Most Inspirational Moment
Wow, there were many, but a few that stand out are;when our group were feeling the effects of altitude sickness and fatigue at the end of day 2. We all helped each other through with immense support and team bonding. The other being when Abi my Wife unexpectedly beat everyone to Gilimans point and then said come on let's get to that true summit...lets nail Uhuru Peak! This after being one of the team that suffered badly with altitude sickness during the previous few days.Finally; to reach Uhuru Peak and see the curvature of the glorious blue skies, the clouds below us and the warm sun shining down on Africa and our beautiful planet.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was called Abraham, he was knowledgeable, inspirational, great support and a very good leader. With his help, 12 out of 12 people in our group reached Gillimans Point and 11 out of 12 went on to reach Uhuru Peak. I think these results say all we need to say about the leadership qualities of this highly regarded man.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't go overboard with a fitness regime. You're not running a marathon, rowing in a boat race or swimming the English channel. You're walking and walking very slowly at that. The best thing you can do is simply walk long distance and up a few steep hills with a loaded rucksack on your back. Try to do this every weekend or every other weekend combined with two evenings in the week doing 30 to 45 minutes cardio excercise.Walk slowly and try to drink 5 to 6 litres of water per day. Yes you might not be thirsty and you will be needing to urinate every hour or so, but trust me this is the best way to avoid altitude sickness. The ones who suffered in our group were the ones not taking enough water on board. Also try to eat well, all the necessary foods are provided, but take a few snacks such as nuts and dried fruit to eat during your walks. Equipment: This is very important, if you go without the proper equipment you will fail.A good water proof Gortex jacket is a must - Try Berghauss or similar (Spend approx £ 100 or more on a good one)Boots - Good worn in boots are critical to your success. Make sure they are very comfortable and supportive around the ankles, it is crucial that new boots are worn in (weekly useage a minimum of 4 months before you go) I bought a pair of Meindl Burma Pro MFS - £ 170 and these were exceptionally comfy, warm and dry thorughout the treck.Layers: Take wicking material (don't forget a good thermal layer trousers and long johns - Trust me you'll need them at night time and for the higher altitude walking days)Rucksack: a 30 to 35 litre capacity with H20 bladder capability is a must. It is important to go and try a few on, don't buy what looks good, it must feel good!! You don't want back ache, pulled muscles or strap burns before you attempt the summit. I can highly reccomend Osprey rucksacks - They manufacture some of the most comfortable and light sacs available. Mine is an Osprey Kestrel 35 litre with airscape and adjustable back setting and it's fantastic. Don't bother with the air mesh sytems that sit off your back by an inch or more, they don't work on these distances and only make your back ache. It is more important to have the rucksack against your back, not sitting off it! Your back will carry weight all day if you carry it properly against your back. A good down jacket is very warm at camp, but these can cost anywhere between £ 80 and £ 350. RAB jackets are the high end ones. I bought a RAB summit jacket at a reduced price of £ 90 from the RAB factory shop near Derby - It is so warm it's like a furnace! Finally listen to your guides! They know best.
Suggestions
Our group was a mixture of young twenty somethings up to 60 somethings. a 50/50 split of males and females, British and Canadians. We all got along amazingly well! Canadians and British normally makes for a good friendly cocktail.
