FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - From Summit to Safari (Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya and Ghana) (QR A350, BA J; PW, P2,

May 6, 2016 | 4:38 pm

#33

rivlinm

Join Date: Jan 2009

Location: TPA

Programs: AA PLT, HH Gold, FM Prem, SPG gold

Posts: 581

Kilimanjaro (Day 7)

Our final day on the mountain started early but I think we were all eager to get back to Moshi. We quickly feasted on breakfast; of you know what, then it was Jambo Bwana time!

The crew had sung a few songs along the trail when things were getting dull and they kicked off our last morning with a full crew rendition followed by Happy Birthday. Although I think only John knew the words in English so it was a lot of humming and moving the lips.

Last sunrise above the clouds

I’ve decided, it’s cheese

Food finally showing its age

”This porridge is just right”

Tired of this photo yet?

Happy Birthday…

By 6:45 we were on the trail with nearly a half-marathon ahead of us. It was still rather brisk early on. You could tell the porters were excited to get back as most jogged past along the trail. Even though they had to wait for the same bus back to Moshi as us. Along the way we experienced a wide range of climate zones. Most noticeably this side of the mountain was much more lush and even included a few waterfalls. Eventually we reached Mandara Hut Camp and with just a few miles left I could tell my legs were becoming tired. Where I would normally have no issue skipping from rock to rock, here my footing was not so sure.

These things are everywhere on the south side

Mawenzi’s back (south) side

Felt like midday already

Aren’t we supposed to be going down?

Spotted plains

Two for one (Kili and Mawenzi)

Five minute break at Mandara Hut

Welcome to the jungle

Waterfall!

Cow head tree

Finally at 11:15 Marunga Gate and our welcome party (Dad - still a bit unsure of the knee, but walking markedly better) was waiting for us. We had to sign out at the gate, then proceed to the Park HQ to officially sign out again. There were a few shops selling souvenirs and our friends from day one were quick to remind us who they were and what we “promised” them last week.

Marunga Gate

Signing out

Recognition for the First African, European and Guides to climb in 1889

Kinapa HQ

Signing out again

Log book

For those times you want a warm Baltika in Africa

***
Today’s Data
Distance: 12.36 mi, 19.89 km
Time 4:29:28
Average Pace: 21:48 min/mile

Horombo Camp to Marunga Gate

Final Route

Overall Data (Excluding side hikes)
Distance: 44.91 mi, 72.28 km
Time 28:03:56
Average Pace: 37:30 min/mile
***

Over lunch the three of us exchanged stories from the week and enjoyed one last meal prepared by our chef, including his favorite pumpkin soup. Stuffed, the crew sang us one last version of Jambo Bwana (I’m telling you, go listen!) and before we hopped aboard the bus bound for the land of beer and showers we presented each of the crew with their tip. Along the ride I took advantage of the internet for the first time in seven days while checking out the sights along the road, which was still laden with speed bumps.

Marunga picnic

Simple but delicious

Pumpkin soup

Beans

One last song and dance

All aboard

Spare tire

Back at the Mountain in we said a final farewell to the crew, picked up our bags and dropped off the rented gear. A quick shower and it was time for a few beers poolside. Mom had sent along a few treats that Dad was planning to give me along the trail, so we enjoyed those and sorted through our gear to pack up. My brother was heading out early on a 2:00 flight (maybe he will enlighten us with a report of his TK J flights via MBA and IST to SFO) so rather than carry certain things across Africa for the next ten days, we packed him a bag to deliver stateside. Exhausted, and maybe a wee bit buzzed, we partook in dinner before I crashed for the night at 21:30. Brother left for the airport soon after and with that, there were just two of us for the upcoming Zanzibar, Safari and West African adventures.