Vitali Maembe is the latest member of the Kilimnjaro Club

The Kilimanjaro Club lists people I know who have scaled Mt. Kilimanjaro, including those who join me every year on the annual Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb and those who join me for my non-charity climbs.

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There were only two of us on my ninth Mt. Kilimanjaro climb. The other person was musician and activist Vitali Maembe. It was a unique climb; he carried his guitar along and on several occasions, despite the challenges of high altitude, found the strength to open his guitar case and entertain other climbers and guides and porters with his songs.

Vitali is best understood when he speaks for himself. Here's a sampling.

He is the 15th member of the Kilimanjaro Club.

If you want to join this club, join the next climb.

No.	Name	Nationality	Age	Point Reached*	Summit Date
1.	Madaraka Nyerere	Tanzanian	48	Uhuru Peak	24th August 2008
2.	Le Huyhn	Vietnamese	Unknown	Uhuru Peak	25th August 2008
3.	Markus Geiger	Swiss	Unknown	Uhuru Peak	2009
4.	Gerald Hando	Tanzanian	Unknown	Uhuru Peak	6 October 2009
5.	Notburga Maskini	Tanzanian	49	Stella Point	6 October 2009
6.	Dmitry	Russian(?)	Unknown	Uhuru Peak	13 December 2010
7.	Jaffar Amin	Ugandan	44	Uhuru Peak	13 December 2010
8.	William Rutta	Tanzanian	Unknown	Uhuru Peak	10 December 2010
9.	Mary Kalikawe	Tanzanian	Unknown	Uhuru Peak	10 December 2010
10.	Steve Kamau	Kenyan	25	Uhuru Peak	26 September 2011
11.	Jim Becket	American	74	Uhuru Peak	26 September 2011
12.	Andrea Wobmann	Swiss	39	Uhuru Peak	26 September 2011
13.	Zulfa Fadhili	Tanzanian	Unknown	Uhuru Peak	26 September 2011
14.	Jim Whitney	American	Unknown	Uhuru Peak	26 September 2011
15.	Vitali Maembe	Tanzanian	Unknown	Uhuru Peak	12 September 2014

*A climber is awarded a certificate for reaching one of three elevations: Uhuru Peak (5,895 AMSL), Stella Point (5,745 AMSL), or Gillman's Point (5,685 AMSL).

Related posts:

http://blogkili.blogspot.co.ke/search/label/The%20Kilimanjaro%20Club

Vitali Maembe joins the CDEA Kilimanjaro Climb 2014 (post 10 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 the tenth post of my blog log of the climb

Thursday 12 September 2014

Vitali changed the last-day rule on Mt. Kilimanjaro. Normally, it's the team of guides and porters who sing for the climbers. But today it was Vitali who sang for the guides and porters and his punchy lyrics were well-received. Yahoo said earlier: we listen to the porters (sing) everyday; it is better that you sing today.

After we descended to Moshi, I met a seasoned guide who at the top of the Barranco wall had posed with Vitali's guitar. I repeated to him my worry that Uhuru Peak (officially at 5,895m above mean sea level) is not the highest point on Mt. Kilimanjaro. I felt that a point further east appeared much higher. He said he would take measurements on his next climb.

Vitali plays one of his songs at the top of the Barranco wall.

Another guide said he thinks Bismarck Rock, just minutes before reaching Uhuru Peak from Stella Point, is actually higher. He said he raised the matter with the Kilimanjaro Park authorities and has been told [something I also theorized myself] that when Hans Meyer established the current position as being the highest on Kilimanjaro, there was almost full glacial cover of Kibo and that could have indeed been the highest point.

Then the glaciers shrank and Bismarck Rock was exposed and has become the higher point.

Another point made by the Park authorities, he said, is that there is little space to accommodate a large group of climbers congregating at the same time on Bismarck Rock. The current "peak" is flat and wide enough to accommodate a large group of people at the same time.

Related post:

http://blogkili.blogspot.co.ke/2015/07/vitali-maembe-joins-cdea-kilimanjaro.html
http://blogkili.blogspot.co.ke/2014/09/vitali-maembe-joins-cdea-kilimanjaro.html

Vitali Maembe joins the CDEA Kilimanjaro climb 2014 (post 9 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 the ninth post of my blog log of the climb

Thursday 11 September 2014

As we began our trek towards the summit, Yahoo predicted we would leave behind most of the climbers who had walked ahead of us.

Vitali faced tremendous challenges walking throughout the night. I would have suggested that he turn back at 0200hrs but Yahoo kept on pushing him and agreeing only to a fraction of Vitali's frequent demands to rest along the way.

