The full team and route…Kilimanjaro Challenge 2014

July 21, 2014

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And so the training begins in earnest…
First team meeting complete
Boots have been collected and soon the team walking will commence

Pre and post climb accommodation will be at either Keys Mbokomo or Keys Uru.

Both of these hotels have good views of Mount Kilimanjaro
and are classified as modern “tourist” standard hotels.

The rooms are of medium size, and are all en-suite.

The MOST important piece of equipment…
A Port-a-loo.
We did not have one on the last climb,
and I will NOT make that mistake again.
This team will have some home comforts!

Thanks to Cape Union Mart,
these air mattresses will allow the team to sleep comfortably.
Another item that I did not take with in 2006

This is the itinerary for the October, 2014 Challenge…

The Rongai Route
Sunday 05 October 2014
After an early breakfast, a senior guide will conduct your climb briefing.
You will then be driven to Rongai Gate, where you will meet the rest of your guides and porters.
After the formalities at the gate have been completed, begin your ascent to the first cave en route.

Winners and Terence collecting there climbing boots,
with thanks to Morne at Hi-Tec
The climb should take approximately 2 to 3 hours.
This part takes you through the cultivated area of the mountain,
where you can see how local farmers tend to their lands on the slopes.
Overnight at Simba Camp (1,800m).


My Hi-Tec boots from 2006…
still dirty…and will once again be with me on this attempt
Monday 06 October 2014
Early in the morning, begin trekking out past the second cave, and on to the third cave.
This should take you approximately 6 to 7 hours.
The climb today is relatively difficult, taking you through forest and well into the moorland.
Overnight at Kikelelwa Camp (3,800m).


Bianca Schulte
Food and Beverage manager at Heia Safari Ranch
Tuesday 07 October 2014
This is an acclimatization day – you will hike further up the mountain,
then return to third cave for overnight.


David Batzofin
Travel writer, photographer, broadcaster and educator
Wednesday 08 October 2014
Continue ascending to Mawenzi Tam Hut, which should take approximately 7 hours to get to. Overnight camping at Mawenzi Tam Hut (4,330m).


Terence Parkin
Olympic swimmer and athlete
Thursday 09 October 2014
Depart to Kibo Hut, which should take you approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Settle down for an early night camping at Kibo Hut (4,703m).

Winners Sishenge
Deputy principal of St Vincent school for the deaf
Friday 10 October 2014:
Summit Day!!
Today you will be heading for the highest point in Africa – Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
You will be woken around midnight to commence the 5 hour hike,
on heavy scree up to Gillman’s Point (5,686m).
You will be walking in the dark as the ground is frozen and this makes it easier to ascend this steep section.

As you reach the Crater Rim, the sun should be rising to display Africa in all its glory beneath you.
The views are spectacular and it makes the entire journey worth every step!


Continue another 1 or 2 hours to Uhuru Peak, along the wide paths of the crater rim, peering down onto massive glaciers shining in the morning sun.

Me at the summit in 2006
Arriving at Uhuru can be quite emotional, with the strain of the summit finally behind you and Africa surrounding you!

After a few photographs at the summit, begin your steady descent to Kibo Hut for a rest and some nourishment, then continue to Horombo Hut to camp for overnight.


The team…jumping for joy outside our favourite coffee shop in Linden
The Argentinean Bakery
Saturday 11 October 2014
After breakfast, descend to Marangu Gate.
You will be transferred to Keys Hotel for a well-needed shower and an evening of celebration by the swimming pool.
Overnight at Keys Hotel on a bed and full English breakfast basis.

Sunday 12 October 2014
Your tour ends today after breakfast and you will be transferred from Keys Hotel to Kilimanjaro Airport.