Trip Reports

737 Challenge Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Glades 19 Feb to 1 Mar '11

Dawn on summit day - Kilimanjaro Lemosho Glades

Written by Leader Terry Moore, March 2011

On arrival at Heathrow airport the group 12 quickly re-established friendships and a happy team flew overnight via Nairobi to Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania. The Keys Hotel at Moshi ensured that we were well cared for and after final preparations we settled down to a well earned Bar-B-Q in the evening.

On meeting our local guides and porters the next morning we set off in land cruisers to the National Park entrance at Landorossi Gate where loads were weighed and checked before driving a short distance to the end of the track and the start to our trek to Mti Mkubwa, or Big Tree camp. The weather was excellent and we saw colobus and blue monkeys in the lush forest on route. Conversations quickly turned to rugby as connections in the team with professional players, notably Richard Parks, who was heading the 737 Challenge to climb all the highest peaks on each continent and the poles – all in seven months! Supporters and sponsors in our team were buzzing with excitement as we climbed steadily upwards.

On 22nd February we trekked to the crater rim of Shira. This is one of three major eruptions that form the Kilimanjaro massif and we camped at 3,500 metres. The porters made the trek look easy as they carried our loads of camping equipment and food. From Shira One camp we could see the bulk of Kilimanjaro with snow and small glaciers capping the summit. After an early morning frost we trekked through the heather/moorland volcanic crater rim to Shira Two camp. A surprise chicken & chips at lunch kept morale high. The next day our trek to Barranco Camp via the Lava Towers was a difficult day which involved a significant height gain before descending to our camp in the afternoon. The rock scenery was spectacular only marred by approaching cloud as it drifted up from the plains below. With a number of Dai’s in the team Nigel proposed nick names for everyone which was prefixed with Dai e.g.; Dai-camera, Dai-cap, etc. This quickly became confusing and the girls were pleased to be - well – girls!

From the camp we climbed up the broad but exposed path past the Barranco Wall - an exciting ascent which Dee and Tracy were not looking forward too, but which they enjoyed none the less. We were now at 4050 metres and all were feeling the affects of the altitude. The scenery turned from moorland to alpine-desert as we continued the rising traverse of Kilimanjaro to camp at Karanga Camp, our last camp before ascending to the summit camp of Barafu at 4650 metres. Our rugby experts had selected the perfect team to represent the UK and the world whilst trekking at 4,000 metres – a mean feat considering the rarefied air! Above we could see glaciers and large icicles hanging down from the summit and 70 kilometres in the distance Meru Peak at 4566 metres reminded us how clear the air was.

After a short ascent to Barafu camp on 26th Feb we enjoyed cheese toasties and soup for lunch whilst looking up at the summit path before the afternoon cloud obscured our view. By now everyone was well acclimatized and chomping at the bit to climb Kili the next day. Dai-camera’s shoulder was aching after filming frenetically on route and Rob complained that the pace was too slow - which it was at times.

After preparations and a large meal we settled into a short sleep before departing for the summit at midnight. In torch light we climbed wearily up the scree path in line behind Tracy and our local guide Tomas. It was a bitterly cold morning at around -15 degrees C and passing us descending were trekkers unable to summit. As we reached Stella Point on the summit crater rim the sun began to rise giving us a spectacular view over the sea of clouds below us. By now the temperature had risen to a balmy -5 and a short distance to the summit saw us arriving at around 8am. Tracy and David burst into tears of joy and Nigel surprised us with a bottle of champagne. Our other guides Tom, Arnold and Faustin all joined in the celebrations with many photos and camera interviews taking place. Richard was delighted with another 737 Challenge success, and good luck bunnies and photos were produced – as part of charity, mascots or personal mementoes. A 100% effort by all with a 100% success on the summit.

The long descent to Barafu Camp was tiring, then after a short lunch break we continued on to Millennium Camp at 3950 metres. Tracy was exhausted and suffering with her knees and rested at Barafu before joining a high spirited team in the evening. The following day we continued down to the roadhead at Mweka, where we celebrated with our porters who broke into song before departing. Dee’s blistered feet were now pleased to be out of their boots and Janet that her legs could finally rest. After a few more emotional moments from Tracy and David we set off back to Moshi taking in some local ale on route. A party by the pool at the hotel commenced before saying our final farewells to our guides and hotel staff. An evening flight home cut short the party and on arriving at Heathrow the following morning on Saint David’s Day, a tired but elated team went their separate ways – mostly to South Wales.

Terry Moore, Trek Leader « Previous report | Next report »

Jagged Globe Newsletter

We publish an email newsletter with trip reports and latest availability, plus features, competitions and general news of our climbing, trekking & skiing activities.