Thousands of climbers have reached Uhuru Peak since 2008. Let their stories inspire you. Your name could be next on this list!
Every person who stands on Uhuru Peak has their own unique story. From young adventurers to seniors in their 60s and 70s, from solo travelers to family groups – they all prove that with determination, good preparation and the right guidance, the summit is within reach.
Jolanda: "What an incredible week we had. We suffered, laughed, got emotional, ate well, saw beautiful things, complained about the small tent and dirty toilets and had tremendous respect for our guides Joseph, John and Robert and the rest of the support team. To top it off, we stood on Uhuru Peak on June 28 at 8:10 am. A week we'll never forget!"
Esther: "It's special to be able to hike for a week like this. It became a trip never to forget! Together with Aniek it was a beautiful adventure through all the climate zones of the mountain. The changing landscapes, from rainforest to glaciers, made a deep impression. Thank you for organizing this unforgettable experience!"
Anny: "Both Jos and I made it. It was an enormous experience. We had a wonderful time with a nice and fun group. Our guide Henri led us excellently to the summit and had a great sense of responsibility. He ensured everything ran smoothly with his kind, lovely group of people. A great achievement to look back on with good feelings. We enjoyed it immensely."
"With seven of us we started this challenge, and with seven of us we stood on the summit! The group dynamics made the difference during the tough moments. We encouraged each other, shared our snacks and even laughed on the most difficult sections. The sunrise on Uhuru Peak was spectacular - the promise we had fought for all week. An experience that brought us even closer together as friends."
"A large part of the attraction lies in the personal satisfaction of having successfully applied your best efforts against the impersonal mountain mass of Kilimanjaro. Despite the difficult climb, both physically and emotionally, it was an experience never to forget. On March 11, 2012, we stood on the roof of Africa: Nico Bemelmans, Marcel Heckmans, Pablo Korver, Arthur van der Pluym, Bert Russel, Jos Russel, Ton Sijstermans and George Spiler."
"It was a beautiful trip. Everything perfectly organized. The local team was helpful and made sure everything went well and was clear. The guides (Nicholaus and Shan) were very competent - as was the rest of the crew who came along on the mountain. I can look back on one of the most spectacular and unforgettable weeks of my life."
"It was fantastic! The combination of exhaustion and euphoria when you finally reach that summit is indescribable. Every step felt heavy, but the thought of the summit drove me forward. When I finally saw the Uhuru Peak sign, tears streamed down my cheeks. You'll never forget this."
Freddie Werink: "Both Arjan and I made it and we're happy about that. The last night was a test of our endurance, but we pulled each other through. The hotel (both food and sleep), the guides, cook, porters and especially the server Leonard were excellent! The entire team ensured we could perform optimally on the mountain."
Jan: "It was an unforgettable moment and a euphoric experience, thanks in part to our highly praised guide King William. The way he guided us, motivated us and always knew when we needed an extra push was phenomenal. The sunrise on the summit was breathtaking - arriving just in time for that magical moment!"
"It was great to experience this. What a fantastic route and a great view at the summit. The Machame Route offered exactly the right mix of challenge and beauty. Every day was a new adventure through different climate zones. An experience to never forget!"
"We also reached the summit of Kilimanjaro! What an experience! Going on this adventure together with friends makes it even more special. We supported each other during the tough moments and celebrated together on the summit. The memories we made will stay with us forever. Absolutely a highlight in our lives!"
"A family adventure we'll never forget! Father and sons conquering Africa's highest peak together - it doesn't get more special than that. The shared experience, the mutual support and finally standing on the summit together created an unbreakable bond. This is a memory we'll cherish for a lifetime."
Ian: "Climbing Kilimanjaro at 66 years old was challenging but incredibly rewarding. The guides were professional, patient, and made sure we all reached the summit safely. Age is just a number when you have the right preparation and support. This proves you're never too old for new adventures. An unforgettable experience!"
"This was an incredibly beautiful experience! The private climb gave me the space to go at my own pace and truly enjoy every moment. The personal guidance from the guide made the difference. Being alone with nature, the silence of the mountain and ultimately reaching that summit - it felt spiritual and transformative."
Guy: "Was it cold? Yes! But god, it was beautiful! The temperature at the summit was well below zero, but the panorama that unfolded was so spectacular that we forgot the cold. With the four of us we took on this challenge and completed it together. The photos don't do justice to what we experienced there!"
