Something new

I open my eyes and take in the surroundings. The small hotel room is dated. All noisy fabrics and faded paint walls, more or less clean bar the occasional blood stain left by a crushed mosquito. I can’t believe I’m here – Tanzania. I’m both nervous and excited about what’s to come; we’re off to conquer the continent’s highest point, Mount Kilimanjaro.

We check out and board the minibus taking us to where we’ll depart for the climb. As we drive the Tanzanian landscape unfolds before us. A horizon of reddish-brown dust, decorated with tropical foliage, dominated by banana trees. The sun is high in the sky, adding a hint of gold to everything. It’s beautiful.

The road is lined with wooden shacks, most basic in appearance and coated in dust; their small outdoor spaces filled with tin pots and hung washing. Locals occupy the unpaved streets, going about their daily business. They're dressed in an eclectic mix of bright western clothes. There’s a strong presence of UK football team shirts; Manchester United appears to be the favourite.

As we pass, they pause to turn, smile and shout “hello” – there’s an overwhelming sense of welcome. Such genuine greetings are humbling, as I’m reminded of how, back in London, strangers ignore one another often irritated if they’re offered a “good morning”.

After some time we stop in a small village. I survey the local scene and see two children approach our open windows. They are delightful – all big grins, teeth and waving hands. As we watch and reciprocate my fellow climbers raise their cameras to take photos. Although initially I feel this is inappropriate, I soon change my mind as I see the children’s reactions. Their cheeky smiles become wider and their actions increasingly animated, as they jump around posing for pictures. Hands go to hips, to heads; individual poses evolve into joint stances, each child playing off the other. They’re in hysterics, as are we. As their laughs and squeals amplify, a number of other children edge towards us and we’re treated to more of the same.

In the end I did summit and it was out of this world; all of Africa at my feet. But it was that drive, before the climb even started, I remember most. When we travel, we’re all too often focused on the destination. This couldn’t be truer of Kilimanjaro – the obsession to reach the summit. However do so and you risk missing out on what makes Tanzania so special: the incredible warmth of its people. My advice – open your eyes and enjoy the journey.