Kilimanjaro Countdown

In 30 days from now I will be two thirds the way up to the “Roof of Africa”; yes, Mt Kilimanjaro!

With the extensive equipment kit now completed, I can look forward to carrying the day pack on the five day climb up 6,000 metres to the top….very grateful for our porter friends! Except for the final 11 hour climb, each six hour walking day will serve to build and acclimatise the body.

You wouldn’t believe the do-it-yourself chemist shop amassed, which of course, will occupy pride of place in the day pack. Extra conditioning will be accomplished via some simulated altitude training starting later this week.

Leaving on Air NZ on Friday, 24 June at 2:30pm, for Nairobi, Kenya via Cape Town and starting out on 26 June with the Kumuka Mountain Guides.

So, after traversing the Tongariro Crossing, Mt Tongariro, the Routeburn Track (return) and a few good attacks on Auckland’s Waitak’s, there are just three more training events left.

With all vital signs pointing north, I am looking forward to the support of many prayers and to posting a pic at the top of ole Kili!  Check out this brilliant vista:

Then it's seven weeks touring safari highlights in six African countries until 24^th August:

·         National Parks: Hell’s Gate, Serengeti, Great Rift Valley, Masai Mara, Mikumi, Matobos, Antelope, Kruger

·         Ngorongoro Crater, Livingstone, Da es Salam, Vilanculos, Bazaruto Archipelago

·         Zanzibar Island (old Spice Trade), Victoria Falls, Dhaw Safari and Ponte de Barra Beaches

·         Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, via Addo Elephant Park, Storms River, Knysna and Table Mountain

Touch down during our Auckland winter is mid-night 24^th August.