Mt. Kilimanjaro Aug 2013 |
In August 2013, 12 of us embarked on one of Africa’s most demanding challenges – to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro is the world’s highest free-standing mountain, and boasts Africa’s highest point at 5,895m. The twelve in the group were climbing to raise money for Sewa UK, a non-profit charity who raises money to help rebuild communities struck by natural disasters (www.sewauk.org). We ascended up the Marangu Route taking six days in total. Each day required walking for about 5-7 hours. Starting at 1,970m, we increased our altitude by approximately 1,000m per day. It was therefore important to stick to the slow ‘pole pole’ pace enforced by our guides. This helped maximize our chances of summiting since a slow ascent reduces your chances of succumbing to altitude sickness. Most found the first two days enjoyable. Despite walking slowly, the speed at which the scenery changes is remarkable. I think we all found the huge biodiversity to be breathtaking. Once the sun sets, the mountain becomes a very different place. Even at the relatively low altitudes, we found the temperatures to be surprisingly cold. Darkness surrounds you as quickly as you are hit by the change in climate and it was important to rest early to ensure you could wake up at the crack of dawn to begin the next day. After the second night in Horombo at 3,700m, we moved above the clouds. It was scary to think just how high we were at this point. We could feel the oxygen levels reducing as we struggled for breath and more and more of the group were complaining of symptoms of altitude sickness. After arriving at Kibo hut at 3pm we took a well deserved rest but were quickly refocused by our chief guide who told us that this was where the test really began. We had only 3 hours sleep that night before waking up at 10pm to start walking in the middle of the night. This was standard procedure on the last night because apparently if you could see what you were walking up, then you would quit before you even started… | This day was by far the toughest. The temperature of -20 degrees, the gale force winds, and the fact that oxygen levels were at 50% almost justified the fact that we were walking slower than a 90-year-old arthritic grandma. 8 hours in these conditions left us wondering why we signed up. When we got to the top, it was more of a relief than anything. The sun started to rise and as we looked down on the route we had conquered, it was inspiring. To think we had come this far, to the highest point in the whole of Africa, was an overwhelming thought. It was by no means easy but nothing worth doing ever is. The stories, the memories and the experience are something that will stay with us forever. Team members: Janesh Gupta, Raj Nayar, Bipin Patel, Hridesh Gupta, Ravi Showan, Keshav Gupta, Pranav Gupta, Vinay Gupta, Rohit Gupta, Pavan Bhambra, Vanita Jain and Poonam Jain.
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Trek Details |
Trek Details
Fund raising
Travel
Quote from our local tour operator (Website: www.kilimanjaro-shah.com) “After reviewing your details, it sounds like a great cause that you will raise funds for from your climb. As long as all members of your group are climbing for the charity cause, I am willing to offer the below itinerary. We will also offer 2 complimentary nights at Mountain Inn for all persons on your climb.” Kilimanjaro Climb Via Marangu Route
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Price Details |
Price per person sharing: £750 approx. Price includes:
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Charity Number 1135425. Company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales No. 06976220. |
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Charity Number 1135425. Company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales No. 06976220. © Sewa UK 2023 |
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