Expedition team reaches Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro

On June 15, 2026, a climbing expedition successfully reached Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The team, which included diplomat Euripides L. Evriviades, Karim Tabet from Lebanon, and experienced Tanzanian guide Noah Sankale, began their final ascent shortly after midnight following five days of preparation.

The climb was conducted under strict professional guidance from Noah Sankale, who has summited the mountain 281 times. The ascent required rigorous physical and mental discipline, with the guide enforcing a slow, measured pace, known locally as “póle póle,” to manage the challenges of thinning air and extreme altitude. Hydration and constant movement were prioritized to prevent exhaustion. The expedition reached the “Roof of Africa,” located at an elevation of 5,895 meters, hours after departing their base camp under nocturnal conditions.

The mission highlights the necessity of expert local guidance and disciplined pacing when tackling high-altitude mountaineering. The success of the journey underscores that physical stamina alone is insufficient for such climbs, requiring sustained focus and respect for the environment.