KILIMANJARO day 1

This trek was made in July 2009, in company with Etsuko and our friend Andy Bosworth ('Bozzy').  We trekked the Team Kilimanjaro version of the Rongai route.

DAY 1

At the National Park gate.  While Chief Guide John completes the paperwork, Assistant Guide Cobra wonders what he's done to deserve this pair; following their first dose of altitude drug diamox, Bozzy and I discover the effect it has on our bladders and contemplate a dash into the bushes

 

Local ladies walk beside the dirt track road which led to the trek's start point.  The journey, taking 5 hours in a battered old Toyota minibus, was enlivened by an unplanned excursion into a ditch.  The driver repaired the resultant hole in the radiator by stuffing it with tea leaves. 

The gently rising path leading from the trek start at Loitokitok village to the first night's campsite four hours away.

Etsuko looks pleased to have reached First Cave Campsite (2650 metres) although she's possibly wondering where the cave is, exactly.  William, our waiter, is bringing bowls of hot water for washing; let's hope he doesn't trip over that guy-rope.  The green tent on the left belongs to another trekking group.

In the mess tent, waiting for the evening meal.  You're laughing now boys, but you won't be in a few days...

For the best book on trekking Kilimanjaro:


Kilimanjaro DAY 2

Thankyou to Team Kilimanjaro , the very friendly, knowledgeable and efficient company that arranged our trek.  They have the best guides on the mountain.