Irene: "After five super beautiful days of hiking and sometimes a bit of scrambling, we then reached the summit at 7:15 AM on the sixth day after a final tough ordeal with our two good guides Hugho and Sharime! A great experience never to forget! Thanks for the good organization."
"A family enterprise in the best sense of the word! Climbing Kilimanjaro together was a unique experience. We supported each other through the difficult moments and celebrated the small victories together. Reaching the summit with your loved ones next to you - that makes it extra special. Proud of what we achieved together!"
Susanne: "We reached the summit of Kilimanjaro!!! We had a really good time and enjoyed it immensely. It was a great conclusion to my five-month stay in Tanzania! We had a fun group and really reached the summit together as a team, really great. We were also very satisfied with the guide, the cook, and all the porters"
Guido Schouw: "Conclusion: Absolutely worth it, unforgettable, don't underestimate altitude sickness, porters and Dr. Ranjit are heroes! And the fantastic Lei (far left) on the summit of Kilimanjaro, 68 years old and an example to us all!"
Lei: "For me, the climb was an ultimate boyhood dream that has now been realized. Grateful and with great awe and appreciation for the guide, assistant guides and porters, I got to know the beautiful country of Tanzania and the wonderful people who live there. The guide was wonderful for us and without him many climbers would not have made it. With awe and respect I will enjoy these enormous experiences in thought for a long time. Also a word of thanks to you, Ramon, because you still made it possible for me. The group was very good. All very motivated people with character. I was happy to be part of it."
"Definitely stayed up there for fifteen minutes and then started the return journey to the 'base camp' at 4600 meters. Had left the base camp at 11:00 PM and reached the summit at around 07:00 AM. Back at the camp at 11:00 AM, so more or less walked for 12 hours straight. Enjoyed it tremendously."
"Not everyone will copy us quickly. We found it nice and warm on the summit, haha! It was a sunny day! We were lucky to climb in perfect weather - blue sky, little wind and even sun rays that warmed us at that extreme altitude. The photos in t-shirts on the summit are our pride - though we wouldn't recommend it to anyone!"
"This was our honeymoon with the climb of Kilimanjaro. Unforgettable! Instead of a traditional beach we chose adventure and we haven't regretted it for a second. Achieving this challenging goal together at the start of our marriage feels symbolic - we can handle anything as long as we're together!"
"I was there at 4:00 AM. We climbed really fast to the top in four hours. On the summit it was -30 degrees. The view was... dark... but it had a huge thrill! Climbing in pitch darkness with only your headlamp is a surreal experience. The cold was biting but the adrenaline kept me warm. When the sun came up we had been on the summit for an hour - magical!"
"Stood on the summit twice and both times equally overwhelming! Kilimanjaro keeps drawing me - the majesty of the mountain, the peace of the hike, and that ultimate moment on Uhuru Peak. Each climb is different due to the weather, the group and your own condition. It remains a magical experience I look back on with pride."
"I was there in the afternoon, so that was nice and warm. Unlike most climbers who arrive early in the morning, I enjoyed a pleasant temperature and clear light. It gave a completely different experience - calm, sunny and with beautiful photos as a result. Everyone chooses their own path to the summit!"
"At 7:00 AM exactly. The timing was perfect - just as the first sun rays touched the crater I stood on Uhuru Peak. The colors of the sunrise at that altitude are indescribably beautiful. It was the perfect moment to realize what I had just achieved. A moment of pure joy and gratitude!"
"When I started this journey, I had no idea what awaited me. The mountain tested me on all levels - physically, mentally and emotionally. But with the support of the guides and my fellow climbers I found a strength in myself I didn't know I had. Reaching the summit felt like a personal victory. I came down a different person."
"Kilimanjaro was a lifelong dream that became reality. Every day brought new challenges and beautiful landscapes. The slow pace, the caring guides and the camaraderie in the group made it an unforgettable journey. On the summit I realized: if I can do this, what else can I do? An inspiring experience!"
Get inspired by these success stories and write your own Kilimanjaro adventure. Reserve your spot now for the expedition of a lifetime.
Travel specialist, writer, photographer, marketing specialist, and currently residing in Phnom Penh. Has been climbing Kilimanjaro regularly since June 2008.
More about Ramon