I, on the other hand, experienced challanges of my own; my body has yet to get accustomed to frequent stops during the final night to the summit. Each time I resume walking after these stops, my heart pace surges and I feel under intense pressure for several minutes before stabilizing at a rate I can handle.

The only solution I have to avoid this burden is to tell Yahoo at some point that I would walk ahead. During the September 2011 climb I sneaked through in the cover of darkness behind an approaching group of climbers, unnoticed by members of my group. But Yahoo has consistently argued against splitting the group saying it demoralises those left behind. He has a valid point. Tonight, rather than walk ahead, I stayed with the team as we struggled with our individual burdens throughout the night. Daybreak came before we reached Stella Point.

I constantly reminded myself that I have to reach the summit, not wanting to face the prospect of failing to reach the summit as in December 2011.

At Uhuru Peak, I could not find my camera, which I later discovered, after we descended to Barafu camp, in one of my several jacket pockets.

Yahoo later told me that most of the guides who were observing our slow pace during the climb had predicted we would not reach the summit. Kilimanjaro does not run out of surprises.

On the way to Mweka camp with Kibo peak in the background, from L-R, assistant guide Stephen, Yahoo, and Vitali Maembe.

We reached Barafu camp at 1330hrs and after a lunch break headed to Mweka camp where we arrived after 2130hrs. It was a long day.

Next: Vitali plays his guitar again

Related post:

http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2014/12/vitali-maembe-joins-cdea-kilimanjaro.html

Vitali Maembe joins the CDEA Kilimanjaro climb 2014 (post 8 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 the eighth post of my blog log of the climb

Wednesday 10 September 2014

Vitali was humming some song in his tent in the morning. That's a good sign. He was in good spirits.

I woke up feeling relatively fit, except for the lower back pain triggered yesterday that does not want to go away. Yesterday, in reaction, Yahoo said, "Just take some Panadol [a pain killer], it will go away." I wasn't convinced.

The more I climb Kilimanjaro the easier is the challenge of getting to the top of the Barranco Wall, the steep valley wall that climbers have to tackle almost immediately after leaving Barranco camp for Karanga camp.

At the top of Barranco Vitali asked to take some photos of himself. I chose Kibo as the background. When I handed the camera to Yahoo and asked him to continue with the photo shoot, Yahoo chose the cliff drop below with the clouds in the background. It was such a stunning scene that other hikers took out their cameras to photograph Vitali.

We take a break on the way to the top of the Barranco wall. The camp we left behind is seen in the upper right side of the photo, about 300metres below.

"I chose Kibo as the background."

"Yahoo chose the cliff drop below..."

As we continued our slow progress throughout most of the day I was thinking whether it was possible to go from Barranco, with a lunch stop at Karanga camp, on to Barafu camp and then attempt to summit after a rest of only a few hours. I did not have a response and although I felt I had enough leg strength, my rapid breathing betrayed the fact that I did not train enough to build my cardiovascular endurance. To relieve the strain, I kept maintaining my super slow pace when I walked uphill.

Vitali was carrying his guitar along in its soft case on which he has attached shoulder straps for carrying on his back. It makes for an interesting scene but is not ideal for endurance trekking because I notice that the weight is not evenly balanced and he frequently is forced to seek relief by slightly lowering the straps to the sides of his shoulders.

At Karanga we had chicken and chips for lunch - always a coveted menu on a Kilimanjaro hike. For dinner, which we had early in the evening at Karanga camp, I asked for ugali [stiff porridge], recalling how much energy it packed when I asked for the same during my climb with Eugese Gassana last year.

I had difficulty catching some sleep for the few hours we had of resting before we set off for the summit. When I finally managed to fall asleep Vitali woke me up and asked for cold water. He said he had a headache and wanted to pour cold water over his head, believing it would relieve the headache. I was horrified; I had a feeling that contact with cold water in the near-freezing temparatures of Barafu camp was dangerous. And yet I could not find a way to dissuade him but gave him the water and stayed alert for several minutes for a hint from his tent that his condition had worsened.

I did not hear anything unusual and resumed to try sleeping which I falied to do. After the climb, when I shared my horror with one of the assistant guides, he said that the fact that Vitali believed that pouring cold water over his head would cure him was important. I was reminded again that the mind has a force of its own on Kilimanjaro.

As I dressed up for the departure I noticed that Barafu was not as cold as during past climbs so I decided I would not put on my down jacket. Later, Yahoo said he would carry my down jacket, in case I needed it later. I did.

