October 2014, the adventure of a lifetime.......

'15 intrepid climbers and hikers set off on a huge adventure to climb Kilimanjaro

raising funds for Starfish Malawi.'

The Challenge

At 5,895m, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest walkable mountain in the world and therefore requires no technical experience or equipment. Reaching the roof of Africa is however a considerable and, at times, gruelling challenge. The midnight ascent to the summit is the toughest test both physically and mentally but the effect of being at altitude will also play its part throughout. A good level of physical fitness and a strong will is therefore required, and advance training and preparation is advised to help you achieve your goal and enjoy the experience of doing so.

The 10 day adventure began on 3 October 2014 when the team departed from London Heathrow Airport on an overnight and connecting flight to Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania. Upon arrival, we were transferred to an idyllic lodge in Arusha for a day of rest and relaxation, prior to an evening briefing for the trek ahead.

Mount Kilimanjaro

The following morning the team set out on the start of the journey to 5,895m via the 6-day Rongai Route. Beginning in the north of Kilimanjaro National Park in a small village called Nale Moru, the trail heads west towards Uhuru Peak. The 6 days that followed required between 4-7 hours daily trekking, until we arrived at Kibo Huts Camp situated at 4,700m - the route's base camp.

The gruelling midnight ascent to the summit then followed, rewarding us all with a sunrise over Africa as you reached the crater rim - that offered views and a sense of achievement that are unparalleled and will last with us all forever. A short stay at the summit was then followed by a descent to the trek's final Horombo Camp situated at 3,720m - the loss in altitude as you descend more than making up for the sense of exhaustion along the way.

The final morning marked an opportunity to thank and say farewell to our support team, prior to making the final descent to the end of the trek at Marangu Park Gate.

This was by far the most challenging event I have undertaken by encountering personal difficulties with altitude sickness. It has been a privilege to see the team binding together to achieve a common goal helping each other along the way.

Our guides and porters were an outstanding bunch of men/women reaching far beyond their job description in attitude, response to our difficulties and the giving of advice and guidance - amazing folks.

FUNDRAISING TOTAL = £22,500

Thank you all once again from all those UK & Malawi children who will benefit directly from your generosity.

Nich Cunliffe

Kilimanjaro Walk Coordinator