Day 7 - horombo hut to marangu gate

"Last day on the mountain after a cold night in the tents.

Woke up just in time for sunrise over horombo, which sits at 3700m, above the cloud line. 

We packed for the last time making a pile of clothes to give to the porters. A light breakfast and then as we were about to break camp the porters burst into a song about Kilimanjaro. 

We gave them our clothes which they really appreciated and then the obligatory tip. Our guide Elias explained more about why we were doing the challenge and they all were pleased that done of our sponsorship will come back to Tanzania through Transaid. 

We had a steady descent in sunshine through the moorland and then forest zones. Passind Mandala huts which are the first stop for climbers in the Marungu route up Kili. 

The track down was very busy with porters going up and down and bedraggled climbers descending passing hopeful and already tired climbers pn their way up. 

We did pass several memorials to recent climbers and porters whom had died on the mountain. A sobering reminder of the realities of our challenge. 

We managed to get to the park gate to complete the formalities by 1pm which meant that we had descended from the summit in less than 24 hours. 

Writing this en route to Arusha for a well earned shower and any food but field camping fare. 

Arrived at our hotel in Arusha, the Impala, which we are told is the 'best hotel in town'. It is not a five star, but any hotel with showers, warm water and real beds is very welcome. 

Dad celebrated by having a quick shower and then having a Kilimanjaro beer by the pool. 

We're off at 7am for the first day of our safari in tangarete national park. 

Day 6 - summit bid and then descent to horombo hut

LToday was the day all if the aclumituaarion, fitness training and our determination would be tested to the full. 

We agreed to set off from Kibo hut for the summit at 5 am, unlike most climbers whom set off at midnight to time their climb to meet the sunrise at the summit. A great idea until you find out that the temperature for six hours of climbing is minus 20 with extra wind chill and that the summit will be packed with upto 30 climbers clambering for a photo. 

Our plan worked well as we were the only ascenders climbing the frozen scree ramp from Kibo to Gilmans point. 

After an hour and a half he sun rose magnificently to start to warm our hands and feet and defrost our drinking packs. 

The heat was welcome but this also meant that the scree ramp defrosted to create a dusty and lose 30 degree wall which was a real test for us all. 

We managed to climb for two hours to reach Williams point at 5000 m, then another 45 mins to Hans Mryers cave the last natural refuge on this assent. 

Pace was slowed due to health issues linked to altitude sickness and general fatigue. None if us slept at kibo, a normal reaction to life at 4700 m. 

After a further three hours off monotinous climbing up switchback to cut the slope to a manageable 30 degrees, we all reached Gilmans point at 5680 m, the first official summt of the Kilimanjaro crater. Named after a prominent early member of the East African climbing club.

From here we could see for the first time the crater and the stacked Easter ice fields , a Magical site after almost six hours of climbing. 

Pictures were taken , congratulations made and we had an umpromptu celebration as we believed joe to be the youngest uk climber to ever summit at the craters edge. 

Joe and Helen were exhausted so they the descended and Dad and I carried on for another hour to reach the highest peak on the summit. Uhuru peak the official highest point in Africa. It was deserted so we took advantage and photographed us and the two guides Bryson and Elias. 

Both of us were suffering with head aches due to the extreme altitude 5895 m or 19710 feet. So we descended at 'guide pace ' running down to Gilmans and then descending back to kibo hut in less than an hour, covered in dust but smiling.

After a quick lunch we then tracked down to horombo hut at 3700 m another three hours trecking after 10 for Me and dad, we didn't mind as it offered an escape the headaches, loss of appetite, minus 15 temperatures of kibo. 

Writing this blog, with legs like lead, a mild headache but huge satisfaction in my personal achievement and what we have done as a family. 

Tomorrow five hours of trecking down the the Marungu admin office to fill out the necessary paperwork and to collect our certificates. 

Great fun, but never again! 

Day 5 - Day 4 of climbing from third cave to kibo

Tough day today, finally realizing the difficulty of the challenge. We covered around 11 km but gained 850 meters in altitude. 

All of us had headaches and joe the worst. The first time he has suffered so far. 

We arrived at Kibo hut at 4750 m after three hours of walking through barren landscape full of lava bombs. (huge bolders ejected during the eruption which created Kilimanjaro) 

All suffering from headaches and tired, the exertion of the climb was tiring due to the thin air. 

Expecting a very cold night before our summit attempt tomorrow. 

Today's experience had knocked confidence levels a little re our ability to get to the top. 

