I'm preparing for the biggest challenge yet! A trek up the worlds tallest free standing mountain.. Mount Kilimanjaro! I am doing this exciting challenge to raise money for the phenomenal charity AICR (Association of International Cancer Research) that help save lives and look into the causes and preventions for cancer in every corner of the world. 

Mount Kilimanjaro is 5,895 meters (19,341ft) above sea level. The altitude, steep climbs and different weather conditions will all be major factors that will make the climb challenging. 

Take a look at my intenary for the climb!!

Trip Duration 10 days 

Summary Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most impressive sights in Africa and climbing it is one of the all-time personal achievements. Rising majestically from a rolling plain close to the Indian Ocean, the mountain soars to a chilling 5,895m high peak (well above the cloud line). It is the highest mountain in Africa and the largest freestanding mountain in the world. The feeling you experience whilst watching the sun rise over the vast African plains from its summit is truly an incredible experience and something not to be missed for anybody with a sense of adventure. 

Trip Itinerary 

9th June 2014: Departure 

You will depart from London Heathrow on an overnight flight to Nairobi International Airport. 

 

10th June 2014: Arrival and Orientation 

You will be met on arrival by a Really Wild Representative and transferred overland to Tanzania via the Namanga border – a 6 hour journey. You will check into a simple hotel in Moshi where there will be a challenge briefing. This will provide the opportunity to any questions that you may have and also hire any equipment necessary. Overnight in shared rooms. 

11th June 2014: Trek Day One 

After breakfast, you will transfer to Machame Gate, set deep in the cloud forest that surrounds Mt. Kilimanjaro. After signing in at the National Park Gate, you will begin a slow and very steady walk from Machame Gate (1,800m) to Machame Hut (2,980m). This day takes 4-5 hours and is a gradual ascent through thick cloud forest. You will arrive in camp and relax, enjoying the incredible views of Kibo Peak in the distance. A candlelit dinner will be served before you retire to your shared tented accommodation for the night. 

12th June 2014: Trek Day Two 

After breakfast at Machame Hut, a steep ascent takes you along the Machame ridge line, which gradually works its way up to the Shira Plateau. Spectacular views of Kibo Peak follow you along the way. Lunch will be taken en-route before arriving onto the Shira Plateau in the early afternoon and onwards to Shira Hut at 3,840m (5-6 hours). From here, the true vista of your surroundings becomes apparent, with spectacular views of both the Kibo Peak and out west towards Mt Meru and the Maasai Highlands. The afternoon gives you good resting opportunities with an optional short acclimatisation trek. A candlelit dinner will be served before retiring to your shared tented accommodation for the night. 

 13th June 2014: Trek Day Three 

After breakfast at Shira Hut, you will head east across the plateau on a gradual incline. The gradual ascent over the Shira Plateau takes you up to an altitude of 4,400m, providing valuable acclimatisation. With lunch en-route, you will descend in the afternoon down to the Baranco Campsite, set at the base of the Baranco Wall at 3,950m. The Baranco Campsite offers some of the most spectacular views of Kibo Peak. After another hearty dinner, you will retire for the night. 

 14th June 2014: Trek Day Four 

After a very early breakfast, you will head east up the Baranco Wall, a height gain of 700ft. From here, you continue over the ridges and valleys to the Karanga Valley and an early lunch. From Karanga Valley, you will ascend up to Barafu Hut at 4,600m. Today will take 7-8 hours including a short lunch stop. Dinner is served around 16:00 and you will sleep as early as possible. This day will be a tough one due to the altitude. 

15th June 2014: Trek Day Five 

Beginning at midnight, snacks are served and you will begin an extremely slow ascent across the scree slopes towards Stella Point. First light comes up around 05:30AM and you will reach Stella Point around sun-rise. From Stella Point, it is a gentle ascent around to Uhuru Peak - The Roof of Africa. Once you have spent some time admiring the views, you will descend back to Stella Point and down to Barafu Camp. At Barafu Camp, you will rest up for one or two hours with lunch being served. From Barafu Camp, you will descend down to Mweka Hut, arriving late afternoon for dinner and a well-earned nights rest! 

16th June 2014: Trek Day Six 

After breakfast, you will descend down to Mweka Gate, a gradual decline through the heath and cloud forest. At Mweka Gate, you will sign-out and transfer back to your Moshi hotel where you will enjoy a very welcome shower and celebratory meal before receiving your Uhuru Peak Certificates! Overnight stay at a simple hotel in Moshi in shared rooms. 

 17th June – 24th June 2014: Independent Travel 

After breakfast, you will be free to continue on your independent travel. 
We are thinking about going to a safari in Tanzania and visiting the beaches in Zanzibar!

 

25th June 2014: Transfer to the Airport 

After breakfast, you will return back to Nairobi International Airport from Moshi, via the Namanga border for your flight to the U.K. Depending on your flight times you may need to spend the night of the 23rd in Nairobi, and you will fly early morning on 24th June arriving the same day. 

 26nd June 2014: Return 

 

Arrival into London Heathrow. 

 

 

As you can see this will be a trip of a lifetime and I am collecting for an incredible cause. Please donate even a pound to help a brotha out!

THANK YOU XOX

 

 

 

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