Orphans of Mount Kilimanjaro

One lazy afternoon while sitting in a muzungo (European traveller) restaurant we were approached by a young Tanzanian man named Bryson who advised us of a camp based on the slopes of Mt Kili that organises voluntary work and has accommodation that all the profits, go to orphans. To persuade us further we met the founder – an American, Texan, ex-Peace Corps man named Robert, known here as ‘Babu Bob’ (Babu meaning grandfather ) who had been living in Tanzania for 17 years. – This man was character if ever you met one, his life fascinated us both to the point I encouraged him to write his biography!

Aged well into his 60’s, a tall, well built man with a head of white hair and beard to match, (like Moses from the Bible) never without his Indianna Jones style hat and long wooden staff, Babu Bob makes a formidable character with stories to tell!

We shared a few meals (and lots of drinks..!) with him where he told us about his love/hate relationship with the country. His frustrations with the corruption, policies and politics and some people, who have taken voluntary sites and homes away from him however he would then express his many joys with the country the welcoming nature of residents, the children, who he has put through education (here and abroad) and the many orphans he has helped exclaiming he will die in this country.

Everywhere we went everyone knew him and would approach him. This man has led quite a life, avoiding the Vietnam war due to medical reasons (but which he was grateful for as he strongly opposed it) He has worked for Nasa, major arms industries including being involved in designing stealth jet technology, his friend even embalmed Lee Harvey Oswald! At some point he reviewed his life and felt the need to take it, in a different direction, which we are thankful he did.

Anywho..


We thought Camp Kilimanjaro was perfect for our next adventure so we made our way up the mountain with Bryson and another Camp Kili helper, Moses assisting us with putting our suitcases on the roof – yes, the roof of the bus as we travelled up the mountain, passing beautiful scenery to the camp accommodation.





 

Mama Flora runs the camp with the help of Mary, Jackie and the boys – Moses, Rapheal and Silas, who are so friendly and served some of the best food we’ve had so far! (Silas’s pork had Jason going for 2nd and 3rds!!) We also met 3 American girls – Becky and Alyssa from Rhode Island and Regina from San Francisco committed to long term projects there. It was so great speaking with them and sharing our stories and experiences of Tanzania while discussing fond memories of home and the everyday problems we face in society.



Mama Flora dressed all in white and the rest of Camp Killi gang.



Unfortunately Jay and I didn’t have enough time to get involved with a project but in staying there we were supporting the ‘cause’.



What type of bridge is this!!!



Sam crossing stream to get to the waterfall.



During our time there Bryson and Moses took us to see many natural beauties on the mountain such as the banana, coffee, pumpkin aloe-vera plants and trees while trekking to visit beautiful waterfalls and the first gate, where people all over the world come to climb the mountain to its snow capped peak named Kibo.

Should not of ate them beans
 last night!!

Kilasiya waterfalls

We were even involved in a birthday party, which saw Moses turn 24. Moses kindly named Jason and me to take part in his ceremonial tradition of being fed cake! (one tradition I could get used!!! LOL)

Being fed cake by the birthday boy..

Leaving the camp was actually quite emotional, as we had grown attached to everyone there although we wish them well with their future travels..

J and me at entrance to Kili

At the starting point to climb the mountain.