Concern Mt Kilimanjaro Challenge 2011
Team Diary

25th June.  Start of the challenge and our first camp is Machame with a distance of 11.6km to trek and a height gain of 1207m by John Cusack.

Today was extraordinary to say the least. Our adventure started when we signed in at the renowned Machame Gate. The excitement and anticipation was palpable. From there we trudged through the jungle which somehow managed to be magical and daunting at the same time. When we stopped for lunch we had our first encounter with the local wildlife when we had to tip-toe past an army of ants. At 3 o’clock we reached camp and the Fun really began, we bonded over a group stretching and came away with a sense of strengthened unity within the group. The first Gaffe of the day took place shortly after this and we all had a right laugh of Jonathan and his amazing wet gear. We ended the day with me writing out this diary (being mocked) and in the shadow of Uhuru peak with an anticipation of what’s to come. 

26th June. Next camp is Shira with a distance of 6.9 km to trek and a height gain of 863m by Oliver Keenan.

It was an early start this morning. It seemed like most of the trekkers hadn’t seen a 6am start in many many years. Despite the frosty chill, we were all gifted by the sight of the sun shimmering off the summit as the clouds peeled away.
After a satisfying hot breakfast, we set off on our 9 hour march to Shira camp.
As we negotiated the steep ridges we were all entertained by the unintentional comic styling of Amy Donegan. A lot of the trekkers began to feel the light effects of their bodies trying to adapt to the change of altitude. There was a large sense of relief and accomplishment as we arrived at Shira Camp, and then Jaka gave a quick presentation on the positive achievements that Zoe and the Concern team have done in Tanzania. The Gaff crown was passed to John for his stupid comment, whatever it was? As it was Zoe’s birthday, Larry senior blessed us with a rendition of 'Patricia the Stripper' in the camp site. We were then treated to an amazing display of Tanzanian dance, music and hospitality. As the clouds peeled away from the summit before sun down, we were all reminded of the amazing experience we have embarked on. Bring on the summit!

27th June.  Next camp is Barranco with a distance of 10.6km to trek and we reach a height of 4600m at Lava Tower by Fiona Morgan

Early start to the morning from Shira Camp after a fun filled night of singing and dancing with the porters and guides. MAXIMUM RESPECT. Started trekking around 7am after a feed of porridge or complain. Whatever it is, it sets you up for the day. Today is the day for acclimatization and we knew it was going to be the toughest so far.  On the route up to the Lava Tower the walking pace is extremely slow but you get into a really good stride. A few people got headaches and nausea but thankfully we had some great medics on board in Hannah and Pippa. Got a fantastic group shot at Lava Tower as the hailstones started to fall turning the mountains white. Jaka from the Concern Tanzania office had never seen hailstones or snow before and was very excited about the white stuff. After Lava Tower the descent to Camp Barranco started and the sun came out as we got a glimpse of what lies ahead tomorrow, it look like a lot of fun. The scenery on the way down is beautiful, walking through a valley surrounded by rocky ridges with these unusual trees that appear to have cactus on them. Any sickness in the group seems to have subsided and we looked down at our base camp and up at the Barranco Wall and the beautiful view of Uhuru Peak in the background. Tonight at camp was a quiet one, as we got down to the serious business of summit night preparation. Spirits in the group are extremely high and the summit is in sight.

28/29 June.  Up Barranco Wall and Summit night at a height of 5896m by Anne O’Brien

We woke this morning at 5am eager and ready to tackle the Barranco Wall which towered over us at the foot of our camp. The climb was steep but everyone’s adrenaline was pumping by the time we had it climbed. The summit was getting nearer our reach.
After a long hard day walking we reached the summit camp and were fed and sent straight to bed by Jim.
There was a lot of nervousness in the camp about the climb to come. Unfortunately Elma was taken ill and had to be brought to the Millennium Camp to recover. She had been our pace leader every day and was truly missed. We woke at 11pm and got ourselves ready for our greatest challenge to come. In the dark with our torches we set off in procession up to the summit, the view was amazing to see the line of lights in the dark all the way up the mountain. Sadly Mount Kilimanjaro took its toll and some went back, others struggled on and to reach the top was a very emotional and satisfying sense of achievement for everyone. Yes I cried like a baby when hugging people. The crew here are totally amazing they looked after us so well all the way and managed to get everyone down safely and quickly to the camp. Everyone was shattered and hit the tents for some well deserved sleep but not for so long as we had to move to the Millennium Camp in the afternoon.  Tired and weary we set off but it’s all downhill from here!
We arrived very quickly to find a small shop selling beer and coke which cheered everyone up. At this stage everyone is dirty, tired and dying for a shower and a warm bed but everyone is in great spirits and very proud of our achievement.
It’s been the toughest challenge of my life and I wouldn’t change a thing, it was a truly amazing experience.

30 June.  Our last day trekking and it’s all downhill by Ros Ramsey

Last breakfast in camp – later at 6.30am so not in the dark and we had bacon as an extra. It’s the last battle to roll up the mattress and get the kit in the bag and fill up the platypus. No more Diamox, it’s 99% downhill, some steep, some not so, path is smooth and slippery in part, also rocky and tree roots crossing over. Day heated up, so I was soon stripping off and putting on the sun block. We stopped to reflect on our visit and what it meant to us. Through the jungle again and more beautiful views of Kilimanjaro framed by trees.  Jim pointed out two monkeys at the top of a tree.  A change of scenery as we hit a wide track with a 4 wheel drive to pick up Kathleen who’d hurt her knees then a surprise stop with juice and samosa’s courtesy of Asante Travel. More trekking and we were at the gate and into a different world. Jim/Huw signed us in and it is time to face the local sellers – bracelets, coasters etc plus offers to wash dusty boots. A quick drink on site then into the bus for lunch where there was running water and a sink! Elma appeared and was welcomed by all.
We got back on the bus to the hotel, and nothing to do except shower, hang out by the pool, have a drink and swim till dinner time. Girls all transformed in glam rags we had a presentation of certificates to everyone in the group and re-run of the trip through Zoe’s pictures.  Had we really been to all those places? Highlight was the slow motion video of the walk from Stella Point and a back view of a  group of near death trekkers!  That was followed by a change of mood with a video of the singing at camp. Time to get onto the bus and start our gala dinner at the Glacier Bar, it was a delicious meal of soup, salad, different meats, fish and chips.  The was a local show with an amazing display of talent by gymnasts building a human tower and working as a team with a star performance by an unreal man who was so flexible twisting himself into different shapes. Now it was time to drink, chat and dance. The Irish women were impressed by the African men’s dancing. We headed back to the hotel to either sleep or to have another drink.  Our late night entertainment was provided by the beautiful voice of Amy Donegan. Great Day!!