Marangu Route, Day 1
Image via Wikipedia
Charley Mace and I arrived at the Marangu Gate at Mt. Kilimanjaro, registered at the office and started up the mountain. We hiked through rain forest with the sound of monkeys and exotic birds around us. Leopards are sometimes seen along this path, as well as other animals, but this day there were too many people hiking. The path led steadily uphill for 9 miles to our first camp, Mandara Hut. The camp is located about 9,000 feet above sea level and the temperature has slowly slipped from a balmy 90 degrees to the upper 60′s.
Shortly after beginning our trek, the porters passed us carrying our duffel bags and the camp gear and food. They are amazing. While we’re walking up the mountain, they jog past us carrying all that heavy gear.
After six and a half hours of hiking we arrived at Mandara Hut. At camp the porters prepared our meal and we relaxed and talked with other climbers. The huts hold about 60 people and have spring water piped down from the mountain. There is a separate mess hut and another for toilets.
We got in just before dark and after a hearty meal of beef stew, soup, bread and hot coffee, I stumbled off to bed. Aching in every muscle, sick to my stomach and with the ringing in my ears caused by Meniere’s Disease, I began going over my prospects for successfully completing the ascent.
Although I had made it 9 miles and could possibly make the 10 mile hike to Horombo Hut tomorrow, I knew that was the best I was going to make. Also, the farther up the mountain I went, the farther I would have to hike back down. Right then I had to look forward to a nine mile hike back down. If I went on to Horombo, I would have 19 miles to retrace, and that without an overnight stop. I knew then I had to stop.
In the morning, my decision to stop was reinforced by the realization that my legs had not recovered at all overnight. They were totally worn out and the dizziness was worsening. I informed Charley and the guides of my decision and, after lunch we headed back down the trail.
