Kilimanjaro is a volcanic massif that's located in the northeastern part of Tanzania. Its ridiculously close to the Kenyan border, nevertheless, the gate I've entered through lies in Tanzania. I would rest my hat in TZ simply because I have placed my trust in G Adventures, Canadian company chosen to organize my Kili trek. They seemed to have done their research and are reputable. By my estimate, trails entering through TZ are more scenic than others, therefore seem far more enjoyable. Accessibility and safety on my mind (never doubte safety while in the hands of staff), 'twas worth every penny. The summit is what I came here for in the first place, some of that added 'awesomeness' you would expect along the way would be gravy. Was all that I had hoped for by the end of the trek (some more)
A note about G Adventures... they outsource to a Tanzanian outfitter that goes by the name of 'Zara Tours'. We were left to the exceptional service of their staff. The owner of Zara Tours (a Canadian interestingly) owns Springlands Hotel, which, if truth be told, I'd go directly to this TZ outfitter if I had to do it all over again. (Interestingly, I met her brother in Moshi who helps out and who is here visiting from Mississauga, On... oh what a small world.)
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After a few weeks saying I would not attempt the Machame trail again, I would do it over and over again. One small rock face was frightful but I was in good hands of a great guide. There are many other mountainscapes to drool over now around the globe so to other beauties :-)... Kili was undeniably an incredible experience one could not get enough of in one lifetime (unless you ask a porter...he'd say otherwise )
my trusted guide...
I have to say one more good word about Zara Tours, the staff, their attention to each one of us, peaked my interest right from the start. It totally climaxed when Ben (assistant guide) pulled out a thermos and served me a hot cup of tea on the 'Roof of Africa' (thanks to Ben). Again, Servizio eccezionale!
About this mountain, one of the most fascinating facts is being able to experience virtually every ecosystem on earth – glacier, snowfields, deserts, alpine moorland, savannah, and tropical jungle. Just a few days back before our team departed for the Machame trail, I had spoken to one of many arrivals, still faces glowing from the mountain. They spent the last week of May at higher altitudes and were dealt with less than ideal conditions. The experience differed with each group as they arrived one day after the other. I had notebook in one hand, pen in the other, and bottle of Serengeti in front of me. It was uncommon to have a trekker stay at Kili for a fortnight, the week at the hotel was just for my amusement. The trekkers were knowingly providing me with an oral interview and especially on the last night, I would pay particular attention to the weather conditions on the mountain. The last group informed me that they had experienced 3 straight days &nights of pouring rain. Their level of morale was, by the end of their trek, still good (by my estimates.) It was aided by the fact that most of the group did summit, certificate in hand from one proud Aussie. The Irish guy,a bit disgruntled for reaching close but almost - Stella Point a major feat 5756m! A quick pat on the back from his team mate, both reached for their beer and were all cheery again... Did I say he was Irish? We were all Irish that night :-)
So daydreaming @ the hotel inevitably came to an dramatic end, I was fully prepared for what lay ahead of me. A week of miserable rain and muddy conditions for early June on Mount kilimanjaro... what more can a girl ask for! I was definitely well packed for it, inclement weather and all.
As our first day unfolded, the unexpected DID NOT happen -it rained and my expensive hiking boots were a horror to look at from start to finish. Miraculously, Kili gave us a break the next morning -yes! For the rest of trek, each day including summit day, we enjoyed the hot scorching sun, some light wind, mix of sun and clouds. It was a slam dunk! Luck was on our side. I couldn't dream of a more perfect condition for climbing from Day 2 to 7!
