Kilimanjaro is getting more and more crowded as each year goes by. In fact, for the millennium a massive foot path was built on the Marangu route to make it even easier to get people to the top. This is the highest mountain in Africa, made up of 3 volcanoes, Kibo being the highest. We used the Rongai route from the north, this is a newly reopened route which is very quiet. We were the only group on that side of the mountain. The trip was organised by Exodus and the African walking company, all our bags, tents and food were carried by local porters. They were quite friendly and have beautiful singing voices. This is an easy and shortish walk taking just 3.5 days to get to the top and 1.5 down. However the gain is altitude is quick and doesn't give the body time to adjust, so walk slow and don't get out of breath, once you're out of breath there isn't enough oxygen in the air for you to recover! The views continuously get better the higher you climb. Summit Day is exhausting, around 10 hours of walking, then another 3 after that to get back down to Horombo. A great sense of achievement to stand on the roof of Africa, however I saw this more of a challenge than an experience, I was just there to summit, not to enjoy the country. On a negative side, many locals drink their money away, they see you are westerners with money and want it from you. I didn't enjoy the atmosphere outside of the park at all, in fact I felt a little intimidated. However, this is something I wanted to do and I've achieved it, I'm glad I don't have to go again.
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Its a shame you saw it just as a challenge. It was challenging for everyone, but what made it for me was the interaction with the locals, learning about different cultures and ways of life. The trip wouldn't have been the same without it.
fryera2 13.03.2007 18:50
I'm not sure I agree about the locals at the end of the trek. The swarmed round us trying to sell carvings and get money out of us, but at no time did I feel intimidated and if you said No firmly then they would leave you alone. I agree that they do see Westerners as super rich and indeed we are compared to them.
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