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Published: January 22nd 2007
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Day 1 - We headed off from our hotel in Moshi early and arrived at the Marangu gate, which happens to be higher than Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia. After all signing in we set off into the rain forrest towards the Mandara huts (2700m) where would spend our first night. The rain forrest was beautiful and we got to see some monkeys in the evening when we arrived - very cool. We went on a short walk to the crater of a smaller volcano which is supposed to help with acclimitisation. I just liked the view : )
Day 2 - After an interesting nights sleep - the monkeys tend to be rather vocal at night - we were fed and started on the way to Horombo (3720m). The change in the vegetation was amazing. The higher you get, the shorter and sparser the plants and their follage. About an hour before lunch the clouds rolled in and whilst it was awesome to walk through the clouds, the sun disappeared and the temperature dropped. When we arrived at the Hormobo huts, we were extremely grateful for flushing toilets and our bags to add a few more layers of clothes. Dinner
Marangu Hut
Everyone must sign in to enter the Kilimanjaro National Park was delicious and gratefully received before we all headed to bed.
Day 3 - An earlier start today saw us on the track to Kibo (4700m). This is where the scenery changed dramatically. With practically no vegetation to speak of, we walked across "the saddle" which is an alpine desert. This was relatively easy walking in comparison to the previous day until the last hour or so where it got really steap. With the huts in sight, we persevered and finally made it. After an early dinner we went to bed at around 6:30pm to catch a bit of shut eye before we were woken to climb to the summit. Despite having an eye mask and ear plugs I didn't really sleep much : (
We were woken just before 11pm. We added many layers and had some tea and biscuits to get us moving. At around 11:30pm 16 members of the group began our pole pole (slow) ascent to the summit. It was hard going, I will be honest. There was so much snow to trudge through and I couldn't feel my fingers or my feet as they were freezing and my nose was running constantly.
An early morning snap
Day 2 - about to head off to Horomobo Day 4 - By about 3am we reached the caves where we were given tea. As one of the stronger climbers I had been in front and it was only at this point that I realised how many of the group had fallen behind or returned to the hut. With 8 remaining we left the hut to continue on. We were able to witness the most spectacular sunrise as we made our way up the summit (yes - were we running a little late!!), but eventually, the remaining 8 (Andrew, Chris, Sam, Cath, Anne, Caroline, Julia and myself) made it the Gilman's Point (5685m). All I can say is WOW!! It was so beautiful! The view was amazing and the crater and glaciers were incredible (I will post some more pics later)
Being a sucker for punishment I decided to go onto Uhuru, the highest point, with Andrew, Chirs and Sam. Apart from being a little wind burnt and still having no feeling in my fingers or toes I was feeling really good so I figured why not?! After around 2 hours we arrived at Uhuru (5895m), and it was a real mental test to get around there. Although
A little friend
Shelley made friends with Eugiene, the camelion it's only 205m higher, it's alot of up and down and the up bits were challenging, not to mention the knee deep snow we trudged through at different times.
So there I was at the roof of Africa - tired, thirsty, hungry, wind burnt and cold but so pleased that I was there and just in case you didn't hear me at the time WOOOHOOOOO!!!!!
But what goes up must come down and we not only had to get back from the all the way round the other side of the mountain but also had to walk all the way back to Horombo huts where we spent the 2nd night. Andrew got quite sick on the way down so our guide, Filex, who has nerves of steel, literally carried him down off the mountain. The best part of getting back to Kibo was tabogganing down on our butts. That was awesome. I had a huge wipe out where I lost a pole and ended up with snow everywhere but I was laughing hysterically and wasn't hurt. Thankfully Sam was coming down behind me and delivered my pole to me.
We were shattered by the time we reached
Cosy Quarters
Sleeping in Horombo with Caroline up front and centre Kibo. After a change into dry clothes and some delicious hot potato stew we had the pack and hit the road to Horombo. We arrived at around 6pm, ate and feel into bed for one of the best sleeps I've had in ages.
Day 5 - We had 20km to cover today to return to the base of the mountain. Andrew was still in a bad way so I walked with him, Anne and Ryan, along with some of the guides. When we reached Mandara, Filex had organised a rescue vechile to take Andrew off the mountain - he was still throwing up and just really fatigued. Rescue vechile + rough road = alot of bumps = alot of fun!!! I thought the ride was hilarious. It was like going on rapids only we were in a landcruiser going down a mountain road. I'd hate to have to do it if I was sick or injured : )
And that my friends is the mountain (in a brief nutshell). It's definately not the the faint hearted. I will be the first to admit that it definately wasn't easy. It's got the most snow on it at the moment
It's getting closer
Day 3 - a glimspe of the summit before we headed to Kibo for this time of year than it has had for the past decade. I almost turned back in the caves because I was so cold and my leg muscles started spasming and a almost cried about an hour before the summit because it looked like it kept getting further and further away. The experience taught me alot about myself and about other people. I have so much respect for Filex, our guide. He was so motivational and attentive to the people who were unwell. Our cooks kept us fed with the most amazing food. And the porters carried everything up for us, our bags, food and other supplies that we needed.
Safari next,
M
xx
Facts about the mountain:
1. Highest mountain in Africa
2. Tallest free-standing mountain in the world making it the world's highest non-technical climb
3. Roughly a dozen people die on the mountian
4. It has 3 main peaks - Kibo (the highest one where I climbed), Mawenzi (2nd highest) and Shira (which used to be the highest until it collasped)
5. World's largest volcano covering 3885 square kms
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marcus
non-member comment
WHAT!
Hold on, let me get this straight. You were atop a volcano who's 3rd peak used to be the highest till it collapsed? Is that right? Oh, then Im sure that is perfectly safe. Why didn't you say so? geez