Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is an ancient, dormant, volcano that rises from the plain in Tanzania. Being isolated in this way, it is the world's highest freestanding mountain and rises to 19,341ft (5,895 metres). While not a technical climb, Kilimanjaro is considered an extreme challenge, with the thin atmosphere making the smallest effort seem like a huge task. The local population provides support for climbers, preparing camps, cooking, acting as guides and porters. Our trip is organised by a company who promote the highest standards when employing the local people.

Improving fitness is the main preparation objective, particularly cariodvascular fitness and (as I have discovered to my cost) developing the muscle groups used when wearing walking boots and carrying a rucksack. Altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness) is the biggest threat to summit success, affecting most climbers to some degree. For this, there is no training available. Eveyone hopes their symptoms will be mild, or at least tolerable, and that they will not succumb to the more serious medical conditions that can follow if the warning signs are not heeded.