First day climbing the mountain, we’ve cheated considerably. Our hotel was at 800m AMSL (Above mean sea level), the gate we drove to was 1800m. So actually we were a third of the way up the mountain before we had even started. However in fairness this would have been an easy climb, one which would have taken another couple of days due to the long distance.

It took about 30 minutes to register with the park authorities, followed by possibly the hottest poo on record, from the Indian meal yesterday… I’m now petrified I’m going to be digging holes every 30 minutes!

To be honest it’s already harder than I thought, it’s similar to climbing up the side of Devils Dyke, but through sub tropical rain forest. The fact that we haven’t stopped for 6 hours and we still have another 4 days of ascending to go has made me realise how big this Kilimanjaro is. It’s a really strange feeling as I keep expecting to find the top. I had never thought it possible that you could keep walking up hill for this long, my calves are going to be like Arnie’s!

I can’t believe the altitude is making me fart so much, it’s unbelievable. Thinking I should have now brought nappies for nearer the summit.

Machame Camp – 3000m
We arrived at the first camp reasonably early, after approximately a 7 hour trek. The air is slightly thinner but not too noticeable. We had dinner and a hot mug of Milo and wait straight to bed… after the pain in trying to get undressed efficiently. The Milo was so comforting it reminded me of being back in Australia.