Kili Advice from Karen Graham, Explorer Girl

As the date fast approaches for my Mt Kilimanjaro Climb, I’m feeling the need to speak to others who have endured the great physical challenge and come out on the better side of it.

Tanzania

07/11/2009

At 5,895 metres above sea level Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the highest mountain in Africa.My trek to the top was the most challenging and rewarding experience I’ve ever had, due to the spectacular landscapes I encountered en route.

 

 

Departing Marangu Gate (1,860m) I ventured into a thick rainforest, a strange world illuminated by soft light filtering through a dense canopy. Here trees resembled old men with moss hanging from their branches, like beards. Water trickled over rocks and along the path, making everything damp underfoot.

 

 

 

Day two, I emerged from the rainforest to a vista of barren moorland and my first awe-inspiring view of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak rising majestically in the distance.

 

 

Later a mist descended, cradling me with its damp chilly fingers, and I thought I’d never get to Horombo Hut (3,720m). Visibility was poor but eventually I saw it – a vision though the swirling mist. The hut was a shining beacon, a haven full of friendly faces and the warmth of a roaring fire.

 

Day three, I hiked over barren terrain with little vegetation, except an occasional cactus-like plant. A scattering of lobelias and giant groundsels bearing yellow flowers dotted the horizon. Mawenzi, a strange craggy peak, looked like an old ruined castle, burnt and still smoking, with mist rising above it, while the alpine desert reminded me of the stark lunar landscape of the moon.

 

 

 

Day four was tough. Every five or six steps I stopped to regain breath, but finally I arrived at Gillman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. I felt as if I was on top of the world, above the clouds and looking at the snow-covered roof of Africa – it’s a sight I will never forget.