Zulfa Fadhili has been a member of the Kilimanjaro Club since 2010

The Kilimanjaro Club lists people I know who have scaled Mt. Kilimanjaro, including those who join me every year on the annual Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb, or those I met during a climb and am aware reached the summit.

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As I arrived at Marangu Gate today after a five-day Mt. Kilimanjaro trek on the Marangu route, I bumped into Zulfa Fadhili, with whom I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in September 2010 on the 7-night, 8-day trek on the Lemosho route. She works for Zara Tanzania Adventures, one of the leading Mt. Kilimanjaro outfitters. She reached the summit and takes her place on my Mt. Kilimanjaro roll.

Zulfa Fadhili at the Marangu Gate today.

Zulfa is the thirteenth member of the Kilimanjaro Club. The updated list of the Kilimanjaro Club is:

  1. Markus Geiger
  2. Madaraka Nyerere
  3. Le Huynh
  4. Gerald Hando
  5. Notburga Maskini
  6. Jaffar Idi Amin
  7. Mary Kalikawe
  8. William Rutta
  9. Jim Becket
10. Andrea Wobmann
11. Steve Kamau
12. Jim Whitney
13. Zulfa Fadhili
14. Dmitry

My version of the year 2011 in review: 27 September

After seven nights and seven days, my fourth climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro was over. With me at the end of

the trail and the beginning of the few kilometres of road to Mweka gate was (from left to right): Jim Whitney, the author of this blog, Jaffar Idi Amin, Jim Becket, and our intrepid guide, Pius "Yahoo".

Other posts in this 2011 review series:
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-version-of-year-2011-in-review-25.html
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-version-of-year-2011-in-review-28_12.html

My version of the year 2011 in review: 25 September

On the sixth day of the Mt. Kilimanjaro climb, I reached Barafu camp at 4,800m above sea level.

Barafu is Mt. Kilimanjaro's base camp, the final camp before climbers head for the summit, Uhuru Peak, reached after between 7 - 10 hours.

Post related to this one:
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2008/12/this-photograph-of-mt.html

Other posts in this 2011 review series:
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-version-of-year-2011-in-review-24.html
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-version-of-year-2011-in-review-27.html

My version of the year 2011 in review: 24 September

Continuing with my fourth climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro I arrived at Karanga camp, at 4,000m above sea level. When the clouds cleared before sunset, I saw a snow-laden Kibo peak witho more snow cover than I have

seen before.

On the otherhand, the outhouses were familiar and appeared to be crying for retirement.

The same toilets with the same grafitti. And most of the users of the toilet were still missing the hole.

Other posts in this 2011 review series:

http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-version-of-year-2011-in-review-23.html

http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-version-of-year-2011-in-review-25.html

My version of the year 2011 in review: 23 September

On the third day of my fourth climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro we walked up to Lava Tower at 4,000m above sea level and it snowed considerably at this location.

Apparently, when it snows there is a higher level of oxygen in the atmosphere and the resultant effect is that most climbers, who at this altitude are increasingly deprived of oxygen, become rather excited by the snowfall and appear to be re-energized.

From Lava Tower the route takes a long descent towards Barranco camp. It is a route that is

populated with some of Mt. Kilimanjaro's exotic plant species, including the Lobellia.

Other posts in this 2011 review series:

http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-version-of-year-2011-in-review-22.html

http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-version-of-year-2011-in-review-24.html

My version of the year 2011 in review: 22 September

On the second day of my fourth Mt. Kilimanjaro climb I was at Shira 2 Camp, 3,850m above sea level. On a clear day, the Shira hills are visible on the lower left side of the photograph.

The Shira hills are the remains of a once massive volcano that was higher than the summit on Mt. Kilimanjaro's Kibo peak at 5,895m above sea level.

Other posts in this 2011 review series:
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-version-of-year-2011-in-review-21.html
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-version-of-year-2011-in-review-23.html

My version of the year 2011 in review: 21 September

At 6:11 PM on the second day of the Kilimanjaro climb, I was in my tent at Shira 1 Camp on the Shira Plateau, at 3,500m above sea level. The routine of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro on the Lemosho

route is wake up early, have breakfast, hike for an average of 7 hours every day to the next camp, rest for a while, have dinner, and sleep as early as 7:30 PM.

