Kilimanjaro Challenge
Triumphant return
The UCARE team have just returned, but you can still sponsor them.
Gemma's account of the challenge
As we flew past Kilimanjaro in the propeller plane on the internal transfer from Nairobi to Tanzania it suddenly dawned on us how big a challenge we had undertaken when we looked up to the summit of the mountain from the plane. It was an amazing sight. A number of questions passed through my head, one of which… was the training I had done over the previous months sufficient for the challenge? Probably not the best time to be querying my ability!
On the border of Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain towering 5895m over the plains below. It is the highest free standing mountain on earth and is permanently snow capped. While no technical climbing is involved, the strenuous 33km hike winds its way up through the rainforest and across high moorland to the glacial terrain of the summit. While varying conditions can affect the degree of challenge the climb presents, if you have a good level of fitness this should be manageable. However, the altitude can affect anyone and has little to do with fitness.
We took the Rongai Route which is lesser known and avoids the overcrowded Marangu route. It is considered the more beautiful route although more difficult. It also gives you a great view of the summit from the second day.
As the trek commenced everyone felt apprehensive but also the adrenaline kicked in so there was also excitement amongst the team. We carried at least 8kg per day which included 4 litres of water and wet weather gear as well as other essential items. The weight in the back pack was certainly enough for me to contend with however, as we watched the porters literally running past us laden with rucksacks, tents and cooking supplies we realised how amazing the team with us were and how their bodies had adjusted to this way of life. We were only allowed to walk 'poley poley' and we were reminded of this often as it allowed our bodies to acclimatise over the first 4 days in preparation for the extremes in altitude that we were to experience on day 5. I have to admit that even if it hadn't been for the altitude I doubt very much that I would have been running especially not up the side of Kilimanjaro!
Diamox was a must for this trip as it assists with reducing some of the effects of the altitude sickness…. However, unfortunately it means you pee frequently and continually have to find a bush. Although I got use to this procedure it was something I dreaded especially at three o'clock in the morning when temperatures dropped to below freezing and there was every chance of bumping into a wild buffalo or jeckel.
The first four days were manageable. The walking was tough and completed over many hours so it was certainly a matter of stamina and endurance rather than speed.
Day 1: Commence climb (2600m) plus 2 hour acclimatisation
Day 2: To kikelewa caves 3600m (10hours)
Day 3: To Mawenzi Tarn 4330m (5-6 hours) plus 2 hours acclimatisation of an additional 150m then back to camp
Day 4: The Saddle (the desert) to Kibo Hut 4700m (6-7 hours)
Day 5: We started the final and by far the steepest and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around 11pm at this time not realising that the next time we would rest would be 5pm the next day when we would reach the next camp called Arusha (3700m), as it would be too dangerous to stay at the high level of altitude for too long a period of time.
We walked very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's point (5685m). The sunrise we watched was fabulous (see below) with the sun rising up behind Mawenzi. At Jamaica Rocks we had to scramble up approximately 200m which was difficult when tired and struggling with my breathing. All I could think was at least I have two legs… Andy was inspirational as he showed no signs of weakening even with his one leg and all I could hear was him shouting at me to not give up. We rested at Gillman's to have sweet tea and to be assessed as to whether altitude sickness symptoms would stop us continuing further. Those feeling fit enough (ie 4 out of 5 of our group- the person in our group that didn't make the peak was Matt- the fittest person in our group- showing that altitude sickness does not respect fitness) continued onto make the 2.5hour climb to Uhuru Peak (5895m) which led us passed spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs.
Following the success of reaching the summit you realise that you only agreed to reach the summit and wonder where the cable car is to get you down. Its obviously upsetting to realise that the only way down is once again on your two feet. The descent is obviously much quicker and the lower you drop the better you feel immediately. I was taught a special scree ski technique which basically means you jump down the mountain which is much quicker although has shocking impact on your knees and already sore toes.
I was struck by the support we got from our guides and the rest of the team. The team spirit was fantastic. We bonded so well as a group and the laughter and humour kept us going even when the situation was at times so difficult as fatigue set in. The guides sang all the way up the mountain and as each person struggled either mentally or physically they were with us 100% to encourage us and push us on to the summit.
Overall, I think I got off pretty lightly… I made the summit having suffered a very upset stomach and lack of dignity surrounding it apart from that and vomiting once I only had a sore left knee and black toe nail which I'm due to lose in due course as well the weathered and flaky skin which came from mad weather conditions which we experienced. It was a fantastic opportunity and I would encourage anyone that fancied a challenge to take it up, however, I'm not planning on going back anytime in the near future!
I really want to thank each of you for the generous sponsorship that you gave me. I really appreciated it. As a group we raised over £16,000 for UCARE, so as they would say in Swahili 'Asanta sei!' (Thank you very much). I would also like to say a special thank you to my parents and Matt who supported me in my preparation and fundraising for this trip as well as Eleanor and Toni who were so very kind.
The story behind the challenge
Meet the UCARE team and find out why they took part in the challenge.
