I chose the Western Approach Route because it allowed time to acclimatize and because I'd heard it was particularly lovely. How lovely defies description. For sheer drama, it's hard to beat a volcanic landscape topped by glaciers under a tropic sky. I was personally enchanted not just to be looking down on the tops of clouds for days on end but to be part of a full fledged adventure expedition! How the porters carried and set up camp, cooked and took care of us was fascinating . Our guide, Frederick, who pulled it all together, could not have been more competent or more likeable. His knowledge of the mountain was vast and his concern for our welfare intense. I will always remember how reassuring he was when I worried I was walking too slowly. "That is the ideal way to climb Kilimanjaro" he said.
- Rainer Rzucidlo

Setting out, Thurs. Sept 13th 2001, on a cool misty morning at mosquito-free Machame Village Gate, at 5,000'. Our group was smaller than expected since our USA departure date had been September 11th. John and I (center) and honeymooners Jeff and Jill (left) had all left early, while Karen (third left) lived in Hong Kong and John and Jack (right) were Canadians.

Lunchtime on the way from Machame Camp (about 10,000') to Shira Camp (12,300'). We ate like this, at a table with camp stools and waiter service every single day.

Kilimanjaro's snow capped summit overlooks a party taking off to explore the steep Baranco Wall. We camped in the Baranco Valley at about 9,000' for two nights to aid acclimatization.

The Baranco area was a beautiful place - a highland garden of tussock grass decorated with large strange plants that looked like cactus trees with pineapple leaves. They were giant groundsels of a type that grow nowhere else in the world.

A view of our camp from the top of Lava Tower, a conspicuous feature high on Kilimanjaro's barren "moonscape". At 15,000 we were starting to pile on extra layers at night.

A surreal view from Arrow Glacier where Mount Meru pokes its head above the cloud bank like an island in a sea of white foam. It's the 7th night on the mountain, we're at the foot of the Western Breach and it's snowing lightly.

The dynamic duo pose at Rau camp (10,800') the day after summiting. The conquered peak is in the background.

A fond farewell. Freddie (second right) leads the other guides and porters in a good-bye song before we get a ride back to Arusha.