We chose the route via Marangu. Up and down within 5 days. I would have needed one more day to o acclimate at Horombo Hut (3,700 m) but we had not enough time and money to afford this alternative. We reached Kibo hut (4,700 m) on the third day. Got a vicious headache in the evening. When we started for the summit about 1 or 2 am I felt queasy. At 5,100 I had to vo... and temporarily lost my sense of balance. Too bad. But I listened to reason (in the shape of my guide), rested for some minutes and turned back.
Later that day my companion from Germany (who reached the summit) told me that due to heavy snowfalls the sight at the summit was close to zero!
In the evening I was feverish but on the fith day - during our pretty fast descent - I recovered my strenght very quickly and in fact ran the last two or three miles down to Marangu gate. :-D
well, did not reach the summit. A great experience, though. I will never forget day three: Walking alone below a blue skay through this fascinating landscape. Kibo in sight, Mawenzi in sight. Crossing the saddle and heading for Kibo hut.
