Blogging for Rhinos
Climbing Kili 4 Conservation

Well, we’re all back in the UK now having had the most amazing and tiring experience of our lives. 

Climbing Kilimanjaro was an experience I will personally never forget… the first day actually didn’t feel that bad I and think all of us were surprised as how ‘easy’ it felt.  As the days went on though, we all felt the side effects of altitude in one form or another – from headaches and appetite loss to being sick and incredibly breathless.  It’s not something that you can prepare for and until you are on that mountain you can’t be sure how it will affect you personally.  The scenery was stunning but the problem was I think we spent more time looking at the feet of the person in front of us than the beauty that was around us.  Pole Pole – slowly slowly… and boy were we slow!

As a team the Rhino Maniacs were each others lifelines – crossing the Saddle to get to Kibo especially – in fact I think it is fair to say that without each other a few of us might not have even made it to Kibo – so we have our team mates and new friends to thank for that.  From Kibo up towards the summit, the remaining team members once again pulled together to get each other there.  How people do this sort of thing without a network of people around them to support them is beyond me.

Would I climb Kilimanjaro again and attempt to summit? Not a chance!  Kilimanjaro is hard – physically and mentally – and altitude is an unknown factor with scary side effects.  Everyone one of us pushed ourselves to the limit.  If we went back we might only make it to day two before the altitude forced us to return.  For me, even the concept of attempting to climb Kilimanjaro was a challenge… I am an occasional recreational walker, that doesn’t like walking up hills – although after Kilimanjaro, I don’t think I will ever look at a hill and think “I’ll never make it up there” and I might do some more walking – please no one hold me to that though!

Four out of nine Rhino Maniacs made it to Gillman’s Point and have the certificates to prove it… well done Dave, Meg, Nick & Sarah.  But all nine of us made it to Kibo and achieved a massive amount.  As team leader of the Rhino Maniacs, I am incredibly proud.

So have we done the Rhinos proud – ABSOLUTELY!

I would like to take this chance to also thank Helen… the original Rhino Maniac that couldn’t come with us to Kili but that updated the blog whilst we were away – thanks Helen… you’re a star!

And of course a thank you to everyone that has donated so far.  Watch this space and the photo gallery for info on Mkomazi National Park and the rhino sanctuary and see where some of our hard earned fundraising cash will be going!

I hear the Rhino Maniacs should be back. Those I’ve spoken to are tired and bruised but really pleased with what they acheived and experienced. I’m sure that there will be updates from them all soon.

Rhinomaniacs say hi from Tanzania. Thanks everyone for supporting us – we have (just about) recovered from the walk and had an amazing couple of days at Mkomazi National Park – saw Rhinos & Painted Dogs and lots lot more – we have all been blown away by the amazing work being done for conservation here. Looking forward to seeing you all soon, xxx

Nick reports that as first ‘maniac’ to return thought I would prove everyone returned safe from Kili although definitely in need of a hot shower after 6 days camping! Thanks for everyones support. Really appreciated. No doubt many more photos and stories to come Nick

On the final evening camping they were all in bed by 7.30pm as they were shattered.  At 6.15am yesterday they were woken by the porters with a very small amount of water for “washy washy”.  At 6.40am while having breakfast (porridge, bread, fruit, egg & bacon)  Sarah decided to text me obviously not realising it was 4.40am for me, I read the text and then forgot about it until just now as it was a bit of a blur at that time in the morning! ;)

Everyone is feeling great to be back at the hotel although Michelle managed to fall over twice going down! Doh! She is okay but now has tonsilitis!

Next stop Mkomazi!

They had a celebratory beer last night and were reminising on an awe inspiring journey in more ways than one!

I have heard that all the team managed to make it to Kibo 4700m, congratulations to them all!
A big well done to Meg, Sarah, Dave and Nick as they made it to Gilmans Point on the summit!
Michelle, Julie and Mark attempted the summit climb but had to turn back due to the altitude.
Andrea and Kim descended to the next camp instead of attempting the summit as the altitude effects were bad!
They are all at Horombo and will descend back to the hotel tomorrow!
Well done to the Rhino Maniacs! x

I have had word from Kim that 4 of the team made it to Gilmans Point but not which 4. They are all back together now at Horombo Hut either sleeping or eating popcorn and will be making the final descent tomorrow!

Well I have heard from Michelle, she unfortunately was unable to reach the summit this morning. She did get up and try but was physically exhausted and started to get sick with headache. She still feels rough now. Michelle is happy with having reached 4700m and so she should be.

Michelle isn’t sure if the rest of the team have told their loved ones how far they have reached so will update when I find out!

Well I still haven’t heard anymore from any of the team since yesterday morning. However they should have walked accross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzie and Kibo which, is very barren and probably the day I found most difficult when I attempted Kilimanjaro. They will camp at Kibo at the bottom of the crater wall which is 4700m (15,400ft) and the last camp before the summit. I also remember buying a glass bottle of coca cola which tasted great I just didn’t envy the poor people who had to carry it that far!
Hopefully they have all had an early night in preperation for the summit attempt to Gilmans point for sunrise and then onto Uhuru Peak 5895m (19,395ft).

I have got everything crossed for them, I know how difficult they will have found it both physically and mentally. If you are going to donate then please do it ASAP knowing how hard the team are trying!!

Lets hope that those who try make it to the top!

Good Luck you Rhino Maniacs!

I heard from the team this morning. They were all set for a steep but short day today. They start at 3600m (11,800ft) and climb to Mawenzie Tarn at 4330m (14,200ft). It sounds like it is very hot and some aren’t liking walking in the heat but everyone is okay and doing well!