Swahili readings / Beginner 2 / Travel Experiences

Visiting Kilimanjaro

Kutembelea Kilimanjaro

Nilienda kutembelea Mlima Kilimanjaro wakati wa likizo yangu ya mwisho. Nilikuwa na furaha na hofu kidogo, kwa sababu nilisikia kuhusu baridi, upepo, na mwinuko. Nilifika Moshi asubuhi mapema, nikapata mwongozo mkarimu na kikundi kidogo cha wasafiri. Tulikagua mizigo, maji, chakula, na nguo nzito. Kisha tukaanza kutembea polepole, tukisema pole pole ili kukumbuka kuokoa nguvu. Njiani niliona miti mirefu, ndege wa rangi nyingi, na mawingu meupe yakizunguka kilele kwa mbali. Mwongozo alisimama mara kwa mara, akatuambia kunywa, kupumua kwa kina, na kusikiliza miili yetu. Tulipofika kambini jioni, moto mdogo uliwaka, tukanywa chai tamu na supu ya moto. Niliona nyota nyingi angani, na barafu ikingaa juu ya mlima. Usiku ulikuwa mrefu na tulikuwa na baridi, lakini nilivaa soksi mbili na kofia ili kusinzia kidogo. Siku iliyofuata tulipanda tena, hatua kwa hatua, tukihimiza mmoja na mwingine kwa tabasamu na maneno mazuri. Hatukufika kileleni, kwa sababu nilichoka na kichwa kiliniuma. Hata hivyo, siku yangu ilibaki maalum. Nilijua nguvu ya mwili na uvumilivu, na niliheshimu sana asili ya Tanzania. Niliapa kurudi tena, nikiwa tayari na imara zaidi. Mwongozo alinieleza njia tofauti na muda wa safari, na alinipa ushauri wa kuvaa viatu vizuri na kubeba koti la mvua.

English Translation

I went to visit Mount Kilimanjaro during my last holiday. I was happy and a little afraid, because I heard about the cold, the wind, and the altitude. I arrived in Moshi early in the morning, got a kind guide and a small group of travelers. We checked luggage, water, food, and heavy clothes. Then we started to walk slowly, saying pole pole to remember to save energy. On the way I saw tall trees, birds of many colors, and white clouds circling the peak from far away. The guide stopped many times, told us to drink, breathe deeply, and listen to our bodies. When we reached camp in the evening, a small fire burned, we drank sweet tea and hot soup. I saw many stars in the sky, and ice shining on the mountain. The night was long and we were cold, but I wore two socks and a hat to nap a little. The next day we climbed again, step by step, encouraging one another with smiles and kind words. We did not reach the summit, because I was tired and my head ached. However, my day stayed special. I knew the strength of the body and endurance, and I respected the nature of Tanzania very much. I promised to return again, more ready and stronger. The guide explained different routes and the time of the trip, and gave me advice to wear good shoes and carry a rain coat.