The solitude inside the climber's tent provides an ideal environment for reflection. As I add the number of times I have climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, the reflection gradually shifts from the challenge of the climb itself to other matters that have little to do with mountains: "Did I lock my bedroom windows when I left home?"

Other posts in this 2011 review series:
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-version-of-year-2011-in-review-20.html
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-version-of-year-2011-in-review-22.html

My version of the year 2011 in review: 20 September

On the first day of my fourth climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro, I stayed behind the group - as usual - and so did Jim Whitney, who in this photograph, took a low angle shot of the other climbers with his video camera as we inched our way towards Big Tree Camp, the first overnight stay of the 8-day climb on the Lemosho route.

The Lemosho route has one of the highest climber success rate for reaching the summit of all of Mt. Kilimanjaro's routes. It allows gradual acclimatization of the body to the high altitudes.

Other posts in this 2011 review series:
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-version-of-year-2011-in-review-18.html
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-version-of-year-2011-in-review-21.html

My version of the year 2011 in review: 18 November

The Africa Week in Dresden included both an Energy Workshop, which I attended, and an exhibition showcasing African culture.

The African culture part also involved regular performances by African musicians, including Angolan Jack Panzo who created a rule of handing one of his Ghanaian drums to anyone within reach and embarking on an impromptu drumming lesson. I was not spared.

I, in the centre, enjoying the sounds of African drums at the Centrum Gallery in Dresden. 

That evening I imagined someone calling up the German Embassy in Dar es Salaam and saying: "Guess what? That guy who said he was traveling to Germany for an energy meeting has joined a group of street musicians performing in Dresden. Don't issue a visa to him ever again."

Benjamin and Maurice's newspaper interview on our forthcoming Mt. Kilimanjaro climb finally appeared on the day's newspaper. The accompanying photograph made me appear like an experienced mountaineer who could even conquer Mt. Everest. So I thought.

Andrea Wobmann with whom I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in September 2010, and who was in Dresden for the Africa Week, presented me with a coffee mug filled with Swiss chocolates.

Other posts in this 2011 review series:
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-version-of-year-2011-in-review-7.html
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-version-of-year-2011-in-review-20.html

Andrea Wobmann is a member of the Kilimanjaro Club

The Kilimanjaro Club lists people who have climbed to Mt. Kilimanjaro, including those who join me on my annual Mwalimu Nyerere/ Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb.

Andrea Wobmann joined me on last year's Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb. We reached the summit, Uhuru Peak, on the morning of 26th September 2011. The updated list is now:1. Markus Geiger
2. Notburga Maskini
3. Gerald Hando
4. Le Huyhn
5. Jaffar Amin
6. Mary Kalikawe
7. William Rutta
8. Steve Kamau
9. Jim Becket
10. Andrea WobmannSent from Samsung Mobile

The Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb 2011 (post 13 of 15)

Tuesday 27th September 2011
On a cloudless morning Millennium High Camp offers one of the best views of Kibo from the lower slopes. The porters and guides sang the Kilimanjaro farewell songs and we departed for the 8-hour trek past Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate.



The porters and guides sing the Kilimanjaro farewell songs

On the way I met two female porters who, after some persuasion by Yahoo, agreed to pose for my camera.



The female porters, a rare encounter on Mt. Kilimanjaro.

The forest section was not only traversed by beautiful people, but was also peppered with beautiful flowers.

August, Andrea, Zulfa, and Steve walked ahead with Innocent and Ludovick, the assistant guides, and had to wait for our arrival for more than two hours. They did not sign in their names until we arrived and I became the first one to sign and eligible for the honour of buying drinks for the whole group, which I did at Springlands Hotel.



Someone called the ambulance, again. Apparently, one of us could not walk for an additional hour to Mweka Gate.

Yahoo said Jim Becket, 74, was the oldest person he had guided to Africa's rooftop, Uhuru Peak, at 5,895m above sea level.

Everyone agreed that Yahoo's guiding skills was the crucial factor in enabling the entire group to reach the peak. He was the group's 4-wheel drive.

