Thursday 25 September 2014

Vitali Maembe joins the CDEA Kilimanjaro Climb 2014 (post 1 of 10)

On my latest Mt. Kilimanjaro climb I trekked on the Machame route for the first time. I was accompanied by musician/activist Vitali Maembe.

Here's my blog log of the climb.

Wednesday 3 September 2014
I rushed through some last-minute errands before taking a bodaboda (motorcycle) taxi to Nyamisisi where I became worried I might not catch a bus in time to arrive in Mwanza in time for my Dar flight.

But I was relieved when 25 minutes later a new BATCO Coach bus pulled in and I was given the very first seat of the bus, a seat I never choose. To my relief, though, the driver drove at my preferred speed. Slow for most passengers; perfect for me.
I caught the plane to Dar on time and was looking forward to attending a press conference tomorrow organised by Culture and Development East Africa (CDEA) to publicize our fundraising climb with Vitali Maembe.

Next: The press conference

Related post:
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2014/10/vitali-maembe-joins-cdea-kilimanjaro_16.html

Sunday 14 September 2014

I have just completed another Kilimanjaro climb with Vitali Maembe

I have just completed my ninth climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro with Tanzanian musician Vitali Maembe.

The objective of the just-ended climb is to raise funds for a local NGO, Culture and Development East Africa (CDEA) for CDEA's projects targeted at raising the skills and capacities of local artists. More details on CDEA and how to donate here.

Climbing Africa's highest mountain with a musician was a unique experience. Vitali carried his guitar all along and up to the summit, which we reached on the morning of 11th September 2014.

When we reached Mweka gate and before we drove to Moshi, he pulled out his guitar and entartained some of the guides and porters with one of his songs.
At Mweka gate, Vitali Maembe concludes our climb with a few songs in front of an audience of guides and porters.
I will post the climb log on this blog soon.