This would turn out to be a long day as we needed to cover eight hours of hiking during a very hot day. We were up at 6AM at SIMBA camp and I felt like I had had a very good night’s sleep. After our awesome porters made us a killer breakfast consisting of porridge, toast, and eggs we were all ready to go. (There is a reason we were fed so well and so much. It was important that we all take in a lot of calories as we would be burning so much during the climb. Also, our guides would use our intake as a barometer to measure how well we were doing and if we were getting sick). Initially, I was really taken aback by how much work these guys were doing for us and felt like we should be helping more. But I soon realized that this is how they get people up the mountain. From what I was told, you're actually not allowed to climb Kili by yourself unless you are licensed and have a permit. Had we tried this on our own, the task would have been huge as you have to deal with water, supplies, food, equipment etc.
The first half of the four hour day was spent hiking the Rongai route. (This route was less traveled than most and was a bit more technical than others, which is why I chose it). I soon realized during the first part of the hike that I packed way too much in my pack, since my neck, shoulders and back would be quite sore the next day. I was carrying camera and video equipment as well as all the rain gear and extra crap I really didn't need. Tomorrow, I would lighten up for sure. Then again, looking at the porters, you realize how mortal you are and how amazing they are. They would be carrying heavy packs on their backs AND huge bags on their heads and still pass us on the climb! Geez, and I thought I was in shape.
Something else I need to mention about these lower trails -- the DUST. It's everywhere and gets into everywhere including your clothes, mouth, nose, you name it. It would be a consistent irritant throughout the trek; it doesn't sound like much but believe me sneezing out black soot every 20 minutes got a bit annoying.
To be honest, the hiking pace drove me crazy at times as I just wanted to get where we needed to go. But I tell you what, by the time we got to Camp 2, I was spent and really needed to stretch. Good camp, but the outhouses left something to be desired... they were pretty nasty. (Outhouses are important on the mountain for sanitation and environmental purposes since so many people go up and down during the year)
We were now at 3000 meters (9,840 feet) in altitude and dinner that night was special as our team started to bond and got to know each other. Our friends from South Africa shared a lot about their country and politics and we were able to commiserate as well. Another bit of news we got during the day was that Justin Timberlake was going to be climbing Kili the very next week for a charity. We could all agree that if Justin can do it, so can we. 
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