Encountering Uhuru for Education - Help Yvonne fundraise her way to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
I am climbing Africa's tallest mountain, Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro is unique in that it is a lone standing volcano in otherwise fairly flat surroundings. From the nearby town of Moshi (900 m above sea level), one reaches the foot of Kilimanjaro at around 2 000 m which normally indicates the start of any route. From cultivated land at 1 500m, the slope rises gently through 5 different climatic zones to finally level out at the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5 895m. I will be taking the Machame route, 6 days of hiking up very beautiful and daunting terrain.
Through all the training and preaprations, this journey is one that I would like to share with you, I would also like to donate the fruits of this challenge to the Adopt-a-School Foundation. The Adopt-a-School Foundation is an amazing NGO committed to providing whole school development to South Africa's disadvantaged communities, by building schools and programmes which enabls an environment conducive to effective learning and teaching. The challenge of education is certainly one that we cannot ignore, every cent helps to providing a proper education for our young South African learners.
Go on, make a pledge. Every pledge will push me to succeed on this amazing endevour, every pledge will go to the Adopt-a-School Foundation.
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank
— 1 November 2012
I am climbing Africa's tallest mountain, Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro is unique in that it is a lone standing volcano in otherwise fairly flat surroundings. From the nearby town of Moshi (900 m above sea level), one reaches the foot of Kilimanjaro at around 2 000 m which normally indicates the start of any route. From cultivated land at 1 500m, the slope rises gently through 5 different climatic zones to finally level out at the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5 895m. I will be taking the Machame route, 6 days of hiking up very beautiful and daunting terrain.
Through all the training and preaprations, this journey is one that I would like to share with you, I would also like to donate the fruits of this challenge to the Adopt-a-School Foundation. The Adopt-a-School Foundation is an amazing NGO committed to providing whole school development to South Africa's disadvantaged communities, by building schools and programmes which enabls an environment conducive to effective learning and teaching. The challenge of education is certainly one that we cannot ignore, every cent helps to providing a proper education for our young South African learners.
Go on, make a pledge. Every pledge will push me to succeed on this amazing endevour, every pledge will go to the Adopt-a-School Foundation.
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank
This project benefits "Adopt a School, Change a Life", a program of Adopt-a-School Foundation.
Login or Sign Up for free to comment.
Asanda Sibobi
Yvonne Themba
Here is some more information on the Champagne Castle Peak.
http://gigaf.org/MvWfuf
http://gigaf.org/R2RL3e
Most hiking descriptions give it as a 3 day hike, however we completed it in two days! :)
Yvonne Themba
http://gigaf.org/NwGYNY
Yvonne Themba
Rising 19,340 feet above sea level, Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and the world’s highest free-standing mountain.
Kilimanjaro lies 205 miles South of the equator and stands on Tanzania’s northern border with Kenya.
The structure is composed of 3 volcanoes: Kibo (19,340 feet), Mawenzi (16,896 feet), and Shira (13,000 feet).
Kilimanjaro supports 5 major eco-zones: rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert and glaciers.
With the exception of the summit zone, wildlife is potentially encountered throughout the lower parts of the climb. You may see elephants, buffalo, and eland on the northern slopes; black & white colobus monkeys, Sykes monkeys, and tropical boubou in the forest belt; and birds such as sun birds, augur buzzard, mountain hawk eagle, lammergeier and white-naped ravens.
Yvonne Themba
According to statistics, although Kilimanjaro receives over 40,000 visitors, 12,000 people fail to reach the summit. There are many reasons for this. Many hikers tend to think of the walk as 'easy', based on the fact that many tour books describe it as a non-technical walk. Although you don't need to fumble around for an ice pick on steep crevice, the mountain certainly has challenges of it's own. Each year, on average 9 people die on the mountain. Altitude sickness and rock falls are the prime reason for this, bad weather including storms and fog delay expeditions up to Uhuru and many have had to turn back. Injuries are common on the mountain, with very many loose rocks and pebbles on Day 5 of the Machame Route, many hikers have injured themselves with sprained and broken limbs. As mentioned, the commen challenges to do with climbing the mountain are to do with altitude sickness, with nausea, vommiting, fatigue, shortness of breath and lightheadedness being some of the main symptoms.
By all accounts, the hike up Kilimanjaro is NOT a stroll in the park, however the right equipment and training at high altitude are definitely valuable preparations. Also walking for an amazing cause is reason to make sure I get up that mountain, however I know this has to be done carefully and I have to be well prepared. The journey up Kili is not simply a 6 day hike, it is months and months of preparation, and by doing this fundraising initiative it is encouraging me everyday to carry on pushing to achieve my goal.
Yvonne Themba
In taking on this momentous task, I had to ask myself: How Do I Prepare to Climb Kilimanjaro?
This is a list, just to mention some of the things I need to take up the mountain. Hopefully by showing you this, you will be able to see the challenge that awaits...
What Gear Do I Need to Bring?
Below is a gear list of required, recommended and optional items to bring on my climb,
Technical Clothing
1 - Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
1 - Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
1 - Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
2 - Long Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
1 - Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
1 - Waterproof Pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended)
2 - Hiking Pants (convertible to shorts recommended)
1 - Fleece Pants
1 - Shorts
1 - Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
3 - Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
2 - Sport Bra (women)
Headwear
1 - Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
1 - Knit Hat, for warmth
1 - Balaclava, for face coverage
1 - Bandana
Handwear
1 - Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
1 - Glove Liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth
Footwear
1 - Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces
1 - Gym Shoes, to wear at camp
3 - Socks, thick, wool or synthetic
3 - Sock Liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional)
1 - Gaiters, waterproof
Accessories
1 - Sunglasses or Goggles
1 - Backpack Cover, waterproof
1 - Poncho, during rainy season
1 - Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz. recommended)
1 - Water Bladder, Camelbak type
1 - Towel, lightweight, quick-dry
1 - Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (highly recommended)
Stuff Sacks or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate
Equipment
1 - Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons
1 - Sleeping Bag Liner, for added warmth
1 - Sleeping Pad, self-inflating or closed-cell foam
1 - Trekking Poles (highly recommended)
1 - Head lamp, with extra batteries
1 - Duffel bag, (waterproof recommended) for porters to carry your equipment
1 - Daypack, for you to carry your personal gear
Other
Toiletries
Prescriptions
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Insect Repellent, containing DEET
First Aid Kit
Hand Sanitizer
Toilet Paper
Wet Wipes
Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy
Pencil and Notebook, miniature, for trip log
Camera, with extra batteries
This is just some of the crazy gear I have to take along on my trip! Not only am I going to be climbing 5 985 metres, this is some of the gear I have to drag along.
Sho wee.