Day 1: Through the Rainforest
It’s GO time!
After a few marathon flights, some time in the hotel, food & relaxation, it was time to set off on our adventure. It took us roughly two hours to get from the hotel to the Lemosho gate. Once at the gate we sat down for a group lunch. After lunch and group pictures, we started our hike through the rainforest.
Though hiking for hours each day, very few miles were covered on the ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is one of the most unbelievable aspects of the experience. At times I would look at my Garmin in disbelief! On the first day of our hike through the rainforest, we covered approximately 3 miles in 1:37 hours. That’s it?!
We were all excited like kids on the first day of school. On Day 1 we started learning the porters’ names, got comfortable with our hiking poles, and became familiar with our routine, which would be somewhat consistent over the next week. I carried my daypack and took the time to figure out where I wanted to place my items for easy access.
The rainforest was hot, but we all knew that would be the case. Julius, our lead guide, led us to our first camp with plenty of rest along the way. This was also the day he and the other guides would become familiar with us, our needs, and the pace we needed. Travel to Lemosho gate and lunch took up the majority of Day 1. Thus, our first hike was relatively short. We arrived at MTI Mkubwa Camp shortly before dark.
Day 2: The NeverEnding Trek
We were broke in on Day 2. We had no idea, but were about to venture on a 7-hour hike from MTI Mkubwa Camp to Shira I Camp. We walked, and walked, and walked, and walked. Pole, Pole is the term used to describe the pace of the hike. This allows the body the time it needs to acclimate.
Slow or not, we were BEAT! By the time we reached Shira I Camp my feet were feeling the pain. Tomorrow I would have to wear my other boots for the firmer sole.
We traveled through the moorlands on Day 2. And although it seemed as though the trek would never end, the scenery was beautiful. The forest seems to stop abruptly as you enter the heath and moorland zone, and suddenly you’ve got magnificent views. Characterized by the scrubby shrubs, giant heathers, and tussok grasses, the lower part of this zone is sometimes compared to the Scottish Highlands.
The backdrop of the mountains made me grateful for the ability to participate in such a demanding journey. I’m ABLE is what I continued to tell myself. I took it all in. The flowers and plants that managed to grow in the grueling environment, the breeze, the sun that beat down on my arms, and the camaraderie of friendship. It was trying, but I already knew I can do hard things.
By the time we reached Shira I Camp we were ready to sit down! Our tents were set up so we climbed in to rest and prepare for the next day. Our routine generally consisted of the following:
Wake up and be ready for breakfast at 0730 hours. That meant our tent had to be packed up before breakfast so the Porters could break down our tents and prepare to transport everything to the next camp.
We would receive a bowl of hot water to wash up with. Coffee and/or tea in our tent would follow.
We ate breakfast at 0730 hours and would depart by 0800.
After a hike we would return to a camp that was already set up with our duffle bags inside. We would freshen up and have dinner at about 1900 hours. Lunch and dinner were usually only 4 hours apart so I would sometimes skip dinner.