Wake at Mweka camp after a restless night, but thankfully the altitude hangovers are gone. We work out tips for the team. They rely heavily on tips from tourists for their income as they are not paid well, especially the porters. I can vouch for this by the inadequacy of their clothing and footwear. Our summit guides had no gloves, despite temperatures reaching -20° at the summit. Only a few porters had walking boots- the rest had ordinary day shoes or trainers.
We make the final descent to the park gate for registration and presentation of our completion certificates and a final song from the porters, before being transported back to the hotel.
Back at the hotel there is enough time for a fairly cold shower and a look around a local market to pick up some souvenirs before making our way home. Great experience, and very eye-opening. If you have any old walking gear- boots, hats, gloves, waterproof clothing, please don’t throw them out. I am happy to send these things out for the porters to use and share, no matter how old and worn!