Day 1 - Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkuwba Camp
Getting ready to depart the Summit Lodge in Arusha. our lead guide Manny is kneeling on the left and Sigha is on the far left.
Getting ready to depart on our first day and first hike. Later these photos that the guides would take by each gate became jokingly referred to as "proof of life".
My first sighting ever of a bee-eater. Right at the gate even before we started hiking.
Blue Monkey in the trees around our campsite at Mti Mkubwa camp
Seemingly more common than the Blue Monkeys, these monkeys affectionately know as the Skunky Monkeys were seen all around camp.
Strava map of the route from the Londorossi Gate to Mti Mtubwa Camp
Today we start our ascent of Kilimanjaro. We were ready to go by 7:30am for the three hour bus ride from Arusha to the Londorossi Gate. We overnighted at the Summit Lodge and in the morning met our guides and porters. There were only two of us going in a private group expedition but had a staff of 13 to support us from the company, ClimbKili. Our team was led by the lead guide, Manny, the assistant guide, Singha, and also included a chef, waiter, tent manager, six porters, and the toilet porter. We opted for two extra porters. Both my friend Mike and I had an additional personal portal to help with additional gear beyond the 15kg (33 pound) weight limit. I was bringing my camera gear and Mike likes to be prepared. Ok, he overpacked, but addmittedly some of his extras came in very handy!
After a 3 hour bus ride, we arrived at the Londorossi Gate. We had to check in, weigh the packs, and then had a lunch there before we got started. It was only 3 miles but with 2360 ft in elevation gain and starting at 6890 feet, but felt a bit challenging for someone used to living at sea level. You can see whole route on Strava, here.
I was glad to get to camp. Its just going to get harder from here. I'm still very worried about the elevation, but I'm handling tonight at 9150ft just fine. I am taking Diamox. Maybe that is already helping. I'm listening to our guides and working hard to stay hydrated.
We're spending the night Mti Mkubwa (big tree) camp. Saw both the Black and White colobuse and Blue monkeys. The whole night was filled with their chatter throughout the trees. I'll confess. I had no idea what was making the noise at the time. It was the stereotypical monkey sounds, but guttural groans, croaks, and strange barks. I also heard what I thought was a dog barking but our guides informed me that it was likely a jackel.
The company we went with, ClimbKili, also included a private toilet and the toilet porter to manage it. I was beyond grateful for the private toilet. There are public toilets at each camp. Ok, they're really just a hole in floor of a wooden shack. If anyone is thinking of going with a company that doesn't include a provide a private toilet or saving the expense if its extra, I'd suggest you watch this short clip from the the movie, Trainspotting, entitled, "The Worst Toilet in Scotland". This will give you some idea what the public toilet experience on the mountain is like. In short, you've been warned!