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Join me as I fundraise for the MS Society and go on another journey of a lifetime. This time to the top of Africa.
Tentative schedule of trip:
Depart Canada. Depart today for your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 1 Marangu
Welcome to Tanzania. Travel to Marangu and admire the cloud-covered summit of the upcoming challenge - Mt Kilimanjaro. Perhaps get warmed up for the trek with a walk around the hotel's sprawling tropical gardens.
Day 2 Mandara Hut
Start the Kilimanjaro trekking adventure by getting to know the team of guides and porters. Set off with a hike through lush rainforest and spot monkeys and brightly-feathered birds in the overhead canopy. From the base at Mandara Hut, enjoy an optional walk to nearby Maundi Crater.
Day 3 Horombo Hut
Get muscles pumping on a trek to Horombo Hut. Rainforest gives way to rolling alpine meadow and the path crosses several ravines before reaching the hut. Spend the night in the shadow of twin snow-tipped peaks, Kibo and Mawenzi.
Day 4 Kibo Hut
Heading higher towards the peak of Kilimanjaro, hike up progressively more rugged and rocky terrain and notice the air start to thin. Trek onwards through the hauntingly beautiful moorland forests full of hanging moss and exotic flowers. Skirt the stark moonscape of the Saddle to reach Kibo Hut.
Day 5 Uhuru Peak/ Summit
Close to midnight, wake and enjoy a cup of tea before zigzagging up a scree slope by lamplight. Arrive at Gilman's Point in time to rest tired legs and watch the sun rise from behind Mawenzi Peak. Continue the final trek upwards and pass along the rim of a crater to reach the highest point in Africa. At 5,896m, the peak of Mt Kilimanjaro offers simply unforgettable views of the crater, the ice fields and the distant East African plains.
Days 6-7 Marangu
Descend through alpine meadows and lush rainforests to Marangu and celebrate the end of a memorable Kilimanjaro trek with a warm, hearty meal and a well-earned hot shower or relaxing bath.
Departure. We say goodbye to Africa and head home to Toronto.
My goal - the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Oct 2012.
