Last year, Peter Kim, a seasoned adventurer and content creator, achieved a remarkable feat: summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest free-standing mountain. This wasn’t just another hike; it was a journey that pushed Peter Kim beyond his comfort zone and tested his limits in ways he hadn’t anticipated. Prior to this incredible experience, Peter Kim had limited experience with organized hiking, with his last camping trip dating back to a 1993 Route 66 road trip. Living at sea level, the prospect of conquering Kilimanjaro was a significant challenge that Peter Kim embraced wholeheartedly.
Getting Ready for Kilimanjaro: Peter Kim’s Pre-Trip Preparations
Peter Kim knew that proper preparation was crucial for a successful Kilimanjaro climb. Beyond the usual travel arrangements, this adventure required specific health precautions. While Peter Kim was up-to-date with Covid shots and boosters, a consultation with a travel doctor revealed the need for six additional vaccines: Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Yellow Fever, Meningitis, and Cholera. This resulted in five shots and one oral vaccine – a substantial pre-trip medical undertaking for Peter Kim.
That’s a lot of shots, Peter Kim recalls, noting the three injections in one arm and two in the other.
In addition to vaccinations, Peter Kim also secured malaria medication and Diamox to combat altitude sickness. Peter Kim wisely tested the Diamox at home to familiarize himself with the tingling sensation in fingers and toes, ensuring it wouldn’t be a cause for alarm on the mountain.
Day One: Peter Kim Begins His Kilimanjaro Trek – Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Peter Kim embarked on the eight-day Lemosho route, chosen for its gradual acclimatization profile, offering a higher chance of reaching the summit. The journey commenced at Lemosho Gate, at an elevation of 6,980 feet, in the heart of a lush, wet rainforest. Despite February being typically drier, Peter Kim quickly learned why it’s called a rainforest. While expensive Gore-tex gear proved helpful, Peter Kim mused that a simple poncho would have been a valuable addition for easy rain protection. Some guides even opted for umbrellas, highlighting the persistent wetness.
The first day involved a 2.5-hour ascent of 1,800 feet, following a well-maintained trail. Peter Kim described it as a “stairmaster in rain and mud at high altitude,” a testament to the challenging conditions.
Day Two: Peter Kim Climbs Out of the Rainforest – Mti Mkubwa to Shira I
Day two marked a dramatic shift in scenery as Peter Kim and his group climbed out of the rainforest and onto a starkly beautiful desert plateau.
A whole new world unfolded before Peter Kim. Above the treeline, the landscape opened up to bright sunshine and warmer temperatures. Sunscreen became an essential item, as Peter Kim quickly realized the intensity of the equatorial sun at altitude.
The day’s hike lasted approximately five hours, with an elevation gain of 3,150 feet. Camp was established at 11,844 feet – over two miles above sea level. This is where Peter Kim began to experience the first signs of high altitude headaches, a common Kilimanjaro challenge.
Day Three: Acclimatization Day for Peter Kim – Shira I to Moir Camp
As Peter Kim and his team ascended, the days grew colder. Starting day three at 42°F, following a day in the 50s, Peter Kim noted the increasing chill. This day was designated for acclimatization, with a relatively modest elevation gain of 1,800 feet, spread over a longer, flatter distance compared to the first day.
Peter Kim took an acclimatization hike, ascending an additional 510 feet to a hilltop viewpoint. From this vantage point, Kenya was visible, and surprisingly, mobile phone reception was available. Peter Kim‘s phone compass indicated Moir camp’s elevation at 13,650 feet.
Day Four: Peter Kim Reaches Lava Tower – Moir to Barranco Camp
On day four, the trek took Peter Kim and his group to Lava Tower, reaching an elevation of 15,000 feet just in time for lunch.
Peter Kim observed groups camping at Lava Tower, noting they were on shorter, faster ascent routes, reaching this point in just three days. He learned that historically, around 30 years ago, the entire Kilimanjaro climb was often completed in just three or four days, a stark contrast to the more extended acclimatization-focused routes of today.
From Barranco wall camp, Peter Kim noticed a clear line of sight down to the valley and strong mobile reception. However, this real-time connectivity offered a unique perspective on the climb. Peter Kim‘s Kilimanjaro journey, from February 19-26, 2022, coincided with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While not on a typical relaxing vacation, the unfolding global events added a layer of unease to the experience. Yet, amidst this backdrop, Peter Kim received positive news – his British citizenship had been approved via email! This underscored the unexpected highs and lows that accompany a Kilimanjaro climb, a point Peter Kim reflected on.
