Rachael makes it to the top!

Posted by RNOH on 25 April 2012

"I wanted a challenge that would push me both physically and mentally, and colleagues at work mentioned Kilimanjaro. The highest freestanding mountain in the world, Kilimanjaro is also the highest mountain on the African continent at 5896m. The trek was organised by Discover Adventure, who took care of everything from flights, the food and guides we needed whilst on the mountain, and also provided a ‘trip leader’ from the UK. They were absolutely fantastic, so much so that I have booked to do another adventure with them next year! They made everyone feel safe and relaxed, and dealt with any individual problems we were experiencing from trekking at high altitude whilst at the same time making it fun and enjoyable.

The Machame route is a less-used route up Kilimanjaro and camping gives you a feeling of wilderness with great views of the mountain and surrounding scenery as you ascend, passing through forest, moorland and up to the highest point, Uhuru Peak. Upon reaching the summit, most people are experiencing some form of altitude sickness but the sense of achievement is well worth it! I was fundraising for the RNOH, because my colleague, Sammy Eldridge, underwent treatment there for cancer."