MT KILIMANJARO trekker Rosy Borland has achieved her goal of climbing the world’s highest freestanding mountain.
The Hamlyn Heights mother-of-three easily raised $4000 to join the UNICEF climb thanks to generous Independent readers.
Rosy said the response to the Independent publicising her fundraising efforts was “amazing”.
“So many people saw the articles and got in touch and offered to help, so that was really cool.”
Here is the blog of her intrepid trek:
Wed 4 Jun: Let the climbing commence!
Today our climb begins! First we boarded a bus for a five hour journey to our starting point, Rongai Gate. We continued along a winding road passing through a string of villages dotted along the densely populated flanks of Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the small army of porters and crew preparing to take us on this incredible journey.
The trek to Simba Camp took us through potato fields and plantation forests. On many occasions the children of farmers ran out to greet us and accompanied us along the way.
Thu 5 Jun: Simba to Kikelewa Camp
This morning we woke to the smell of a delicious breakfast cooking over the fire. We sat in the sunshine and feasted on eggs and bacon—an unexpected luxury in the bushland on the side of the world’s highest freestanding mountain. Feeling refreshed, we set off through heathland trekking to ‘Second Cave’. Trekking to Kikelewa Camp was far more challenging with heavy rain hampering our efforts. By the evening, the sky had cleared and we settled in for another comfortable night under the stars.
Fri 6 Jun: Onwards and upwards to Mawenzi Tarn
Waking to a sunny morning, many of the team were up early to photograph the sunrise over the clouds and the marvel at the light breaking over Mawenzi. With the route starting to become steeper, the team trekked slowly and steadily. The air was thinning and every step felt laboured and heavy. Heavy fog that turned into rain meant we missed out on some amazing views, but by the afternoon we had all made it to our camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m). Despite the inclement weather, the team remain in good spirits, laughing and resting.
Sat 7 Jun: Acclimatisation day
Today Team Unicef rested at Mawenzi Tarn to aid acclimatisation in preparation for their summit assault. We combined plenty of rest with brief walks to keep our bodies warm and limber. The steep rocky ridge on the right of Mawenzi Tarn offered great views and we all enjoyed descending back to camp, ‘Kilimanjaro skiing’ on the permafrost scree. In the evening we gathered for a briefing about summit day. It’s all really happening now.
Sun 8 Jun: Lunar landscapes and crossing the ‘Saddle’
Feeling refreshed thanks to our acclimatisation day, we trekked to Kibo Camp (4,730m). After a quick porridge breakfast we set off across the ridge and vast expanse of lunar landscape stretching between Mawenzi and Uhuru. Cloud quickly set in, making the trek very atmospheric.
In the last hour of trekking, Kilimanjaro appeared. To the Swahili mantra “pole pole”, meaning “slowly”, we trekked at a steady pace to minimise exertion. We made it to camp and rested in preparation for our assault on the summit at midnight.
Mon 9 Jun: Summit here we come!
At 11pm, we all woke from a dazed sleep ready to take a night trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Guided by the light of the moon, the temperature was initially mild with little wind. We put one foot in front of the other in a line, moving at a turtle’s pace. As we trekked, the air started getting thinner and thinner. A long zig-zag track towards the summit filled the six hours of darkness before dawn. Wind increased at Gilman’s Point (5,685m) but the sight of the sun rising as we reached Uhuru Peak made the conditions a little easier to bear.
Victory – we made it! Arriving in two groups didn’t dull our celebrations at summiting the highest freestanding mountain in the world. There was much cause for celebration.
The top of Mount Kilimanjaro offered some amazing views. We took a lot of photos then quickly descended ‘Kilimanjaro skiing’ down the scree slopes. On the way down to Horomobo, we reflected on the last 24 hours—a crazy journey through an out-of-this-world landscape. The team is tired, but happy, and remain in awe of the mighty mountain. The summit climb revealed the strength of our team and our support for each other through hardships few other situations could replicate.
Tue 10 Jun: Climb Kilimanjaro – tick
Today the team continued its descent through alpine meadows to Mandara Hut before making its way through lush forest to the National Park gate at Marangu. With an incredible achievement under their belts, the team made their way to the hotel for a well-earned hot shower. Well done team—what an amazing achievement!
