Jambo from Tanzania
We could sleep late today (7am). Packed the tent, got breakfast and then the porters and guides started singing and dancing for us. One of the songs was:
Kilimanjaro 3x
Kilimanjaro 1x
Mlima mrefu sana
Ha mawenzi 3x
Ha mawenzi 1x
Mlima mrefu sana
Ewe nyoka 3x
Ewe nyoka mbona
Wanizunguka
It translates to:
The tallest mountain in Africa is known as Kilimanjaro. The trail looks like snakes.
Then we started the trail in our groups. It was very exiting to experience a different kind of hike, because we climbed instead of walking.
Spirits were good and it was exciting to be at a different altitude. Today, unlike other days, we actually sticked to our Baraza groups. Only a few people were talking, most were concentrating on the path and on our breath. Looking down was at the same time scary and an opportunity to enjoy the breath-taking view on Mount Meru and completely empty – except for a single tent – Barranco camp.
Filled with adrenaline, we arrived on top of this massive wall, took pictures and had some snacks. The feeling of accomplishment was overwhelming, so that it took us a while to feel the cold, strong winds. Right on top, we had a unique view on the roof of Africa: Mount Kibo. With every single day passing by, we get one step closer to the top, but today it felt closest so far.
After that, the groups keep on walking through two valleys, dipping down again, always having Mount Kibo to our left. This quite easier hike gave us the chance to engage with the international community we represent on this expedition.
Kwa heri from Jason’s group!
by Lucas, Antonia, Alaska, Matthew, Archie and Alberte
