It took us five days to climb to the summit of Killimanjaro and it was by far the hardest physical challenge I have ever done.
On our fourth day we trekked for 18 hours in a 24 hour period, making the final accent through the night. At 6:30am we reached Uhuru Peak, which means Freedom in Swahili, the name the Tanzanian people appropriately gave to the summit when they gained independence in 1961.
The most challenging part of the climb was the effects of the altitude, complaining of headaches, nausea and both Leon and I were physically sick during the final leg. It was -10 degrees, our camel packs froze, and it felt like the same was happening to our fingers and toes.
I had tears in my eyes when I finally saw the little wooden sign at the peak, it felt like it would never come. I was utterly exhausted, slightly elated and thinking “Right we made it, now get me down!”
Two days after the climb was completed, with lots of food in my tummy and having had sleep, I began to feel the accomplishment and joyfull from the adventure. It was physically painful and required all my mental determination, but never once did I think I'd give up.
Leon and I would like to thank everyone who helped us raise money for the Village education project in Tanzania. We made a visit to the project and had the pleasure of meeting some very happy school children.
Love,
Allie and Leon
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