Classic Kenya Safari and Kilimanjaro Climb Rongai Route

by Vivian Wong

The abundance of wildlife viewing was spectacular in Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya. Thousands of flamingos formed a beautiful pink shoreline around the lake; groups of baboons, monkeys roamed freely across the plain. What was more exciting was the unexpected sighting of groups of big cats napping on trees, crawling over each other for the best spots for an afternoon snooze. Another spectacular sight was we stopped at a lunch spot near Mara River bank and kept our eyes on some 30 hippos sunbathing under the sun while savoring giant quiche picnic lunch prepared by our camp cook. I just did not expect I would snap so many photos! My camera battery went out in half a day. Well, a hard lesson learned for me - I should always bring an extra battery no matter when and where on a safari. You never know what and when to expect the animals; the suspense was what made the safari experience so exciting.

The incredible experience did not end with the game drive; wildlife viewing in our private campsite was fantastic as well. Our private camp was hidden in the middle of an open savannah. White velvet monkeys and yellow mongooses ran around behind tall grasses and crossed our path occasionally. Our camp was equipped with walk-in tents with comfy beds and tasteful decorations. I woke up sipping hot chocolate and munching biscuits every morning - literally room service in the wild. The safari road may be rough but we could look forward to relax in our private camp at the end of the day. Our group cuddled around a camp fire before meal time recounting highlights of the day, and had candle light dinners under the stars afterward.

After packing a week of fantastic safari memories and a few Swahili terms, I headed down south to Marangu for the ultimate challenge of my trip: trekking on one of the seventh summit of the world. During our comprehensive briefing, the local guide advised every detail about climbing Kilimanjaro and gave us the 4 golden rules. Rule #1 was having a positive attitude. It's a simple yet powerful advice, especially useful during the time my body was aching and running out of air.

The local staff was cheerful and helpful, and the head cook was particularly impressive as he redefined what we thought of camp food. He did not fail to surprise us with every meal using fresh ingredients and spices. There were also so many ways eggs could be done and all dishes tasted wonderful. Mouth watering fruit plates of mango and pineapple after each meals was welcoming as well, especially refreshing after a few hours of rock hopping and stumbling.

My trekking outfit for the first two days consisted of a balaclava and hat; long sleeve t-shirt and pants covering from head to toe, for protection against the blazing equatorial sun, which in time was deceiving when cool air was rising along the mountain slope. The summit night climb was a memorable journey on its own - it was hours of zigzagging up loose scree, mixture of rocks and sands. The weather was great, a clear sky with full moon glittering above, I was able to walk without using headlight the entire time. My feet sank into a path created by footprints from trekkers in front; every step forward was a half step slide backward. I felt like a little kid when I asked Charles our summit guide "Are we there yet? How long is it until our next break?". The path seemed to be endless. I hung tight to my trekking poles and pushed myself forward.

After hours of taking baby steps in turtle pace, Charles told us to stop and turn around for an unexpected view. Rays of orange and red broke through the deep dark sky illuminating the jagged Mawenzi peak. He made sure we got good photos of the sunrise and took the moment to appreciate the glorious sight. With some more walking and crawling over oddly shape boulder rocks, we have finally reached Gilman's Point, at the crater rim of Kibo. Although Uhuru peak, the true summit, was still couple hundred meters away, we have decided to rest and call it a success. Then it was free style going down; I held tight with my trekking poles like ski poles and ran down in full speed and trails of dust flying off after me. We literally skied downhill without any path and restriction. What a liberating sensation!

Our group celebrated the journey after our long-waited showers. We shared odd photos with laughter and cheers over a few cold beers at dinner. The trek was no doubt physical demanding but our spirit remained high, packed with jokes and riddles along the way. It was an extraordinary bonding experience.

To learn more about the Classic Kenya Safari click here and about this Kilimanjaro Climb click here.

Vivan Wong is an Adventure Specialist at Adventure Center. If you have questions about travel to Africa, her toll free direct number is 1-877-285-0657 or her email address is vivian at adventurecenter.com