In July, I had the experience of a lifetime hiking up Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa and the tallest self-standing peak in the world (5,895 metres). Climbing the mountain was a bucket list thing for my dad; he’s turning 50 this year, so in the words of Dylan Thomas, he was “raging against the dying light” by attempting the climb before his big birthday!
This is my eight-day journal from the trip; join me in the adventure.
Day 1 Mountain rainforest Our journey started with a briefing from the local Kili expert guides on what to expect. Then, we set off. Green mossy jungle trees shaded the path while dew-covered brambles sprawled across the forest floor, leaving almost no soil visible.
We saw a dizzying array of birds along the climb, helped by John, a member of our climbing group who is an avid birder; he would constantly identify any birds seen with his trusted binoculars.
Along the hike, we learned two new phrases crucial for acclimatisation and hydration: “pole pole” (Swahili for “slowly, slowly” – the best way to walk to conserve energy) and “sippy sippy” (a reminder to drink water). In just three hours we reached the first campsite, Mti Mkubwa, which sat in a clearing on the forest floor. After a meal cooked over a campfire and a tutorial on using the portable toilet, we cosied into our tents, bracing for a chilly night.
Day 2 Rainforest to moorlands We woke up at 5.30am, heading up the rainforest once more. About an hour and a half into our beautiful climb, we reached the heath moorland zone, marked by shorter trees and a drier climate.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2024 من Expat Living Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2024 من Expat Living Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
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