Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5380 ft (3068 m to 1640 m)
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

After a good night of sleep, everyone—porters, guides and trekkers alike—woke up excited and eager to finish the journey. Sounds of “Jambo” and “Kilimanjaro” filled the camp as crews said kwaheri to their clients. 

We savored the overwhelming sense of relief we felt and took advantage of this one last opportunity to talk to Rashid, eat a good camp breakfast and model the latest in Kilimanjaro fashionware. Check it out in Day 8’s video:

The 3+ hour trek to the finish line was a muddy, slippery descent through montane forest, and the rich green foliage and the humid air were a welcome change from the dry, barren days in the higher elevations. As we reached the finish line, “civilization” reared its ugly head in the form of intrepid capitalists offering coca cola, beer and boot-washing services. We signed the registry for the very last time, and our crew (freshly showered and wearing their Sunday finest!) greeted us with fist bumps, salutes and big smiles.

They serenaded us with a spirited singing of the requisite “Jambo” and “Kilimanjaro” songs making it even more difficult for us to say goodbye. We thanked our incredible team for their hard work and for making our time on Kili both successful and genuinely fun.

Dazed by the re-entry into the noisy world of people and cars, we piled our dusty bodies into a Land Cruiser and wiped the tears from our eyes as we waved goodbye and headed back to Moshi for our first shower in 8 days. Hallelujah!