Day Five: Conquering the Barranco Wall with Peter Kim – Barranco to Karanga Camp
Day five was a shorter hiking day for Peter Kim, with only 312 feet of elevation gain, maintaining an altitude around 13,000 feet. However, the day began with the formidable Barranco wall.
This marked the last night for a relatively “full” night’s sleep, as Peter Kim knew summit day would begin just before midnight. Peter Kim humorously noted the “full” night’s sleep was in quotes, as sleeping soundly on the mountain is inherently challenging due to thin air, constant hydration, restrictive sleeping bags, and inclined sleeping surfaces.
Day Six: Peter Kim Approaches the Summit – Karanga to Kosovo Camp
On day six, Peter Kim and his group hiked past Barafu camp, a common overnight stop for summit attempts. This leg involved scaling a very steep and smooth rock wall. For the first time, Peter Kim encountered hikers descending, having already reached the summit. He also witnessed the realities of altitude sickness, observing individuals being assisted down, and others suffering from sunburn despite the cool temperatures – a reminder of the intense high-altitude sun.
The destination was Kosovo camp, about an hour beyond Barafu. Peter Kim described the day as intense, with an ascent of 2,800 feet. The anticipation for the midnight summit attempt was palpable as Peter Kim and his team prepared for a very early wake-up call.
Day Seven: Summiting Kilimanjaro with Peter Kim – Kosovo to Summit to Mweka Camp
As global understanding of Covid-19 deepened, blood oxygen levels became a key indicator of infection. By February 2022, pulse oximeters were readily available. Peter Kim, equipped with a £10 pulse oximeter from Amazon, along with his Apple watch and Oura ring, monitored his vitals throughout the climb. NHS guidelines advise seeking emergency medical attention if blood oxygen levels drop below 92%).
Waking up at 15,940 feet, in freezing 20°F tent temperatures, Peter Kim checked his blood oxygen level. It read 49%. Questioning the device’s accuracy at altitude and acknowledging potential altitude-induced clouded judgment, Peter Kim and his group pressed on.
Layered in thermal wear, parkas, and multiple gloves, Peter Kim started the midnight summit push in howling winds and freezing conditions. Breathing felt labored even during stops. After five and a half hours of relentless ascent, Peter Kim reached Stella Point, 3,000 feet higher than Kosovo camp. An hour later, Peter Kim stood triumphantly on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Peter Kim considered the descent the most challenging part. The group descended back to Kosovo camp in 1.5 hours. After packing, a further four-hour descent led them to Mweka camp at 10,020 feet. In one day, Peter Kim had ascended 3,400 feet to Africa’s highest point and then descended 9,300 feet – an exhilarating and exhausting achievement. At Mweka camp, the temperature was a relatively mild 50°F, and Peter Kim‘s blood oxygen level had recovered to 94%.
Day Eight: Peter Kim’s Descent and Exit – Mweka Camp to Exit
The final day involved a well-maintained 4,600-foot descent through the rainforest to the exit.
Peter Kim’s Final Thoughts on Kilimanjaro
Peter Kim reflected on the common saying that “almost anyone can climb Kilimanjaro.” He acknowledged the truth in this, emphasizing the importance of preparation and planning. An eight-day trek, like the Lemosho route Peter Kim chose, allows for better acclimatization than a rushed four-day climb. While physical conditioning helps, Peter Kim observed that individuals from sea level, even without extensive jogging experience, can successfully summit.
Peter Kim and his group often described the Kilimanjaro experience as “type 2 fun.” He noted the common understanding of the “three types of fun” within the outdoor adventure community, where Kilimanjaro definitively falls into the Type 2 category – fun in retrospect, though challenging in the moment. Peter Kim suggests remembering this during moments of breathlessness at high altitudes.
Addressing the evolving nature of the Kilimanjaro experience with increasing mobile connectivity and even Wi-Fi, Peter Kim pondered whether these changes detract from the climb. He recognized that each person undertakes the journey for personal reasons. Peter Kim updated the classic saying to “take only pictures and videos, leave only footprints,” reflecting modern motivations. He questioned whether livestreaming from the mountain would be inherently negative, acknowledging that times change, for better or worse. Peter Kim humorously concluded that perhaps a livestream would have been an easier way to share his story than the 14 months it took him to write this blog post.
