Trip Reports

Kilimanjaro - 6 to 18 February '06

Written by Leader Alun Richardson, March 2006

We woke on first day at 7.30am after the Muslim prayer call and met Arnold, our African leader, before packing and setting off for Mt Meru. We saw lots of wildlife in the first few hours of walking to the Mirakamba Hut. The Saddle Hut followed and an ascent by a few hardy members of little Meru Peak was made. The following day we left early and all but two of the team reached the top of Meru just as the sun came up over Kilimanjaro. On the way out we had superb views of Giraffes.

After a brief rest and a wash at the Keys Hotel, we set off for Kilimanjaro. The walk was excellent to the high camp with beautiful trees and constantly changing vegetation all around. The food was superb also and one day we had a lunch of Banana fritters, chips, chicken and eggy bread...wow!

After a few days walking we traversed to the Barafu camp beneath the final slopes of Kilimanjaro (because of the stone fall on the Western Breach). Monica and Dave team unfortunately decided to go down at this point.

We set off for summit at 12pm. The Sollick brothers sadly split off after 1 1/2 hours and they eventually turned round. The remainder of the team reached the top just as the sun was rising...fantastic. Everyone found it tough going...even the guide! It was bitterly cold and windy at Stella Point and duvet jackets were donned for the first time. The summit was excellent and after a few tears from some members we descended to camp tired, but over the moon at having stood on the highest point in Africa.

The walk out was a blur of wanting to get the hotel for a shower and a beer!

On our final day we visited the street children orphanage (close to the Keys Hotel). The visit was the highlight of the trip for some because we took the orphange on at football....7 of versus 12 14 year olds! The score was Jagged Globe nil, Africa 3. We could only run 30 yds before the heat and Kilimanjaro ascent sapped us. It had been a great trip with 6 out of the team reaching the top and those that didn’t vowing to get fit and return.

Alun Richardson, IFMGA Mountain Guide and Expedition Leader« Previous report | Next report »

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