On Tuesday’s agenda – to climb Elephant Hill (really a hill?) is a prep for Kili. Elephant Hill, which gets it’s name for it’s resemblance to an elephant’s head and because of the wild elephants in the park, stands at almost 11,800 feet above sea level. The 20+ mile climb (roundtrip) should only take about 3-4 hours up and another 2-3 hour down. Let’s put it this way – we have renamed Elephant Hill – Endless Mountain!
So we gathered at the house in the volunteer kitchen and discussed the hike and climb (aided by a google search of Elephant Hill), a few of the climbers decided to conserve their energy for the main trek – Kilimanjaro – and not attempt Elephant Hill. In retrospect, I think they may have been the smart ones!
Just after 8:30 am, 6 of the Kili Climbers, 4 volunteers and Edwin, climbed in the Land Rover and headed for the ranger station. The day ahead – overcast, misty and chilly – perfect prep for Kili. At the station, we paid our entrance fee and met our two guides – both packing AK-47’s for our protection against the elephants.
The first part of the climb is up a dirt road to the entrance – which reminded me of something out of Jurassic Park – a tall looming electrified fence. And as we approached the entrance, we heard voices off in the distance – Amos had taken the other Kili climbers on a short hike up to the entrance of Elephant Hill. We greeted our fellow climbers as we rested a bit, then continue our trek up Elephant Mountain.
The Electric Fence – straight out of Jurassic Park!
A chance meeting with Amos and the other Kili Climbers.
As we continued our hike – one guide walked towards the front of the group and the other towards the back. As we enter the gate, the early part of the trek is a lush, dense forest – this is known as the forest zone. Spirits were high and we even had time for a group selfie!
The Lower Forest Zone
Group Selfie
Soon after we enter the protected area, we see why we have guides with such powerful weapons – we came across deep elephant tracks. And you can see exactly how deep these are as Lacey stepped into one foot print – and to give you an idea of how deep they are, she stands 5’6” when you look at the picture. Now as an experienced Elephant tracker, I could tell by the new leaves on the footprint that this footprint was at least 3-days old. I confirmed my suspicion after smelling some elephant dung – fresh dung has a sweet, almost floral smell to it – and as dung ages – it becomes nuttier in its scent.
Elephant Tracks
Lacey Standing in an Elephant Footprint.
As we rose in elevation, the ecosystem began to change and soon we entered the bamboo zone. The paths are narrow and covered with a canopy of towering bamboo. It is almost surreal to enter this enchanted forest.
The Bamboo Zone.
Robbie and Peter – pushing through the Bamboo Zone.
From the Bamboo Zone you enter the Alpine Zone with it’s incredible flora.
Alpine Flora
We soon reached the infamous Despair Point, where we stopped for lunch. At this point, you have climbed a bit, but off in the distance, you can see how far you still have to climb. It seems Endless. The climb from this point on becomes a little more treacherous – in fact I think it is more difficult than climbing Kili. The path is rocky, steep and with the misty weather – it has become very slick.
Edwin and Taylor at Despair Point
Soon after we continue our ascent – the group breaks into two – a faster group (the young volunteers – Taylor, Josh and Kate) and then the remaining group. I am sure we would have naturally broken into three groups, but as there were only two guides, we had to stay in two groups.
As the day wore on, we all become a little tired, definitely wet, and chilled. We continued our trek through the Alpine Zone.
Trees in the Alpine Zone.
I don’t know if it was a blessing or not, but the continual fog, made it difficult for us to see our destination. However, every once in awhile, the fog cleared and we could see the destination. However, it did not seem like it was getting closer. And each time we successfully ascended a hill, and we reached a plateau, we were convicted we had reached the top. Only to realize as the fog cleared, that the summit was still off in the distance. Hence our new name for the peak – Endless Mountain.
Our group reached one of the lower peaks and as we rested a bit, we heard voices off in the distance. No we were not hallucinating, but the lead group had reached the summit. It was incredible to see their silhouettes standing on the peak. It is hard to see in this picture but those are not all trees on the summit, they are of the younger volunteers.
Elephant Hill Summit
The beautiful view from the lower peak.
At this point our group decided that due to the late hour, and to conserve our energy for Kili, we were going to head back home. I am sure if the weather were better, we probably would have continued to the upper peak and head of Elephant Hill.
Lacey and Cathy on the Lower Peak, and Robbie sharing his thoughts of this climb.
We made the long descent down to our awaiting Land Rover. It was such a welcome sight. We waited for the trailing group to arrive, and then headed home, it was now past 6 pm.
The Eerie Forest on our descent.
When we got home, we quickly changed into dry clothes, ate dinner, sat in front of the fire to warm our tired and chilled bodies, and then we went to bed early.
Tomorrow, we will all take it easy….
NOTE: I am trying to catch up on the blog, and it is late in Arusha (11:30 pm), so my apologies for spelling and grammar errors. Have a good night….
At school I took the opportunity to spend the time in the Shamba (garden) and Greenhouse. This past year I embarked on a fundraiser to support the Shamba and Greenhouse. I want to thank all the generous donors and I especially want to thank the Schreiber Family – Scott, Jennifer and Brooks and my family – my sisters Vicki and Melissa, and my Mom, Paula – for their incredibly generous donations to Flying Kites! The shamba and greenhouse are producing the most delicious and nutritious vegetables for these beautiful children. Asante Sana!
