It’s hard to believe, but after months of training, planning, shopping, sweating, and dreaming – it’s finally less than a week to go until I set off for Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with Earth’s Edge!
This past month has flown by in a blur of training sessions, kit lists, and countdown checklists. I’m feeling more ready than ever, even though I’ll admit that the nerves are starting to creep in alongside the excitement.
September is always a good month for resetting routines, and I’ve made the most of it by joining gym classes regularly and batch-cooking meals to keep me fuelled through the week. It’s really helped me stay focused and on track as Kilimanjaro draws closer.
That said, life loves to throw in a few curveballs! We’ve had our fair share of illness in the house recently – never a dull moment with a toddler around, especially at this time of year when all of the bugs seem to arrive at once. But having a big goal like Kilimanjaro on the horizon has given me a strong reason to bounce back quickly! As soon as I can, I get back into routine and double down on nutritious meals to support my immune system.
My Kilimanjaro Packing List Essentials
Over the past few weeks, I’ve found myself revisiting the Earth’s Edge Kilimanjaro packing list almost daily. I’ve ticked off nearly everything now, but of course there will be one final dash to the chemist for last-minute essentials … and to the shops for very important snacks! (Yes, I’m leaning heavily towards jellies – energy and joy in one!).
It’s definitely helped me visualise what’s ahead, and that’s made everything feel even more real.
my final Kilimanjaro to-do list + learning some swahili!
In other exciting news – my e-visa has been approved and printed, ready for my arrival in Tanzania! I’m so looking forward to visiting such a beautiful country, and I’ve even been learning a little Swahili using an app on my phone. I’m still firmly at beginner level, but I’ve got the key Earth’s Edge-recommended phrases down:
| Hello | Jambo |
| Goodbye | Kwa heri |
| Thank you very much | Asante sana |
| My name is | Jina langu ni |
| No worries | Hakuna matata |
| Slowly/take it easy | Pole-pole |
| How are you? | Habari? |
Here’s what’s left on my Kilimanjaro prep list:
- Pack my bag (and probably unpack/re-pack at least once!)
- Visit the chemist for a few final bits
- Stock up on trail snacks (did I mention jellies?)
- Download some great reads onto my Kindle
- Savour these final quiet days at home
It’s almost time. I’m soaking up these last few days before the adventure begins – feeling grateful, slightly nervous, but mostly incredibly excited for what’s to come.
Thank you so much to everyone who’s been following along on this journey so far. Fingers crossed for positive updates from the mountain … stay tuned! – Ciara
Make sure you’re following us on Instagram, as we’ll be posting Ciara’s photos and updates from Kilimanjaro as she climbs!
