Andy Emms
Andy's Kilimanjaro climb
Fundraising for St Richard's Hospice Foundation
Story
Hi
My name is Andy and in June this year I will be climbing Mt Kilimanjaro; the roof of Africa.
It’s a personal challenge that I have wanted to do for many years. I am supporting St. Richard’s Hospice; as they do a wonderful job caring for people and it is where my granddad spent his final days.
The trip is already paid for and none of my charity fundraising is going towards the cost of the trip. I have most of the required equipment and have had my injections. Every weekend I get out to various parts for the countryside for training and get down the gym four or five times a week.
I will be climbing up the Rongai route, taking 5 days ascent to reach the summit.
Kilimanjaro stands 3 miles above the surrounding plains with spectacular views of the sunrise over the Masai Steppes, and stands at 5896m (19343ft) in altitude.
Day 1; Start Marangu
Arrive at Kilimanjaro airport in the early morning and transfer by private bus to Marangu (a distance of about 85km).
Day 2; Start our Climb
After completing the necessary registration formalities, we transfer by 4WD vehicles to Nale Moru (1,950m) to begin our climb on this unspoilt wilderness route. The first day is only a half-day walk on a small path that winds through farmland and pine plantations. It is a consistent but gentle climb through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. We reach our first overnight stop by late afternoon at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600m).
Day 3; Ascent to Kikelewa Caves
The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the 'Second Cave' (3,450m) with superb views of the Eastern icefields on the rim of Kibo, the youngest and highest of the three volcanoes that form the entire mountain. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, the second of Kilimanjaro's volcanoes. Our campsite, which we reach in late afternoon, is in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves (3,600m).
Day 4; Mawenzi Tarn
A steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb panoramas of the Kenyan plains to the north. We leave vegetation behind close to Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m), spectacularly situated in a cirque beneath the towering cliffs of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or to explore the surrounding area as an aid to altitude acclimatisation.
Day 5; Crossing the Saddle to Kibo Crater
We leave our attractive campsite to cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700m) at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall by early afternoon. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night!
Day 6; Summit Day
We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding part of the climb, by torchlight at around midnight. We plod very slowly in darkness and cold on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the Crater rim at Gillman's Point (5,685 m);. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip along the snow-covered rim to the true summit of Uhuru Peak (5,896m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo Hut (4,700m) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshments and rest, we continue descending to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720m). This is an extremely long and hard day, with between 11 and 15 hours walking at high altitude.
Day 7; Descent to Marangu
A sustained descent with wide views across the moorland takes us into the lovely forest around Mandara (2,700m), the first stopping place on the Marangu route. The trail continues through semi-tropical vegetation to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830m).
Day 8 Rest
Recovering and packing for the return home trip.