Kilimanjaro - Getting there and pretrip
Well if you can’t figure out how to get to JRO, this probably isn’t the trip for you. Despite an incredibly efficient route, I was still traveling for 20 hours and arrived in the evening, a bit scary in most countries. My friend had arrived earlier than me, and being a gentlemen came back from the lodging to greet me with my pick-up sign. I was introduced to our ambassador, Remtula, and we were off in our 4x4 (of which we needed every ounce) for an hour and half back massage. We arrived at the lovely Hilltop Retreat (Africa Amini Life) in Momella that lived up to its name.
(I figured you deserved the day time glory shot)
We wanted a few days to get rid of our jet lag and decided to make the most of it. A safari is one option, while others acclimate by staying in Arusha or Moshi, I don’t recommend either of those cities as they are not pretty and the safari is a bit sedentary yet exhausting before an 8 day hike.
Momella - Day 1
We awoke to a stunning view of Mount Meru, towering over us, and an African sunrise.
The gracious cook, Peace, prepared for us a hearty breakfast and Remtula whisked us away for our nature walk. We were treated to an up close and personal view of the local giraffes (I believe that they confused Brian with a missing brother.)
(Just hanging in front of Kilimanjaro with a few giraffes, no big deal.)
Remtula provided a brief overview of the many natural remedies around us: stomach ache cure, natural antiseptic, root toothbrush, etc.
We were then taken to see the hospital and school that was founded by Christina (the owner of Africa Amini Life), a German doctor that had a vision of how to help the local people on a trip over 10 years ago. What she has accomplished since then is inspiring.
(Locals that come from far and wide for treatment.)
She has not only brought Western medical and dental care to the area, but remained true to the culture and has a homeopathic clinic and pharmacy on location. While some of the formulas help aches and pains, others are intended to heal even the most un-expected of pains yet perhaps the most common… a broken heart or a cheating husband.
(Take a close look at the tape labels.)
After a quick BBQ lunch (for 3 a total of $12) it was time to secure a car watcher and head for our hike up Mukuru (Ol Doinyo Landaree.) I know who hikes before an 8 day hike? Apparently Brian ;-).
Brian and I looked prepared to climb Kilimanjaro, however Remtula was nonchalant with his Chuck Taylors, black button up shirt, khaki slacks, and organic walking stick.
(We started from the plains and this was the inflection point of the steep climb.)
As we began to ascend this nipple of a mountain, I noticed some local goat herding children running up the mountain in almost nothing. I wanted so badly to run straight up like them, but sadly it would be polé polé (slowly.) Luckily we would catch other beautiful children at the bottom.
When we arrived to the top we were greeted by another local herdsman.
We snapped our photos and began the very steep descent. The panoramic views are amazing and extend all the way to Kenya. (See other photos.)
Remtula assured me that since I could conquer this hike, Kilimanjaro would be in the bag…. I wonder if that phrase was appropriately translated…maybe he meant I would be carried off the mountain in a bag…
Upon returning to the house, Peace had prepared another delicious meal and it was time for rest.
(Take me back to this moment, NOW!! That peak in the distance is what we climbed.)
Momella - Day 2
We said good bye to the Hilltop Retreat with its wonderful hospitality and embarked on a day of driving.
(Peace…. in more ways than one.)
Remtula took us first to Lake Momella to see the flamingos. I won’t downplay this experience, there was a strong odor of flamingo poop.
(Brian loves traveling with me, I mean who wouldn’t!)
We embarked on our long drive to Arusha via King'Ori - Leguruki Road.
We sadly didn’t have time to stop by the Masaii lodge and try our had at spear throwing, I guess that will have to be for another time.
The drive took us through countless beautiful areas and just as impressive were the warm people flashing a wave and an open heart.
We also didn’t have time to hit a coffee plantation, so we had to settle for the factory, Kahawa Roastery. This was still a great quick stop to pick up some gifts.
It wasn’t hard to tell when we had entered Arusha, the charm of the countryside was gone and the city hit us like a brick, it is not particularly a pretty one.
A quick loop around the Coca Cola clock tower that is marketed as the center of Africa and we headed to the Masaii Market where every vendor basically accosts you, and most sell the same items.
(Center of Africa… “Look kids Big Ben.”
We didn’t negotiate very hard and paid more than we “should have”, but a fair price is what should always be paid. I would also have my money go directly to these vendors than the tourist center which is overpriced and owned by foreigners.
(Proud new owner of Maasai figurines)
Remtula was excited for us to eat at the Ndutu Safari Lodge, where we spent more time getting to know about his 8 month old son, and his wife that stays in Arusha while he works in Momella.
It was time to start the Kilimanjaro hike process and head to Moshi for our 5pm orientation at the Stella Maris Lodge. The lodge is basic at best, but again the people are lovely. With orientation out of the way, Brian and I headed for a massage. We forgot to request separate rooms (then again that might not have even been an option under the accommodation circumstances) and walked into a dark candlelit room with two massage tables and Celine Dion The Power of Love blaring. Then again you get real comfortable with someone after Kilimanjaro, no topic or circumstance off limits.
After a good chuckle, we were glad to free the knots of Mount Mukuru and prepare (well kinda) for Kilimanjaro!
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