New Ways Kilimanjaro Trek leaves 23rd October 2009

At 5894 metres, Kilimanjaro is the high point of Africa and one of the world's seven continental summits. Technically it is the easiest of the "Seven Summits" to climb but this does not mean it should be underestimated. The team at New Ways were delighted when 11 of our supporters committed to climb this fantastic mountain and raise funds for the Nariokotome Primary Health Care Project in Turkana, North West Kenya.

The project will fund a mobile health clinic that treats up to 700 adults and children every month. The clinic's key services include immunisation, ante-natal care, health education, medical supplies and treatment. The team in Nariokotome serve 24 remote outreach sites across 11,000 square miles of barren terrain and are the only health project operating in the region.

The team who have committed to climb Kilimanjaro also have had to commit to a punishing training schedule as we hope to have a 100% success on reaching the summit. New Ways is overawed and the dedication of this team to help and support the people of Turkana in having access to health care which in the west we take for granted. The team have set up their fund raising pages on just giving. To find them on the site and contribute to their efforts simply log on to www.justgiving.com then search on New ways to find them and support them.

Whichever route you choose to tackle Kilimanjaro, the height gain of around 4000 metres cannot be avoided and this is the reason why Kilimanjaro presents a considerable challenge to most regular hillwalkers. Flying in to Kilimanjaro Airport gives us speedy access to our comfortable hotel base, close to the foot of the popular Marangu Route (the route of our descent from the mountain). The ascent is via the relatively remote and quiet Rongai Route. It is a long, but interesting drive around the mountain to get to the start of this route, on the northern slopes, close to the Kenyan border. In comparison to the routes on the south side of the mountain, the Rongai Route is less used and we will encounter fewer trekkers during our 5-day ascent than the crowded southern routes. Trekking through farmland, forest and open moor, our spectacular campsite at Mawenzi Tarn and the long final day's climb to the mountain's summit at Uhuru Peak, are highlights of this exceptional adventure holiday. This is the most gradual of the routes to Kilimanjaro's summit and in addition we have included two nights acclimatisation at the beautiful Mawenzi Tarn to maximise our chances of success on Africa's highest peak.

The team set off on October 23rd, and we will have a full report with picutres and personal accounts of the trip in the next newsletter. Meanwhile, please log on to www.justgiving.com to find us and help support the efforts of this great team in making a real difference to the long term sustainability of the Primary Health Care programme in Nariokotome.