Well we made it! After five days on Kilimanjaro we're back at our hotel for a much deserved break! Here's my diary for the last few days.

25th Jan- Mandura Camp, Kilimanjaro

We're now at the first camp, after a days' climb. This morning we hired the extra equipment we needed from the hotel, an set off about half eight. Also leaving from our hotel were a Swedish couple, named Tobias and Marie, who are doing the same route as us. We entered the National Park after about an hours' drive, and not long after that reached the Marangu (the route we're doing) Gate registration point. It took about an hour for Mndeme to sort out porters etc, and at about eleven we egan climbing. The walk was almost entirly through rainforest, so we were sheltered from the heat (although still managed to get a little sunburnt). We arrived here about half three, to a snack of tea and popcorn and were then provided with water for washing (in which we soaked our hands and feet happily, until we realised that the little plastic bowl was all we had to wash with!) The four of us were all in one hut, and settled down early ready for another days' walking.

26th Jan, Hondura Camp

We're now at the second hut, at a much busier site because the people coming down stop here too. We chatted to a couple of them, and can't wait until we're the ones on the way down! Today's walk was mainly through open savannagh, but it was fairly cloudy so again we were protected a little from the heat. We didn't see so many animals today (there were quite a few monkeys down in the rainforrest), but we say a flower called impassia (I think) whch only grows on Kili. We spent the day walking "pole pole" (pronounced 'pole-ay'), which means slowly slowly in Swahili, and is meant to be the best way to avoid altitude sickness. Everyone we pass walking down shouts 'pole pole' at us, as well a 'jambo' (hello) and 'mambo' (what's up) and occasionally, 'hakuna matata'. After reaching the site we carried on to Zebra rocks (a rock stiped black and white due to acid), as apparently it is good to walk high, sleep low (i.e. walk up higher than you're going to sleep) to avoid sickness.

27th January, Kibo Hut

We're now right at the base of the summit. When I awoke this morning my eyes had swollen due to the altitude. but cold tea bags seem to help! Today was the first time we used the poles, and the climbing was a lot harder. It was also much colder, and began snowing after lunch. We reached the hut at about half two, and have to get a few hours' sleep before we are woken at midnight, to hopefully reach the summit at sunrise) Apparently it is easier to climb in the dark, as you can't see the climb you have ahead of you!

28th January, Horombo Hut

Well, we did it! Looking back now I'm not quite sure how! We set off about half past midnight, wearing boots, two pairs of thermals, trousers, ski pants, two t-shirts, a jumper, two fleeces, a waterproof and a bandana. At first, it was just a steady incline, but it got steeper and steeper. To be honest, I can't remember too much of it, I just sort of got into a rhythm of stepping and moving the poles, and wondering why on earth I was doing this! We were still going 'pole pole', as this was the point where altitude sickess could really set in, and Becky started to become ill. After a point we seperated into two groups, and I went ahead with the assistant guide while she and Mndeme followed behind. As the morning wore on, it became harder and harder, and everytime I looked up I could see the twinkling of other peoples' head torches, way above me. Soon, it became too depressing to even look up! The hardest point of the climb was approaching Gilman's Point, the first peak, and it seemed like after every few steps I needed to stop for breath due to the thin air. Getting there, just as the sun rose, was worth it though. It really was the most incredible sunise I have ever seen, following a night of incredibly bright stars. Everyone's spirits rose incredibly after that, as we sat in the snow watching the sun come up. This lasted all of about ten minutes, until we saw the rest of climb ahead of us to reach Uhuru, the highest peak. We set off again, and finally, at eight in the morning, I made it to the summit, with Becky not too far behind. Definately one of the hardest experiences of my life; a very rewarding one, but not something I'm going to do again in a hurry!