Conquering Kili requires much preparation

After four months of intense training, 11 brave people will for their first time, embark on a mission to climb the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro.

With just two weeks left until their trip to Tanzania home to the mighty mountain, the group gathered at the Simbithi club house to get tips from long-time-climber Martin Schumacher, who has successfully conquered the mountain seven times.

Schumacher advised the first-time-climbers to pay attention to their body.

“If you are not feeling well, it is important that you tell someone. It is vital to carry a lot of water and to keep your feet warm at all times,” he said.

It will take the group six days to get to the peak.

They will battle against tough weather conditions which at the base of the mountain range between 21 to 27 degrees Celsius and at the summit, 20 and -20 degrees.

Due to Mount Kilimanjaro’s height, the mountain creates its own weather.

It is variable and impossible to predict. It is advisable for climbers, to always be prepared for wet days and cold nights.

One of the climbers, Johnny Mutton from Dolphin Coast Remax is doing the climb to raise money for the save the rhino campaign, cancer research and The North Coast Courier’s Orphan Fund.

“We are all really excited to climb the mountain. After months of training, we have lost about four or five kilos and anticipate to lose a further four kilos after climbing the mountain. We all hope that we will return safe and enjoy our adventure.”

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