It only feels good when you stop. Mount Kilimanjaro rises out of the East African plains on the northern tip of Tanzania near the Kenyan border. Its mystique beckons climbers of all skill levels. Less than half the people who attempt to climb it actually reach the top. He's also one of the strongest and most experienced, having climbed Alaska's Mount McKinley and Argentina's Mount Aconcagua.
Tanzanian law requires the use of local guides and porters on the mountain.
At first this is difficult for most of the Upside climbers who, almost religiously, view mountain climbing as a celebration of self-reliance. To let a porter carry their packs is a violation of the mantra that defines their sport. However, after a few days of listening to the buttery sounds of Swahili and enjoying their new friendships, the group begins to warm to the idea of having a little help. Hot tea delivered to the tent in the mornings and arriving in the evening to a camp already set up and dinner already prepared also helpto lessen the discomfort of assistance. Tanzanians prefer to travel with their loads on their heads, so even a backpack is balanced on the top rather than strapped on the back.