Day Five in Tanzania

Ugh the dreaded day has finally come. I have to hike Mount Kilimanjaro! I guess I could say I am somewhat excited but I am mostly scared. Early in the morning I hesitantly got up and out of bed to start packing for the long day. I have decided to take the Marangu route because I get to hike up this really nice wooded trail! I hop in the cab and take the long ride to the guide center. Once I get there, its time to go through the safety instructions. My guide showed me how to save myself if I get lost, stay warm in a storm and more. That took about an hour then it was time to go we drove in a jeep to the bottom of the mountain and I was told to get out once I got all my stuff the car drove off and left a trail of dust. Now it was time to begin my ascent up the mountain! At first I wasn't having any trouble, just big steps and heavy breaths. By the time we were almost half way there my ankles were weak and my thighs were burning. The forest was slowly fading as we got closer and closer to the snowy peaks! My excitement was bubbling up!!!! And suddenly we were at the top. I turned around and saw the most breath taking view ever! We stayed for a while up at the top and then started our descent to the bottom of the mountain. When we got back to the bottom the big grey jeep came picked us up and took us back to the guide center where I called a taxi who drove me back to my hotel!