Team Ubuntu:  The first 24 hours on the mountain

After setting off from the Rongai Gates entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park, Team Ubuntu hiked through rainforest, temperate zone and alpine zones to reach the first camp.  Highlights from the three hour hike included spotting Black and White Colobus monkeys, crossing several stunning bridges across the river and climbing over 1000 feet in altitude with everyone feeling good.

Arrival in camp was followed by cups of tea and coffee and getting tents ready before dinner in the mess tent.  Before dinner, the team checked their blood oxygen levels and heart rates.  All of the numbers were within the normal range and the team felt strong apart from a few mild headaches and tummy upsets – all to be expected at this stage.

“I have a small headache, but not enough to take any medication,” says Kati.  “I’m just drinking water and think that will help.”

Paul Marklew agreed: “I have a bit of a headache at the front of my head, but am hoping that it will be gone after plenty of water and some sleep.”

Everyone felt well when the team woke the next morning in the clouds – literally – but by the time they had breakfast, the skies had cleared and the sun was shining. Before setting off to the next camp (Second Cave), Team Ubuntu was treated to a glorious Tanzanian cultural experience:  all of the guides and porters sang, chanted and danced to the Kilimanjaro song, which the team had learned the night before.  Everyone joined in the singing with Kirsty, Rolf, Paul Lehner and Rodri impressing the team of guides and porters by joining in the dancing.

The team set off from Camp Simba in good time and expected to reach Second Cave by lunchtime, in order to give them time to rest and relax and get used to the altitude.

“This next camp is where many will feel the first real effects of altitude,” says Christine, one of the Team Ubuntu guides who is with them to look after their health. “It’s very important that they keep their water intake up and that they rest and relax as much as possible during down times. And of course, the saying on Kilimanjaro is ‘Pole pole’ (pronounced poley poley), which means slowly, slowly up the mountain.”

Good luck Team Ubuntu – we’re all rooting for you.  Stay safe and healthy and ‘go get that mountain’!