Day 4 - day three of climbing from second cave to third cave at 4000m

Are breakfast with the most amazing view of the mountain. Definitely the best seat in the house. 

We were alone at the camp, except for our 14 support staff ! Including Gumbo the chef, Damian who is a porter and serves our food, Bryson the deputy guide and Elias our main guide and 10 porters who carry 20 kg packs containing everything we all need from food to mess tent and the food table and chairs. 

The tanzanian government insist that all expeditions carry everything they need and leave nothing on the mountain so 14 people are needed to support 5 climbers. 

Our guide once worked with over 300 posters supporting 76 climbers from the UK! 

We climbed into the alpine zone, which looks a little like moorland in Scotland except for the lizards. 

 The flora changes from trees with old mans beard lichen hanging from each branch to giant shrubs and heathers dotted with everlasting white, grey and yellow flowers and the odd red hot poker.

This is the transition zone from forest to the next level of alpine desert which is above 4000m.  

Managed to stop to make our mark for posterity. 

Arrived at camp at lunchtime and then discussed our options for the rest of the climb. We agreed to shorten by 1 day as the guides are happy with our progress and acclimatization. 

Expecting another freezing night then off to kibo hut for to rest, sleep and acclimatize our summit attempt. 

The next day will be a massive challenge, climbing over 1200 meters on scree at 30% gradient, at minus 20 and with 50% of sea level oxygen ! Like climbing eight Empire State buildings with one lung! 

We then hope to descend back to kibo and then onto horompo camp at 3700m. 

In all around 17 hours of effort so our largest test yet. Tonight we will dream of our summit photo and try to forget the facts of what we face. 

Day 3 part two

Great lunch in cave 2, it's amazing what the chef can make from basic ingredients  and one gas stove, chicken stew with pasta , great climbing food. 

Then we had an impromptu football match with England versus Tanzania. Nobody kept score but all had a great time. 

Woke at dawn after a freezing night in the tent. Minus 10 inside and worse outside, the only advantage of waking with sunrise is we saw Kilimanjaro summit for the first time. 

What a site, renewed our enthusiasm to get to the top. 

Day3 - first camp 270 to second cave 3450m

Early start after a breakfast of porridge soup, peanut butter and then a sausage and egg sandwich. Washed down with African black coffee, an acquired taste! 

Four hours of climbing through the clouds, initially through forest, then heather and then heathland . We spotted signs of buffalo which live on the mountain and use the trekking trails in the evenings. 

We stopped for lunch at first cave at 3300m, an old camping spot . A natural lava cave wit charted roof from the camp fires of early climbers. 

Then 150m more climbing, in Rocky and desolate terrain. 

We arrived in the cloud, the porters had already set up our tents and we had lunch in the secind cave. The only place protected from the cloud drizzle which is chilling and relentlous. 

Looking for an early night as we all did not sleep well last night, a common symptom of altitude. 

Tomorrow we climb to third cave at around 4000m over rough terrain. Not yet feeling any effects of altitude.

Despite the weather and the basic conditions we are all enjoying the experience. 

Lunch in cave two 

Day2 Moshi to trail head and up to first camp

Early start after a great night sleep, our last in a real bed for a week. We ate a European African breakfast which was a real treat especially the African wild bee honey on toast, the favourite treat for Elephants and now we know why. 

Checked in at the Kilimanjaro offices to complete all of the necessary paperwork and get our permit to climb. 

Met up with our climb guide Elias, a Man U fan and guide to the stars as he has previously guided Brendan Rodgers and Chris Kamarra to the top! 

Had a two hour drive to the Rongai trail head, bus broke down en route which is normal here. We're all in good health and are confident and keen to get going. 

Great first days climbing, firstly through pine forest, then primary jungle and then the Heath zone, writing this in cloud drizzle at Simba camp 2650 meters above seal level. 

Setting up camp, waiting for some hot tea to warm up. 

Day 1 in Tanzania - Dar es Salam to Moshi

5 am start to beat the rush hour in Dar, boarded our coach - Kilimanjaro express for the 10 hour trip north to Moshi . Travelled at hair raising speed over roads under construction or needing reconstruction! 

Arrived in one piece at our hotel at the foot of Kilimanjaro. Nakara Safari lodge, a  nice hotel with a view of the mountain if it were not misty. 

The temperature had dropped noticeably and during our briefing the guide mentioned that the summit is around minus 20 with windchill at the moment! 

Just packed our rucksacks with all the warm clothes we have. Hoping for good weather over the next few days. 

I've seen this logo somewhere before! 

Heading of at 8am tomorrow for our first days climbing. 

