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Mount Kilimanjaro – Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

1 September 1996 ~

Laying on my bunk at Horombo Hut, elevation 12,400 feet. We arrived about 2:30 PM. Temperature in the hut is 58F. Today I did pretty well – I stayed towards the back for the first couple of hours with our head guide, George. For lunch we had mystery cheese sandwiches, egg, orange, and banana. After lunch we had to hike about another two hours to get to the hut.

Resting on the way to Horombo Hut

I’m trying to stay awake later tonight because last night I went to bed entirely too early and wound up awake for the second half of the night. Right now we’re just hanging out in the hut waiting for dinner. We have just convinced Don to take Diamox. Now everyone in the group is taking it. No major side effects so far except for cold fingers and toes. I didn’t see any monkeys today but I did see three little lizards run across the trail.

Dad, with Kilimanjaro in the background to the left

When I was walking over to the hut today I saw two guides holding up a guy who was coming down from the top. He was stumbling, his jacket was halfway off and he was looking around all over the place like he had no idea where he was. He was still wearing his glacial sunglasses. He looked like he was really physically fit too, all the more evidence that the altitude can affect anyone regardless of their physical strength. Well that made me glad to know that we’re staying here for two nights for better acclimatization.

Emergency Evacuation due to Altitude Sickness

KILI JOURNAL
Getting there
Entering Kilimanjaro National Park
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
2nd Day at Horombo Hut
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
The Descent and Celebration Party

INFORMATION ON ALTITUDE SICKNESS
What is High Altitude?
Acute Mountain Sickness
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)