Location: Tanzania, Africa
Height: 5,895m AMSL
Date Summited: August 30th, 2008, at 06:45 (EAT) – local time
Expedition: Guided
Précis:
Shortly after my return from China, I left by myself for Africa. From Kenya I travelled to Tanzania. Owing to the growing tourism in Tanzania, climbing Kilimanjaro has become a private enterprise, thus forcing foreigners to hire locals to guide them up the mountain and provide elaborate logistical services. Originally, I had arranged to hire only one guide name Zungu along with a cook and two porters. But since my rucksack and luggage got delayed, I was compelled to join a Swiss team. Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa. It stands at 5,895m AMSL. What makes Kilimanjaro such a popular quest for so many is its incredible beauty. Being the only great mountain (excluding Mt Meru located a few hundred kilometers away) in East Africa, its snow-covered crests standing high above the savanna of Africa creates an amazing sight. Moreover, the glaciers on the summit plateau of the volcano are beautiful. I reached the summit of Kilimanjaro on August 30th, 2008, at 06:45 local time. I am sincerely thankful to Concordia University who believed in me during my first high altitude expedition.

Antoine Labranche on the summit of Kilimanjaro