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On 2^nd December 2010 I will be taking part in a 10 day trek to the Summit of Kilimanjaro in aid of WellChild.  I am hoping to raise a minimum of £5,895 (equivalent to the height of Kilimanjaro in metres) by completing a Charity Challenge expedition.  Effectively this means that for every £1 you donate I will be climbing a metre, but obviously you can purchase as many metres as you like!

WellChild is a fantastic charity that focuses on delivering care and support to seriously ill children and their families throughout the , as well as funding research to improve treatments, immunisation programmes and surgical techniques.  I decided to raise funds and awareness for the WellChild charity because, as a father of two beautiful, happy and healthy children, I know there is nothing more precious or rewarding.  If you would like more information about WellChild please visit http://www.wellchild.org.uk/

At 5,895 metres (19,340 feet), Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.  The trek covers approximately 77 kilometres.  Altitude sickness is inevitable and I am not undertaking this challenge lightly.  With 8 months of training, and a considerable amount of planning, I feel that I can achieve the once in a lifetime opportunity of reaching the summit whilst highlighting the profile of a very worthwhile charity.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

 

THE BRIEF:
 
The Rongai Route starts just south of the Kenya-Tanzania border and has been mostly unused for many years. Now open for climbing once again, experienced guides consider this ascent route to be both more manageable and more beautiful than the main Marangu Trail. The Rongai Route begins in attractive farmland and delightful forest, with the possibility of wildlife viewing and passing through several different climate zones, adding considerably to the interest of the trek. The deviation to Mawenzi Tarn is very beautiful and on a little-used trail through moorland. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. 

Temperatures drop at night, allowing you to enjoy the crisp cool air under the star-studded African skies. During the days you will rise higher, often looking down on a sea of clouds. The expedition has been carefully planned to allow acclimatisation as much as possible to the altitude. The seven day itinerary gives excellent acclimatisation and also gives an unusual view of the montane forest on Kilimanjaro. On the final night before the summit climb we need to rise at around midnight to commence the final trek in the moonlight up the scree slopes to . Our aim is to reach this point by dawn and continue around the rim to the highest point, Uhuru Peak. This is likely to be the toughest day that most trekkers have ever experienced, involving 1,295m of ascent, 2,145m of descent.
 

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Depart from UK to Kenya

Day 2: Transfer to Marangu
Transfer across Kenya & through the Namanga border into Tanzania, journeying onwards to finally arrive at hotel in Marangu

Day 3: Forest trek (2,600m) 
Transfer by 4x4 to Rongai where after completing formalities at the Marangu National Park gate we will begin our climb. The climb starts from the attractive traditional village of Nale Moru at 1,950m on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering a pine forest. Track then starts to climb consistently but gently, through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and we camp at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600m) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. Approx trekking 4-5hrs

Day 4: Towards Mawenzi (3,600m) 
Leave the main trail striking out across the moorland on a smaller path, towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Wander in the valleys and through special vegetation. Campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves at 3,600m.   Approx trekking 6-7hrs 

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m) 
Short but steep climb up some grassy slopes which is rewarded by superb all round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m), spectacularly situated directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Time to adjust to acclimatisation. Approx trekking 4-5hrs

Day 6: Acclimatisation Day (4440m)
Walk out to the ridge line at 4440m which has majestic views of KIbo. The walk is a short uphill climb and then back to the camp enjoying the views over the Kenyan plains below. Approx trekking time 2-3hrs

Day 7: Kibo Crater (4,750m) 
Trek across the lunar desert of wenzi and Kibo to reach School Campsite (4,750m) at the bottom of the Kibo crater-wall. Preparation for the final ascent before a very early night!  Approx trekking 5-6hrs

Day 8: Summit Day (5,895m)
Commence the trek up the scree slopes to Gilmans Point, continuing around the rim to the highest point Uhuru Point. It can seem mild at first but as you reach the exposed ridges, wind chill causes the temperature to plummet. First light is apparent around 0530hrs and this really gives you hope to push on upwards. Should reach Point (at 5,685m on the crater rim) just after dawn; then after a short rest continue for another 1½hrs or so round to Uhuru Point.  After 5,895m and having enjoyed the amazing views, then return to camp via Kibo (4,700m) and then onto Horombo (3780m). This is to be the toughest day that most trekkers have ever experienced, involving 1,145m of ascent, 2,175m of descent, and 13-15 hrs walking. It is however Victory Day!  Final camp overnight at Horombo.  Approx trekking 11-15hrs

Day 9: Descend to Marangu Gate 
Set off early and walk down through the moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m). This is a long walk-off on a pretty gently sloping track that takes you from the lower heath into the rainforest and finally down to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830m). Back to hotel in Marangu for a well-appreciated shower and a celebratory dinner. Approx trekking 4-6hrs

Day 10: Depart Tanzania to UK
Transfer back to Nairobi airport for flight to the UK

Day 11: Arrive Home
Arrive in the UK