Published on Mar, 2025
The long walk walk through the rain forest was unforgettable and I am so glad to have done it. It would not have been easy to complete it - and impossible to have enjoyed it so much - without the patience and encouragement of a brilliant group guide, Steven, and the assistant he basically assigned to me - her name is Prisca. The rest of the group, including my adult son, went ahead as Prisca and I trudged up at my pace “pole pole” (slowly slowly) as she said many times with a friendly smile. This is because I am 71 years old and healthy but definitely not fit.
The hike was demanding and I had to take short rests many times when we had to climb steep rocky patches and there were times I considered turning back. Prisca and Steven made it clear that it was ok to do that or to continue - whatever i chose. Because I was so much slower than the group Prisca suggested lunch en route instead of at Mandara. The food was perfect for a strenuous hike: yogurt, fruits, and some light meats.
All in all I took five hours to get to Mandara where I finished. The rest of the group took two and a half hours to get there and some went further up to 3,000m with Steven while another assistant remained at Mandara with another guest who preferred to remain and rest there. I won’t lie: going down was harder on the body although faster faster on the clock. My advice: don’t miss this experience, definitely use this company, and don’t underestimate the challenge unless you are accustomed to endurance hikes. Take plenty of water (1L was not enough for me) in non-disposable containers. And either bring walking hiking sticks or rent them at the gate (they also sell or rent water bottles and other stuff).
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