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Published: September 26th 2011
Day 2 - Mandara Huts - Horombo Huts (3700 m/12140 ft) Walking distance: 12 km/7.2 miles Walking time: 5-7 hours Altitude gain: 1000 m/3280 ft We woke early the next day to a hot cup of ginger tea and more low mist and cloud with no sign of the sun we were expecting at the lower levels of the mountain.
We set off after breakfast continuing in rainforest which eventually changed to heath land after the first couple of hours. By this stage everyone was getting into the rhythm of the trek with the slow pace and regular breaks to regroup and go to the toilet. Natalie was an early favourite for the 'weakest bladder award' due to her multiple toilet breaks as she attempted to maintain her hydration.
The mist and light rain continued through to lunchtime when we were forced to huddle together whilst enjoying our meal. There had been a rumour of chicken and chips for lunch and amazingly that is exactly what we ate! Those cooks were geniuses and all the more amazing considering all the food and cooking gear is carried up the mountain by the porters!
Shortly after lunch we had
Huts
Cosy but nothing luxurious.a reality check when we saw two people on stretchers suffering from altitude sickness being run down the mountain by porters. We later discovered that one of those unfortunately died from pulmonary oedema which really brought home the challenge and risks we were facing!
During the afternoon of the second day we we were supposed to see our first views of the two peaks of Kilimanjaro but the cloud prevented any such sight. We were still naive to what lay ahead.
We continued to gain altitude slowly, chatting and admiring the changing terrain; the forest was thinning into moor land with unusual trees and low shrubs. After a few more hours Horombo Huts came into view where we would spend the next two nights.
After registration we had a frustrating hours wait for a hut to be found... the Tanzanian's running the huts don't appear to be the most organised! We finally got a hut, put some warm clothes on and headed for the dining hut for a hot drink and a snack of popcorn. The wooden huts were basic but provided a mattress in bunk beds and storage space for luggage. The toilet blocks had running
Morning exercise
Doctor Alfred lead the pre walk stretch and warm -up water but sadly not a sewage system to cope.
After dinner the cloud had lifted and we had our first sight of the summit bathed in moonlight... Kilimanjaro here we come!!!
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