Day 6 - Climb Day 4

Wow! What a day! Our first casualty, the Baranco Wall, and now we are perched high on our campsite above the Karanga Valley.

Jules became our first non-altitude casualty when she turned her ankle as we scrambled up the Baranco Wall. Like most of the group, though, she is made of stern stuff and with a good field dressing has managed to limp into camp this evening, determined to carry on.

Today's trek has been enjoyed by everyone, particularly the wall climb this morning. Our route is amazing with its scenic aspect of Uhuru throughout and spectacular views back down to the rift valley below. Tonight we prepare ourselves for tomorrow's onslaught in good spirits with most of us suffering no more than fatigue. Lorraine trudged into camp this afternoon and deserves special mention for achieving so much already. We are all behind her efforts to conquer the summit on Friday morning.

Day 5 - Climb Day 3

The prospect of at least seven hours trekking up to a height of 4600m had everyone apprehensive this morning as we departed camp. In the end, the day took its toll with most of us arriving into camp this evening some ten hours or so after departure. We reached our lunch stop at 3pm today and a height of 4400m, all of us exhausted, some ill and other wondering how much further can we go. After a group discussion, we split into two groups with the larger heading up to the Lava Tower whilst myself, Tasha, Rachael and Loraine went down by a more direct route. We were rewarded with the most amazing views of the Lava Tower and the peak itself as we descended, and although completely shattered, there's a steely resolve in all of us to see this challenge through.

Having climbed this mountain last year from the opposite side, I can say with complete authority that these first three days have been far tougher than last year. I just hope the height we've already climbed will set us up for the summit ascent itself in two days time.

Day 4 - Climb Day 2

We were awoken this morning at 6. It is easily the most glorious morning so far, providing us with a tantalising first sight of our ultimate destination at Uhuru. However, if the morning splendour and hearty breakfast put everyone in high spirits, the trek to lunch proved to be pure attrition. As the climb progressed, so the health of several of our party deteriorated as the full extent of altitude sickness began to take hold. By the time we reached our lunch stop, perched on a splendid point at 3600m, our base began to resemble a medical centre. Undeterred, with an understanding that this is normal and a few calming words to those concerned, the group progressed slowly on. By the time we reached our final camp this evening, everyone in the group had recovered sufficiently well.

Our first two days on the mountain have cemented just how tough this challenge can be. It's an amazing place with unique beauty and for me a real privilege to be exploring its secrets once again. However, today has reinforced the warning that you can take nothing for granted. You must possess mental toughness to see this challenge through. It remain to be seen just how many of the group will exhibit this over the coming days.

Day 3 - Climb Day 1

Apart from summit night last year, today was easily the toughest day I've experienced on Kilimanjaro. The climb from Machame Gate is both beautiful and demanding as it meanders its way up through the equatorial rainforest. We have all made it safely, covering the 11 kms in around five hours. The critical factor today has been the rain. It has chucked it down virtually all day making for a very soggy camp scene this evening. With everyone feeling wet and a bit worse for wear, the doctors have administered the necessary sickness pills with remarkable effect and tonight we have feasted on a huge supper conjured up from what seems nothing more than a billy can and a stove.

Tomorrow we are hoping for fairer weather and a shorter ascent as we progress our way up this great lump of rock in eastern Africa.

Day 2 - Moshi

At 6am I was up ushering in daybreak. It was a peaceful picture portrayed from the porch outside my suite. This in complete contrast to the hustle and bustle we experienced later on in the day, braving the streets of Moshi. There's a fine line between persuasion and harassment and I am certain the scales dipped more to the later at times. No matter, those of us with shopping to do at least go the things we were after and those who didn't got to see the people of Moshi in their everyday surroundings.

Tonight, around the dining table, thoughts were very clearly focused on the hours and days ahead. A few reassuring remarks from myself and Charlie couldn't really disguise the nervous anticipation underpinning the evening's conversation.

Jason's pink shirt and souvenir hat won him the award for best dressed tourist at dinner; Tasha, the award for best comedy scream in the face of ferocious flying insects! As for me, well, tonight in the knowledge of a potentially dry bar next Saturday, I ordered up a crate of celebratory Guinness to be consumed before showering on our return next week.

I am convinced, knowing the group as I do, we will all get to Uhuru Peak next Friday morning. The following few days will see that assertion tested but I am certain we will all be celebrating a fantastic achievement next Saturday evening. And no celebration is complete without a bottle or two of the dark stuff!

Oh, and Nigel (if you're reading this?)...I'll take that 'sporting' bet with you!

Day 1 - Journey's End

Arriving at the Impala Hotel, Moshi, this evening, I'm impressed and mindful of the contrast between today's travel and that of last year's. No nine hour coach ride on the dirt tracks from Nairobi, no hold up at JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport), all bags and persons accounted for and the cold and bitter winter well and truly left behind as we stepped onto African soil in temperatures of 30 degrees plus. While some of the more 'mature' in our party wanted to go off and play in the bar or by the pool, I've opted for a decent shower, shave and bed ready for the day ahead tomorrow along with a bit of quiet reflection on the day's star turns and funny moments.