All excited and a little aprehensive about the weather. 

Arrived in Tanzania - Dar es Salam not a 'Haven of Peace'

Dar es Salam was a small fishing port until in the 1860's The Sultan of Zanzibar decided to convert the inland harbour to a trading port. He called it Dar es Salam the Haven of Peace! Things have certainly changed in the last 154 years. DeS is now a modern African capital, meaning chaotic traffic, streets full of colour and activity. Indian, African and Arabic influences everywhere to make this city a modern example of increasingly cosmopolitan modern Africa.

Off to buy some local football shirts in the market this afternoon. These seam to be the only dress which all citizens are wearing. Great opportunity for us to blend in. 

No luck in shopping, down town Dar es Salam is devoid of tourist shopping. Hopefully will get better options tomorrow. Early start at 5am heading for Moshi for an overnight and final kit inspection before starting the climb Friday. 

Staying down town, so noisy but we all should sleep fine after 16 hours getting here! 

Many thanks to all of our sponsors and a special thanks to the corporate sponsors below. Your donations will really help to save lives here in the UK and Africa.

Local support team in Tanzania

We will be assisted in our climb by Elias and the team at African Wilderness Adventures.
 
African Wilderness Adventures has been founded by Elias Lyimo, a very experienced and passionate guide . His speciality is assisting people to hike to the highest point in Africa, but his knowledge of the wildlife and Game Parks in Tanzania is astonishing.
A local Tanzanian, Elias Lyimo and his team of professional, helpful and very friendly guides will make sure your trip is not only successful, but will leave you with happy memories for years to come.
African Wilderness Adventures aims to assist the Tanzanian government in it’s efforts to promote the tourism industry and provide excellent, quality service to it’s clients and employment to skilled local youth, with utmost regard to the beautiful paradise that is Tanzania.

African Wilderness Adventures
P.O.BOX 2339
ARUSHA, TANZANIA
Cell Phone : +255732979993
+255754888457
Email:
info@africanwildernessadventures.com

Who are Transaid and what do they do?

Transaid is an international development charity. We identify, champion, implement and share local transport solutions to improve access to basic services and economic opportunity for people in Africa and in developing countries.
We combine the expertise of the European Transport and Logistics industry with our long experience of working in the developing world. We partner with local communities, governments, donors and other organisations to achieve our aims and facilitate exchange of skills and knowledge gained from our projects. 
Transaid’s history goes back over 25 years and is strongly supported by the European Transport and Logistics Industry. Through combining this expertise with our longstanding experience of working in the developing world, we partner with organisations in the public and private sector including local community organisations, governments, institutions and donors to build capability and achieve our aims. This collaborative approach enables Transaid to provide innovative solutions to some of the key challenges facing transport and development today.
Transaid was founded by Save the Children and The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and our Patron is HRH The Princess Royal.  Read more here 
http://www.transaid.org

Interested in a challenge and like to visit Tanzania? You can in 2015 with Transaid. 

Join me and some fellow adventurers for this once in a life time cycling adventure, covering an incredible 400km in just five days. 

This 9 day challenge takes us from two of Africa’s most stunning landmarks – Mount Kilimanjaro and the Ngorongoro Crater. 

Starting on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, this cycle ride sees us pass through Maasai villages, savannahs, encounter Tanzania’s wildlife close up including colombus monkeys and baboons, and finally, finish in the safari paradise of the Ngorongoro Crater. We will experience a whole range of road surfaces from smooth tarmac to dirt tracks to sand. Transaid’s Africa challenges are designed to be just that – a huge challenge, but one that you will never forget, all while raising money for Transaid’s vital work.
 

Dates: Saturday 6th June – Sunday 14th June
 

Distance: Approximately 400km over five days
 

Fundraising pledge: £299 registration fee and a £3300 fundraising target 

Interested ? First two to sign up stating 'Michelin' will get their registration fee paid in full. 
For more information, please download the information and registration pack from the Transaid site. Alternatively, please get in touch with Transaid on:florence@transaid.org, or on 020 7387 8136.

Who are the UHNS Charity and what do they do?

About UHNS Charity

UHNS Charity supports the excellent work of University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust by enhancing facilities and providing added value. It is a registered charity that manages all money raised for, or donated to, the hospital.

UHNS Charity supports patients, their relatives and friends, staff and local businesses and organisations to raise money for the hospital.

The charity also works closely with the hospital to make sure that all specialities are supported to spend every penny of the money raised on items that will directly improve patient care.

