The challenge

In late January I was in Morogoro to attend a non-title professional boxing match between Francis Cheka and Karama Nyilawila. Cheka won the match on points.

As I waited for the preliminary bouts to begin, the challenge in my mind was focused on the Uluguru Mountains in the background.

My interest in climbing mountains is not restricted to Mt. Kilimanjaro only. I kept mentally charting routes on the mountains and wondering how a climber could get to the peak. And where was the peak?

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The Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb (post 9 of 15)

Friday 23 September 2011
The trek from Shira 2 to Barranco Camp was interrupted by one interview with Jaffar in which, in response to a question, he said I am a celebrity journalist. When Jim Becket asked me to define one I said: "It is someone who has no formal training as a journalist but I happen to have a regular weekly column and when the stars are aligned favourably I manage to write some good articles."



We had a lunch stop just before reaching Lava Tower. It either rained or snowed most of the way.

The after-lunch smiles.

Snow at Lava Tower.

After lunch Steve Kamau began to bleed through the nose and I thought that was cause for serious concern. When we stopped for a short rest at Lava Tower, I sought Yahoo's assessment and he said they will monitor Steve's condition. If the condition worsens, he would have to descend. He did not bleed again.

At dinner, Innocent, one of the assistant guides, suggested to Steve that should the bleeding resume he should avoid blowing his nose but instead soak the flow with tissue.

Next: Yahoo, a true professional

Related posts:
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2012/02/the-mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro.html
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2012/03/the-mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro_11.html

The Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb 2011 (post 8 of 15)

Thursday 22 September 2011
Kibo peak bared itself in the morning, before sunrise. It was freezing cold with frost on the ground.

The trek to the next camp, Shira 2, was uneventful. This trek on the Shira Plateau is by far the easiest on the Lemosho route.

Jim Becket is trying to engage all of us in conversation. I am having difficulties catching my breath and walking at the same time.

On arrival at Shira 2 it began to rain, alternating with a mild hailstorm for over an hour.

We had French fries on our lunch menu and everyone, including Zulfa who has difficulty eating some dishes, was excited and pleased.

Some sunshine broke through before sunset and revealed a spectacular view of the Shira Hills.

The short trek uphill for acclimatization was canceled by Yahoo because of unfavourable weather. I didn't complain. A rest was in order.

Next: some cause for serious concern

Related post:
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2012/02/the-mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro_23.html
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2012/03/the-mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro_7.html

The Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb 2011 (post 7 of 15)

Wednesday 21 September 2011
The pace was commendable and I went through the 'Seven Hills' section with much less effort compared to past climbs, but I felt a latent fatigue and some stress on my chest. Something didn't feel right. And yet, I was more worried for Jim Becket and Zulfa, who was not eating enough food and drinking enough water.

The protea flower is prevalent only on the 'Seven Hill' section on the Lemosho route

Jaffar appeared more confident and talked throughout most of the sections. Jim Whitney trailed behind to shoot scenes with his camera.

At a midway point on the 'Seven Hills' climb we stopped for lunch and I was later interviewed for Jim Becket's documentary.

As Jim Becket (left) stops to observe the valley below, Steve Kamau (right) steps up to a higher vantage point.

Everyone seemed to cope well.

Next: A glimpse of Kibo peak

Related posts:
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2012/01/the-mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro.html
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2012/02/the-mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro.html

The Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb 2011 (post 6 of 15)

Tuesday 20 September 2011
This is it! The first day of the Mt. Kilimanjaro climb and, following a surprisingly regular occurrence every year, I was the last person in our group to leave my room, having stayed up working late into the early hours.

Again, I was the reason why the truck taking us to the drop-off point made two stops in Moshi town: for rental of additional gear, and for flu medication.

At Londrossi Gate of the Kilimanjaro National Park the place was crowded with visitors and porters. I had never seen such a large number of hikers.

The trek from the the drop-off point to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp

After a four hour trek to Mti Mkubwa we found the camp crowded with tents.

Next: The Seven Hills' challenge

Related post:
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2012/01/the-mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro_9748.html
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2012/02/the-mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro_23.html

The Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb 2011 (post 5 of 15)

Monday 19 September 2011
I was one of the first clients in the CRDB branch Bank in Moshi when it opened, having survived Moshi with only four thousand shillings yesterday because of an ATM card that is defective.

Jaffar Amin called to inform me of his arrival as I was having breakfast and I picked him up and we headed to the Springlands Hotel. I told him I was relieved he had managed to join the climb because Jim Becket's documentary depended on his presence.

At Springlands Hotel Jim had arrived with Jim Whitney, the cameraman and his son August who resembles one of the younger European princes. I don't know whether I get the impression from his haircut or whether it is his height. I hint some resemblance.

Andrea Wobmann was also present, rearing to go and with her constant jovial mood.

I attempted to stay up working late, as usual on the eve of a Kilimanjaro climb, but felt unwell from the flu-like symptoms induced by what I suspected was a night spent in a hotel room with a Gypsum ceiling.

Next: The climb begins

Related posts:
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2012/01/the-mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro_4.html
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2012/01/the-mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro.html

The Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb 2011 (post 4 of 15)

Saturday 17 September 2011
I stayed up late typing on my laptop until 06:45 A.M. and then tried, without success, to sleep.

I boarded the afternoon flight from Mwanza to the Kilimanjaro International (KIA) Airport and arrived in Moshi in the late afternoon.

Jaffar Amin sent a message to inform me he was on the 09:00 A.M. Kampala Coach bus to Moshi via Nairobi to join this year's Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb.

Next: An incident with Gypsum

Posts related to this one:
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2011/12/the-mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro_19.html
http://blogkili.blogspot.com/2012/01/the-mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro_9748.html