(All we had to carry were our day packs, while the porters carried our big packs and camp stuff.) But what I saw was people taking their time, slow and steady on the path. ![]() I had read earlier that some porters like to show off by racing up the hill with all our gear on their heads. Our string of porters-my friend and I had 13 staff on this private hike-passed us while we were on a short break. One of Vancouver's most popular hikes, the 2.9 kilometre (1.8 mile) trail in North Vancouver is nicknamed "nature's staircase"-understandable, given its 2830 stairs to the top. I thought it would be a good practice, despite a much shorter elevation gain of 853 metres (2800 feet), compared to the 3795 metres (12 451 feet) we would be climbing on our route. The day before I left for Kilimanjaro, I hiked the Grouse Grind. I got short of breath going uphill, which surprised me because it didn’t seem to be that steep. Anyone with lung or heart issues or has a cold is not advised to go beyond 3000 metres.Īlways pack out everything you pack in and leave no trace. Travel insurance with coverage for high-altitude (up to 6000 metres) trekking is required. Take medications to prevent acute mountain sickness (AMS), which is potentially fatal. ![]() Do not cut, damage, remove, or introduce anything, animate or inanimate, in the park. Single-use water bottles and alcohol are not allowed in the park. The minimum climbing age, according to park authority standards, is 10 years old. Notes: A licensed guide is required to climb Kilimanjaro and permits are required to enter the national park. An American friend who had climbed with her family a few years earlier hadn’t made it to the summit. I had been thinking about climbing Kilimanjaro for years and now it was finally here. Our guides, Vincent and August, wanted to talk, but I wanted to take in the landscapes.Īt one point, Vincent said I was thinking too much, maybe thinking about the climb, and I should relax. We stopped at a town to get the last grocery supplies, a stash of toilet paper, and a few more porters. The drive from the hotel to the mountain was long. High-fives and hugs from our guides, and we continued pole-poleing to Uhuru Peak, a mere 600 feet up a gradual slope.PREVIOUS: Kilimanjaro Diaries: First Days in Tanzania We were nearly at Stella Point.Īnd then we were cresting the crater rim. Not only were the celestial lights blinking out, but the glittering line of headlamps had vanished. ![]() The eastern horizon was brightening, and as we tucked the stars in for the day I dared to look up. My cousin, Elizabeth, gave me an excited squeeze. ![]() Foolishly, I kind of wanted to dance a little bit to the songs. Hunger was creeping oddly through the nausea. Soon, a cheerful chorus of “Jambo! Jambo bwana, habari gani? Nzuri, sana!” joined the omnipresent huffing and puffing coming from those of us with vastly inferior lungs.Ī smile joined the snot pooling behind my balaclava. One had even packed a bright yellow vuvuzela, and the group of them managed to rock such tunes that other climbing guides began joining in. Our guides were not only helping carry our gear but were belting out Kilimanjaro mountain songs.
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