Through this website you can find out more about the work of the charity, be inspired by others, read about  our amazing fundraisers, or simply donate to this great cause here ; 

http://www.uhnscharity.org.uk

Ten facts about Mt Kilimanjaro

Ten facts about Mt Kili 

Rising majestically above the African plains, the 20,000-foot Mt. Kilimanjaro has beckoned to climbers since the first recorded summit in 1889. Here are 10 interesting facts to help inspire your own future summit:

10. Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain on the African continent and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

9. Kilimanjaro has three volcanic cones, Mawenzi, Shira and Kibo. Mawenzi and Shira are extinct but Kibo, the highest peak, is dormant and could erupt again. The most recent activity was about 200 years ago; the last major eruption was 360,000 years ago.

8. Nearly every climber who has summitted Uhuru Peak, the highest summit on Kibo’s crater rim, has recorded his or her thoughts about the accomplishment in a book stored in a wooden box at the top.

7. The oldest person ever to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro was 87-year-old Frenchman Valtee Daniel.

6. Almost every kind of ecological system is found on the mountain: cultivated land, rain forest, heath, moorland, alpine desert and an arctic summit.

5. The fasted verified ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro occurred in 2001 when Italian Bruno Brunod summitted Uhuru Peak in 5 hours 38 minutes 40 seconds. The fastest roundtrip was accomplished in 2004, when local guide Simon Mtuy went up and down the mountain in 8:27.

4. The mountain’s snow caps are diminishing, having lost more than 80 percent of their mass since 1912. In fact, they may be completely ice free within the next 20 years, according to scientists.

3. Shamsa Mwangunga, National Resources and Tourism minister of Tanzania, announced in 2008 that 4.8 million indigenous trees will be planted around the base of the mountain, helping prevent soil erosion and protect water sources.

2. South African Bernard Goosen twice scaled Mt. Kilimanjaro in a wheelchair. His first summit, in 2003, took nine days; his second, four years later, took only six. Born with cerebral palsy, Goosen used a modified wheelchair, mostly without assistance, to climb the mountain.

1. Approximately 25,000 people attempt to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro annually. Approximately half are successful. Altitude-related problems is the most common reason climbers turn back.

Our route to the top - day by day guide

Duration: 6 - 7 days

The Rongai route ascends Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.

The topography of the route does not allow for the application of the climb high and sleep low principle and hikers generally suffer more from altitude sickness on the Rongai route compared to other routes (an additional acclimatization day is highly recommended on this route). The Rongai route use the scree summiting path from Kibo hut to Gilman’s point and descend via the Marangu route.

The main itinerary difference between the Rongai 6 day and 7 day routes is the additional acclimatization day at Mwenzi Tarn.

Day one

Rongai Start Point (1996m) - Simba camp (2626m)

Hiking time: 4 hours

Distance: Approximately 6.7 km

Habitat: Forest (Montane)

Depart from Moshi town and drive 45 minutes to the Marangu park gate for registration. From Marangu park gate we travel to Naro Moru, north east Kilimanjaro, a further 68km and approximately 2 ½ hours on bad roads to the Rongai start point (1996m). Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through a beautiful country side. The first night's camp is at Simba Camp (2 626m). The camp facilities include a public toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut.

Day two

Simba camp (2626m) - Kikelewa Camp (3679m)

Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours

Distance: Approximately 11.8 km

Habitat: Moorlands

We hike from Simba camp up towards Kibo till 3 482m for lunch at First Caves, a distance of 5.8km. After lunch we continue trekking until reaching Kikelewa Camp at about 3679 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you're on a really big mountain! Water can be found in a obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find a pool or two. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kikelewa camp.

Day three

Kikelewa Cave (3679m) - Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m)

Hiking time: 3 hours

Distance: Approximately 3.7 km

Habitat: Moorlands

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.

Day four

Mawenzi Tarn camp (4303m) - Kibo hut (4730m)

Hiking time: 5 hours

Distance: Approximately 9 km

Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast we head west and continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo hut.

Day Five – summit attempt

Kibo hut (4730m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo hut (3705m)

Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo

Distance: Approximately 5.4km ascent and 15 km descent

Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit

 will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot.

The path then zigzags up to Gillman's point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.

Total exhilaration and satisfaction - you made it

Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest at Kibo hot, you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Day six

Horombo hut (3705m) - Marangu Gate (1860m)

Hiking time: 6 hours

Distance: Approximately 19.7 km

Habitat: Moorland & Montane Forest

After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. Click here for more info on tips.

At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive theirsummit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman's Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates.

You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner descent bed and celebrations!!