On the 3rd February 2011 Hilary and I are going to undertake one of the biggest physical challenges of our lives, by taking part in a seven day “Charity Challenge” to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. At 19,341 feet (5,895 metres), Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the largest volcanoes ever to break through the Earth’s crust.

To put the size of Kilimanjaro in to perspective Ben Nevis is 4,409 feet (1,344 metres), Snowdon is 3,450 feet (1,085 metres) and Scafell Pike is 3,209 feet (978 metres).

Kilimanjaro is composed of three distinct volcanic cones: Kibo 19,143 feet (5,835 meters); Mawenzi 16,896 feet (5,149 m); and Shira 13,000 feet (3,962 m). Uhuru Peak is the highest summit on Kibo’s crater rim (19,341 feet).

It’s the highest mountain in Africa and fourth highest of the Seven Summits. The Seven Summits are the highest mountains of each of the seven continents.  Over time my aim is to climb all 7 summits!

Kilimanjaro is a giant volcano that began forming a million years ago, when lava spilled from the Rift Valley zone. Two of its three peaks, Mawenzi and Shira, are extinct while Kibo is dormant and could erupt again! The last major eruption has been dated to 360,000 years ago, while the most recent activity was recorded just 200 years ago. Scientists concluded in 2003 that molten magma is just 400 m (1,310 ft) below the summit crater. Fingers crossed it will remain dormant!!

The trek starts in the rainforests of Lemosho Glades and heads upwards as we acclimatise on Shira Plateau. From here we will catch a glimpse of our goal Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s main ice-capped peak. We’ll continue via the beautiful Southern Flank, Barranco Wall and Barafu Route. On the final day we’ll have an ascent of 1,000 metres to reach the summit and then a 2,000 metres decent to get back to the bottom!

Though the climb is technically very easy, the altitude, low temperature, and occasional high winds make this a difficult and dangerous trek. Acclimatisation is essential, and even then most healthy people suffer some degree of altitude sickness.

All climbers will suffer considerable discomfort, typically shortage of breath, hypothermia and headaches.  Why not join me.

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