Next: On the roof of Africa

Related post:
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2014/11/vitali-maembe-joins-cdea-kilimanjaro_27.html
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2015/07/vitali-maembe-joins-cdea-kilimanjaro.html

Vitali Maembe joins the CDEA Kilimanjaro climb 2014 (post 7 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 the seventh post of my blog log of the climb

Tuesday 9th September 2014
I had an unusual dream last night, but I won't provide details. It is common to have unusual dreams at high altitudes. Jaffar Amin dreamt he was being swallowed by a giant snake during this climb.

An early morning photo at Shira Cave camp with the Shira Hills in the near distance and Mt. Meru further behind.

I continue to affirm my conviction that Machame is a relatively less challenging route than the other two routes that I have climbed: Lemosho and Marangu.

Vitali experienced moments of fatigue on our way to Lava Tower, the highest point on today's hike. On the way down to Barranco camp he became invigorated and talkative. I sped up the descent and, in this section, I am felt the strongest I have felt during all past climbs. A good sign? Most likely.

At dinner I argued with Yahoo on whether we have a six-day or a five-day climb. I said five; we were supposed to complete the climb on the 13th, and not the 12th as is planned now. I was counting a day that contains 24 hours, while the norm is to count the actual calendar days covered on which we are on the mountain. 

An item that I find indispensable on Mt. Kilimanjaro is this map. It provides a display of all the routes with altitudes for the various camps.

For the first time on a Kilimanjaro climb I suffered from a running stomach after we ate dinner at Barranco. I have written how energy-draining it is to go to toilet at high altitudes and so the worst thing that can happen to a hiker while on a climb is to get a running stomach.

Next: Barranco camp to Uhuru camp

Related post:
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2014/11/vitali-maembe-joins-cdea-kilimanjaro_24.html
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2014/12/vitali-maembe-joins-cdea-kilimanjaro.html

Vitali Maembe joins the CDEA Kilimanjaro climb 2014 (post 6 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 the sixth post of my blog log of the climb 

Monday 8th September 2014
From my tent in the morning I heard Vitali tuning his guitar and then heard him singing. I thought that was good news; it takes energy to sing and that was good news of anyone climbing Kilimanjaro for the first time. A group of porters listened to his songs and began cheering.


I noticed the Shira Hills relatively near the camp. It is only 5 kilometres to the next destination: Shira Cave camp. No wonder they say Machame is a short route. It is, indeed. Now I am less worried about skipping Karanga camp after Barranco and heading on to Barafu camp. I did that in 2011 and failed to reach the summit.

Vitali takes a break on the way to shira Cave camp

The trek to Shira Cave camp is not tremendously challenging. There is a steep climb until half way or so and then gentle ascents interrupted by momentary steep climbs. And yet I feel drenched of energy. I even entertained ideas of winding down my annual climbs or, alternatively, stepping up my training regime.

On the approach to camp there were two porters along the way. One said to the other, referring to me: "Sauzi huyo" [he is a South African] as I walked past. I said: "Tanzania." He wasn't convinced and said I looked like a South African, until I spoke to him in Swahili.

Tanzanians are a tiny minority of the tens of thousands of hikers who climb Mt. Kilimanjaro every year and that explains why it is the second time on the moutain that someone mistakens me for a foreigner.

Just before reaching Shira Cave camp (in the background), I pose with Vitali, left.For those who are curious, this (right) is what a South African looks like.

I learnt from Ross' friend that their group is on a 7-day hike instead of the 6-day I had assumed.

Next: Is this a five-day or a six-day climb?

Related post:
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2014/11/vitali-maembe-joins-cdea-kilimanjaro_20.html

Vitali Maembe joins the CDEA Kilimanjaro Climb 2014 (post 5 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 the fifth post of my blog log of the climb 

Sunday 7th September 2014
It was great to meet up with Ross Methven at Machame Gate, at the start of our first day of my 9th Kilimanjaro climb. I suggested we climb Mt. Kilimanjaro together after I cycled with him for 18 days from Butiama to Dodoma when I accompanied him last year during his cycling trip from Edinburgh, Scotland to Cape Town, South Africa.

A sign at Machame gate displays the vital statistics of our route to the summit.

The trek up to Machame camp (2,890m) is, in my opinion, of mid-level difficulty. At 11kms, it is also, comparatively, of mid-level distance between camps measured against the other two routes I have trekked todate: Lemosho and Machame.

Vital, left, and Steve Kerenye, the assistant guide on the trek to Machame camp.

Vitali seemed to struggle along during the early stages but he later took off and I trailed behind him and Steve Kerenye, the assistant guide.

I feel my legs are relatively strong but the breathing could be better


Next: "I am not from South Africa."