A highlight? Comparing notes with the girls from Phones4U at the back of the plane on how odd some of our fellow travellers all seemed to be! All pumped up (some quite literally by the size of their arses!) and raring to go!

Day 1

So, in the gloom of night and the artificial glow of Heathrow's Terminal 4 we gathered. The doctor, the gardener, the electrician, the prison officer, the salesman, the student, the father, the grandmother and all. Our journey starts here, but for many it started months or even years ago with a dream or ambition, a simple thought or a determination to change the way we view and are viewed in the world. Whatever lies in store over these next ten days or so, new friendships will be forged, demons will be faced and ginger tea will be drunk!

Following is our itinerary... I hope you enjoy the adventure with us!

Simon

Friday 5th February:
Meet at Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 in front of the KLM desk at 04.00 for check in.
Travel to Kilimanjaro International Airport via Amsterdam.
Arrive JRO at 21.30
Arrive Impala Hotel, Moshi approx 23.00.

Saturday 6th February:
After breakfast spend a relaxing day around the Hotel and visit Moshi Town for souvenir shopping.

Sunday 7th February, Climb Day 1:
Machame Gate (1,634m/5,363ft) to Machame Camp (2,834m/9,300ft)
Approximate Distance: 10km/6.2miles
Elevation change: 1,200m/3,937ft.
After breakfast 4x4 drive to Machame Gate to secure permit papers and meet up with portering party.
Start the climb from Machame Gate to Machame Camp, approx 5 to 6 hours walk in Rainforest, stopping for lunch along the way. Dinner and overnight at Machame Camp.

Monday 8th February, Climb Day 2:
Machame Camp (2,834m/9,300ft) to Shira Camp (3,749m/12,300ft)
Approximate Distance: 6km/3.8miles
Elevation change: 800m/3,000ft.
After breakfast walk to on to Shira Camp, approx 4 to 5 hours walk in weak forest and Moorland. Lunch along the way, dinner and overnight at Shira Camp.

Tuesday 9th February, Climb Day 3:
Shira Camp (3,749m/12,300ft) to Barranco Camp (3,901m/12,800ft)
Approximate Distance: 8km/5.3miles
Elevation change: 100m/328ft.
During the day we will climb to the Lava Tower at 4,600m
After breakfast walk to Barranco Camp, approx 7 hours in Moorland and Alpine Desert. Lunch along the way, dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.

Wednesday 10th February, Climb Day 4:
Barranco Camp (3,901m/12,880ft) to Karanga Valley (3,963m/13,000ft)
Approximate Distance: 4km/2.5miles
Elevation Change: 100m/328ft
After breakfast walk to Karanga Camp, approx 3 hours, with views of all the big glaciers of the Southern Circuit, the sugar cane plantations and Lake Nyumba ya Mungu. Lunch, dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp.

Thursday 11th February, Climb Day 5:
Karanga Valley (3,963m/13,000ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,091ft)
Approximate Distance: 4km/2.5miles
Elevation Change: 600m/1,968ft
After breakfast hike up to Barafu Camp, approx 3 hours with views of Mawenzi Peak. Lunch, dinner and early rest at Barafu Camp.

Friday 12th February, Climb Day 6: Summit Climb!
Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,091ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,343ft)
Approximate Distance: 5km/3.2miles
Elevation Change: 1,300m/4,265ft
To be followed by the descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
Approximate Distance: 12km/7.5miles
Elevation Change: ‐2,800m/‐9,186ft
Wake around midnight for light breakfast before beginning ascent to Uhuru Peak via Stella Point. Time for a short celebration and photographs at Uhuru Peak before the descent back to Barafu Camp for lunch. After lunch and a short rest continue on down to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight stop.

Saturday 13th February, Climb Day 7:
Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,828m/6000ft)
Approximate Distance: 10km/6.2miles
Elevation Change: ‐1,250m/‐4101ft
After breakfast walk down to Mweka Gate to catch transport back to Impala Hotel. Lunch, dinner and overnight celebrations at the Impala Hotel.

Sunday 14th February:
After breakfast, drive to Monduli Juu via Monduli Town. At Monduli Juu visit the Maasai Bomas to observe their cattle and dairy farming activities. Camping overnight with the Maasai at Norkumat Camp site where the Maasai warriors and women will perform their dance, and prepare a traditional BBQ dinner. Overnight at Norkumat Camp.

Monday 15th February:
After an early morning breakfast travel to Tarangire National Park for a full day's Game Drive.
Finally travel back to Arusha and on to Kilimanjaro International Airport for the flights back to the UK.

Depart JRO 22.35
Arrive Amsterdam 08.10 on Tuesday 16th February.
Tuesday 16th February:
Depart Amsterdam 10.25
Arrive LHR 10.50

Make our way home with some wonderful memories!