Standing at 5,896m Kilimanjaro is not only Africa’s tallest mountain, it’s also the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Kilimanjaro is an extreme altitude trek standing at 19,342 feet with inclement weather, particularly at higher altitudes. Temperatures on the expedition may vary from 0-30 degrees during the day and between -20 and 10 during the night. The name Kilimanjaro is believed to come from Swahili; Kilima meaning “hill” or “little mountain” and Njaro meaning “white” or “shining” – a perfect reflection of this beautiful peak and opportunity of a lifetime.  Our trio have been training for months to prepare for what many participants have called as the hardest physical challenge of their lives.  

Our adventurers 12 day itinerary includes seven days of trekking on the Machame Trail. This time frame allows for greater acclimatisation and increases the chance of a successful summit. The route is rich in biodiversity; starting in the scrublands thick with African wildlife before transitioning to lush forests ahead of the flowering alpine tundra at higher elevations. Above 4,500 feet, the adventurers will begin to encounter more snow and rocks as they approach the summit. The morning ritual of native song and dance is said to get the blood pumping and energy rising at early dawn. Shouts of, “Pole, pole,” meaning, “Slowly, slowly,” in Swahili accompany all adventurers throughout the day to help them reach the top. The human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of barometric pressures and there is plenty of oxygen even at the highest point of this expedition. However, the process of adaptation or acclimatisation does take time and the most important rule is to gain height slowly. 

As part of a group of fellow adventurers, our trio have taken part in many training weekends across the island of Ireland where training briefs, hikes and expert advice was shared by expedition leaders with the wider group.  

We hope you can support and sponsor our adventurers. All funds will be used to support the life-changing and life preserving work we carry out here at Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid. Keep an eye on our social media for updates along the way! 

Last but not least, we want to thank Hilda, Kathryn and Sarah for all of the time, effort and consideration that this journey has taken thus far. We wish our daring trio luck for their adventure!

The best view comes after the hardest climb!