Inspired by the 3 Peaks Challenge to go higher!!
On February 11th 2019 will be flying to Tanzania to trek up Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Kilimanjaro or just Kilimanjaro with its three volcanic cones, “Kibo”, “Mawenzi”, and “Shira”, is a dormant volcano in Tanzania. It is the highest mountain in Africa, about 4,900 metres (16,100 ft) from its base, and 5,895 metres (19,341 ft) above sea level.
I’ll be following the Lemosho route, which approaches the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro from the west before travelling around to the south and circling Kibo, the largest of the three volcanoes that make up Mount Kilimanjaro, before arriving at Barafu Camp (Base Camp) the point from where the final summit starts. This trek starts with some long walks through magnificent forests and moorlands, before the path takes us through a high-alpine desert. On reaching Uhuru Peak, we have the glorious glacial panorama from the highest point in Africa.
The Lemosho route will be an 8 day trek, covering around 73 kilometres (45 miles) walking/climbing, with 4200m of ascent and 4500m of descent. The impact of high altitude on individuals are difficult to predict, but the ascent will include rest periods to allow time for acclimatisation – hopefully enough time will be available!!
After walking Hadrian’s Wall, cycling Coast to Coast and completing the 3 Peaks challenge (and making a lot of new friends across the Province of Durham) the ascent of Kilimanjaro seems like a good way to continue the fund raising efforts of the Vale of Tees Lodge. I fully appreciate that everyone has been working their socks off to keep the 2021 Festival fund raising efforts moving forward, but would appreciate any support people could make towards my climb. I thank you all for your support.
if you would like to sponsor Richard please click on the link below to go to his “Everyday Hero” page, alternatively if you can help with funding the Trek with sponsorship please contact the Festival Secretary at paul.quinn@durham2021.org for details.
Day 1 – Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters)
Zone: Rain-forest
Day 2 – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) to Shira Camp 1 (3,500 meters)
Zone: Rain-forest / Low Alpine Zone
Day 3 – Shira Camp 1 (3,500 meters) to Moir Hut (4,200m)
Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone
Day 4 – Moir Hut (4,200 meters) to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and then Barranco Camp (3,900 meters)
Zone: High alpine zone
Day 5 – Barranco Camp (3,900 meters) to Karanga Camp (3,960m)
Zone: High alpine zone
Day 6 – Karanga Camp (3,960m) to Barafu Camp (4,680m)
Zone: High alpine zone
Day 7 – Barafu Camp (4,680 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) and then Mweka Camp (3,100 meters)
Glacial zone and the all preceding zones
Day 8 – Mweka Camp (3,100 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters)
Zone: Rain-forest