I embraced the Maasai culture through a beading lesson and visits to a local village, gaining insight into their traditions and way of life. One of the highlights was a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise\u2014floating above the plains as herds of wildebeest and giraffes moved gracefully below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Journey to Remember<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As my trip came to an end, I reflected on the incredible journey\u2014from scaling Kilimanjaro\u2019s icy summit to exploring the warm waters of Zanzibar and the wild heart of Africa in the Maasai Mara. Each step of the adventure pushed my limits, opened my eyes to new cultures, and left me with memories that will last a lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Africa is a place that gets under your skin, and I know this won\u2019t be my last visit. Until next time, Asante Sana, Tanzania and Kenya\u2014you\u2019ve been unforgettable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mt. Kilimanjaro<\/h2>\n\n\n
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