Day 2 - Climb Prep & Small Hike
Tuesday, September 8
Our early evening hike with wine waiting for us at the end! Kilimanjaro is in the far distance (unseen in the photo)
Today was a slower paced day, focused on getting ready for our climb. After breakfast we each went back to our tents to lay out our gear on our beds (from head to toe) for gear check. This was so that our guides knew we were appropriately outfitted for the climb and if we weren’t we could rent whatever we might be missing.
Gear check (for our group of 12) took all morning, after which we went on a short hike (1½ hour) from camp up to a waterfall where the camp staff was waiting for us with lunch. It was a full spread with a dining tent, a drinks table and a toilet tent. The menu: zucchini soup, eggplant parmesan in personal terrines, beef (bbq’d) avocado & tomato salad, lemon cake and watermelon.
We saw some baboons and this interesting bird on our way back to camp.
Back at camp we had another briefing about our climb, giving us more information about the route we would be taking (The Northern Route) and the plan for what tomorrow morning will look like as we head to Kilimanjaro and the trailhead.
Then back into our hiking boots for a short surprise hike. We walked 20 minutes or so away from camp up a steep hill, and at the top was a flat clearing where the staff had set up the drinks table with guacamole and pita with a view of Kili (except that it was cloudy). We could see the mountain faintly peeking through the clouds. It really was lovely.
Then back to our tent for more organizing and packing before dinner, which was an exquisite bbq feast of chicken, lamb kebobs, sweet potato, arrowroot, pita bread, salad, tomato chutney, spicy green beans, and lemon cheesecake!
We received again, instructions for the morning, and then it was back to the tent for final packing! It’s hard to believe it begins tomorrow!