Related posts:
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2014/11/vitali-maembe-joins-cdea-kilimanjaro_9.html
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2014/11/vitali-maembe-joins-cdea-kilimanjaro_24.html

Vitali Maembe joins the CDEA Kilimanjaro climb 2014 (post 4 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 the fourth post of my blog log of the climb 

Saturday 6th September 2014
I ran some errands in Moshi town in the morning and spent most of the day online and responding to emails. After a six-day hike I normally open my inbox to find hundreds of emails to clear. Keeping up with emails during the climb is possible but is a distraction from the climbing experience. Climbing offers me the only time when I can switch off from my daily work routine and to concentrate on relaxation of the mind.

For the first time I can say that the pre-climb briefing did not meet my expectations. The guides showed up late and when they did I was not informed. They contacted Vitali alone and I was unable to offer some pointers that I could provide from my previous experience with first-time climbers.

A pre-climb check during the Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb 2009 with Gerald Hando of Clouds FM, centre, and Notburga Maskini, right. Left is Moutain Guide, Pius William, known also as Yahoo.

 The pre-climb briefing is extremely important because the guides provide crucial advice and check each climber’s gear to ensure that all necessary items are present. Over the years I have helped to remind guides who have overlooked noticing crucial items that have been missed by climbers on my groups.

Next: We begin the trek to the summit

Related post:
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2014/11/vitali-maembe-joins-cdea-kilimanjaro.html
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2014/11/vitali-maembe-joins-cdea-kilimanjaro_20.html

Vitali Maembe joins the CDEA Kilimanjaro climb 2014 (post 3 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 the third post of my blog log of the climb 

Friday 5th September 2I014
Steve Kamau, Zara’s travel consultant, told us that Mama Zara has waived our accommodation charges and that we would only pay for food and drinks. That was welcome news. She has regularly been generous and supportive of my annual charity climbs.

Mama Zara is Zainab Ansell, the Managing Director of Zara Tanzania Adventures, our outfitters for this Kilimanjaro climb. Zara also own Springlands Hotel, where we are staying ahead of our Kilimanjaro climb.

Zainab Ansell.

I had to travel to Arusha for a cash withdrawal because my bank does not have a branch in Moshi and I do not have an ATM card.

Next: Not the best briefing

Related posts:
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2014/10/vitali-maembe-joins-cdea-kilimanjaro_16.html
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2014/11/vitali-maembe-joins-cdea-kilimanjaro_9.html

August Whitney is a member of the Kilimanjaro Club

The Kilimanjaro Club lists people I know who have scaled Mt. Kilimanjaro, including those who join me every year on the annual Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb and those who join me for my non-charity climbs.

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August Whitney becomes the 15th member of the Kilimanjaro Club and was on the September 2011 climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro, my fourth.

He was the youngest of the more than ten climbers on that climb, although I have not been able to get his age todate.

August Whitney, right, takes a pause with Jaffar Amin, left, on the second day of the September 2011 climb.

Here is the updated list of the members of the Kilimanjaro Club:

No.	Name	Nationality	Age	Point Reached*	Summit Date
1.	Madaraka Nyerere	Tanzanian	48	Uhuru Peak	24th August 2008
2.	Le Huyhn	Vietnamese	Unknown	Uhuru Peak	25th August 2008
3.	Markus Geiger	Swiss	Unknown	Uhuru Peak	2009
4.	Gerald Hando	Tanzanian	Unknown	Uhuru Peak	6 October 2009
5.	Notburga Maskini	Tanzanian	49	Stella Point	6 October 2009
6.	Dmitry	Russian(?)	Unknown	Uhuru Peak	13 December 2010
7.	Jaffar Amin	Ugandan	44	Uhuru Peak	13 December 2010
8.	William Rutta	Tanzanian	Unknown	Uhuru Peak	10 December 2010
9.	Mary Kalikawe	Tanzanian	Unknown	Uhuru Peak	10 December 2010
	Steve Kamau	Kenyan	25	Uhuru Peak	26 September 2011
	Jim Becket	American	74	Uhuru Peak	26 September 2011
	Andrea Wobmann	Swiss	39	Uhuru Peak	26 September 2011
	Zulfa Fadhili	Tanzanian	Unknown	Uhuru Peak	26 September 2011
	Jim Whitney	American	Unknown	Uhuru Peak	26 September 2011
	August Whitney	American	Unknown	Uhuru Peak	26 September 2011

*A climber is awarded a certificate for reaching one of three elevations: Uhuru Peak (5,895 AMSL), Stella Point (5,745 AMSL), or Gillman's Point (5,685 AMSL).