On October 23, 2004, a group of S1-S3 students from both the Arusha and Moshi campuses accompanied by seven teachers went on an OP trip to the Pare Mountains.  The day started out sunny and bright and we were hopeful it would continue for the whole weekend.

We started our ascent around noon, and after an hour of huffing and puffing up the first leg of our journey, we stopped to enjoy lunch and a much-needed rest.  After lunch, we climbed an additional three hours to reach our destination.

The rain did not let up, so there was no way of lighting a fire to cook dinner.  Bread, cake, nuts and other food was shared among the hikers, and then it was off to bed by 5:00 PM.

The next morning we were up at dawn to watch the sunrise. The kerosene was found and students went off in search of semi-dry wood for a fire. Water was heated and much needed hot drinks were served. 

 By 8:00 AM, we had taken down our camp and we were heading back down the mountain. The return trip was a different route, which was more difficult than we expected.  However, after a few slips and falls, we all made it back to the lorry safe and sound. 

All the students and staff should be proud of what they accomplished this weekend. The trip was not easy, but we worked together and helped each other throughout. Great job, everyone!!!

 Kathy Mills - IT Teacher

…at the end of the mountain we had to walk all the way to the lorry, which was far away. We had to walk through  part of a sisal plantation to get to the lorry. The lorry wasn’t far away when we had a rest and waited for the others. A herd of cows came and wanted to chase us away from the shade. Then we had to walk through a bigger village where I lost my cup. The village was polluted and I was thinking why the people didn’t do anything about it.

Sebastian Mueller – S1 Student

We quickly put the tent together. When we looked inside there was a big puddle in the tent!  I acted quickly, I got my cup and scooped up the water, it took five cups to get all the water out of the tent. Well at least it was dryer.  We ate half a loaf of bread because that’s all we had and we were dying of hunger because we had just climbed a mountain. 

Shirley Hall – S1 Student

The trip was about four hours long. We had some rests and a lunch break during the trip; some people took some slam-dunks during the trip. As soon as we reached the top it started to rain. We had to do our tents fast. After we had done our tent we went inside the tent and stayed there because of the rain. It was raining heavily. Junior, Sebastian and I were in the tent fighting over food.

Safal Mukhia – S1 Student

…we saw the sunset that was spectacular because we were on top of the mountain and we were above the clouds so we saw an orange sea of clouds. However, in the morning our boots were soaking so we had to walk around outside barefooted. We finally got a fire started, which was helpful because we were freezing and there was a very strong breeze. We finally got to eat but all we got was a brownie each.

Ali Sutherland - S1 Student

We got there and started to walk. We walked for four hours to get to the campsite. It was raining and we had to put our tent up in the rain. After that the tent was full of water and we had trouble keeping warm.

Junior Macodemba – S1 Student

We climbed down again but another way.  This time it was fun! It was slippery and we kept falling over.  It was more beautiful this time too.  We went down all the way to the big road where the truck waited.  I fell asleep on the way home.  I was happy the trip was over. I thought that rainy night never would be over. I was so tried.  But today I laugh when I think about it.

Sara Holmberg – S1 Student