As a Kilimanjaro Trip Manager, Fiona knows the logistics of the mountain like the back of her hand. On her most recent climb, she shares her journey hour by hour, capturing the moments and milestones she considers most special — follow along to read her highlights and see her photos from the Western Approach.
October 2, 12:17 PM
The Starting Line
We took this photo right after lunch as we arrived at the camp gates. After years of planning these itineraries for guests, actually standing at the start line felt surreal. I was balancing a whole lot of excitement with my own nerves.
My group was a wonderful mix of people, different ages and backgrounds from all over the country, and it was impressive to see how quickly the small talk turned into meaningful conversation once we hit the trail together.
October 3, 11:49 AM
Entering the Heath & Moorland
The Heath and Moorland zone is unlike anything I’ve seen. It’s a stark, prehistoric landscape, and our guides did a great job breaking down the unique flora that survives at this altitude. I couldn’t believe how these high-altitude plants manage to survive — it’s like each one has its own built-in survival toolkit for the cold, sun, and thin air.
Watching the porters sprint uphill carrying 33 pounds was jaw-dropping! They make it look effortless, and suddenly I understood why they’re called the backbone of the climb.
October 5, 12:47 PM
The Heroes of the Mountain
I wanted to take this photo to remember my chat with porter Aggie. The evening before, we had the most inspiring conversation at camp, and hearing her story reminded me just how much strength and determination our team carries on the trail.
Seeing another woman porter in action here made me so happy; it’s exciting to see more women stepping into these roles and shaping the trek experience. I’m proud to work for a company that truly supports and values its porters. They work so hard!
October 6, 10:11 AM
Barranco Wall Scramble
This is me just after scrambling up the Barranco Wall, it was a part of the trek I had been looking forward to most. People tell me I look casual here, but I promise, inside I was buzzing with adrenaline and feeling completely empowered!
The Barranco Wall can be intimidating at first, but the best part is that it’s 100% doable. Our guides were there every step of the way, cheering, pacing, and making sure the scramble felt like a thrilling milestone instead of a scary challenge. My fellow trekkers and I had an absolute blast doing this!
October 6, 7:52 PM
Karanga Camp
Isn’t this a stunning scene? I took this walking back from the dining tent at Karanga Camp. The chefs had served an amazing meal of soup, lasagna, and cookies – a feat of logistics that had us all thoroughly impressed at 13,000+ feet!
As night fell, the clear weather and lack of light pollution made the stars unbelievably sharp and bright, and the snowy peak of Kibo looked simply majestic from camp. Our guides know the night sky and its constellations well, and it soon became a nightly ritual for our group to see how many we could spot before heading to our sleeping bags.
With a warm meal behind us and a sky full of stars above, I wanted to remember this moment because it truly felt like a little slice of magic.
October 7, 11:07 AM
The Psychological Shift at Barafu
Today was a shorter trekking day, and we reached Barafu Camp early. This is essentially basecamp, the camp you set off from for the summit the next day, so it’s starting to feel real!
In the office, we always tell guests that the summit is the goal, but the camaraderie is what they’ll remember. That felt especially true today. The group spent the afternoon mingling and playing games in the dining tent. Everyone was navigating a mix of nerves and excitement for the summit push tomorrow, but the team dynamic was solid. That camaraderie really helped everyone push through the nerves!
October 8, 5:16 AM
The Summit Push
Today’s the day! The sunrise colors over Mawenzi Peak are unreal. I think I got a descent photo, but no image can fully capture what it’s like to see this in person. Inspiring doesn’t even begin to describe it!
About an hour into our summit push, trekking through the Arctic Zone, the world goes quiet in a way that’s completely different from the rest of the trek. Each step demands focus; everyone was tuned into their breathing, and the usual chatter faded. It was just the crunch of boots on the trail and the steady rhythm of the climb, and for me – a moment of pure presence on the mountain.
October 8, 9:49 AM
The Final Approach
Only about an hour to go! This was the view as we walked from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak, which as you can see, is completely above the clouds. I could definitely feel the fatigue at this altitude, every step heavier than the last, but the adrenaline kicked in as soon as I caught sight of the summit sign in the distance.
At this altitude, the climb is a serious push, but being surrounded by otherworldly scenery, knowing this is a place few people get to experience, and seeing the finish line changes everything.
October 8, 10:44 AM
Uhuru Peak
We made it! Reaching the summit was a whirlwind of hugs, photos, laughter, relief, and joy. We spent about thirty minutes at the top, just soaking it all in: the panoramic views, the quiet awe of being at the Roof of Africa, and the sense of accomplishment.
Our guide, James, was everything you hope for in a leader — organized, calm, endlessly encouraging, and by the end of the trip, a true friend. Watching him guide the group to the summit with such steady confidence was one of the highlights of the experience for me, and it made celebrating at the top feel even more special.
October 10, 7:42 AM
The Final Descent
After standing next to ice and glaciers at the summit, descending through the rainforest the next day feels like stepping into a completely different world! It’s one of the things that makes Kilimanjaro so special. Hearing monkeys rustling in the trees and birds chirping is a vivid contrast to the quiet, thin-air stillness at the top. The final descent winds through lush greenery, bright moss, and trickling streams, but don’t be fooled, it’s still a workout. I always remind guests to train for the descent as much as the climb; your knees will thank you!
Shortly after this, our group shared a celebratory drink before parting ways. Even after years of coordinating these trips from a desk, experiencing the full arc of the mountain firsthand changed my perspective.
More than the views, I’ll remember the people: the expertise of our guides, the tireless energy of the porters, and a trekking group that started as strangers and ended as a family. Standing on the Roof of Africa is incredible, but it’s the team that gets you there that stays with you.
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