Next: At the graduation

Posts related to this one:
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/03/mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro-charity_15.html

The Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb 2011 (post 12 of 15)

Monday 26th September 2011
The entire group of climbers heading to the summit was quite large, probably as much as 100 if you add those joining from the Coca-Cola route. At times we had 'traffic jams', slowing down to a standstill. That has been a problem that I have yet to find a solution for. My heart cannot effectively handle the pressure of the frequent stoppages and the resumption of walking at high altitudes. My legs, thanks to the cycling exercise, are coping extremely well.

At a certain point during the night trek Jim Whitney, the cameraman and co-filmmaker, was behind me and when I asked him whether he wanted to walk ahead said he would remain behind because he preferred my pace. A few minutes later, when the group ahead stopped for a rest I sneaked through and walked ahead with Pantaleo, the cook with whom I camped at the Crater Camp on my first climb in 2008. Yahoo had asked Pantaleo to accompany us as one of the assistant guides.

I thought we made good progress through the night but the trek to Stella Point was not as smooth as I would have imagined. It wasn't extremely cold; I did not even wear the heavy pair of gloves.

Although ahead with Pantaleo, the rest of the group was not far behind and our arrival at Stella Point was separated, at most, by ten minutes. I am getting old.

Jim Whitney who walked ahead to film the group's arrival at Stella Point was surprised to see me and said: "How did this happen?" The only person missing was Zulfa who I learnt had remained behind with Yahoo, but was still very much in the running.

"How did this happen?" At Stella Point, Jim Whitney, right, films the approaching group.

A panoramic view from Stella Point.

Andrea is a force of nature. She does not appear to lack energy at any moment and has maintained both a physical and mental vitality that is rare among first-time climbers. When most people seem to be gasping for oxygen you will hear her humming some Swiss ballad.

At the summit.

I thank Pantaleo, right, for leading me to the summit.

The trek back to Barafu Camp remains, to me, physically painful. I have yet to find a technique for descending effortlessly on a fine soft sand surface. I prefer rough rocky terrain.

Next: Two women guides

Posts related to this one:
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/03/mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro-charity_6560.html

The Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb 2011 (post 11 of 15)

Sunday 25th September 2011
I have noted that the trek between Karanga and Barafu Camp is when I discover my physical strength. I feel pretty strong.


On the way to Barafu Yahoo, extreme left, watches over the group during a short break as a porter, right, walks past

During last night's briefing Yahoo, the lead guide, said he noted that we are all in pretty good shape and, with the pace he has set, he is certain will will all reach the peak. I wasn't convinced.

The rangers' hut at Barafu, Mt. Kilimanjaro's base camp.

I had planned with yahoo that we should leave Barafu Camp for the summit at thirty minutes past eleven, but we left well after midnight.

Next: Andrea is a force of nature

Posts related to this one:
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/03/mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro-charity_12.html
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/03/mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro-charity_15.html

The Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb 2011 (post 10 of 15)

Saturday 24th September 2011
Innocent, the young assistant guide. appeared to me to be more interested in maintaining his "cool" demeanour - he has a preference for using the word "cool" in conversation - than in doing his work.

Morning at Barranco camp, before departing for Karanga Camp.

I pointed out at the bottom of the 'breakfast climb', the steep climb of the day from Barranco Camp towards Karanga, that one of the guides should stay close behind Jim Becket in case he needed support through the difficult sections. Innocent would do so for a while but he frequently had to be reminded by Hamisi, the other assistant guide with whom we climbed together during my first Kilimanjaro climb in 2007 - or by Yahoo.

On arrival at Karanga Camp we caught a glimpse of Kibo peak.

Yahoo's professionalism came out clearly today, particularly by the gentle pace he forced on the entire group, having taken the lead from Hamisi, who led us yesterday.


Next: I feel pretty strong

Posts related to this one:
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/03/mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro-charity.html
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/03/mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro-charity_6560.html

The Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb (post 9 of 15)

Friday 23 September 2011
The trek from Shira 2 to Barranco Camp was interrupted by one interview with Jaffar in which, in response to a question, he said I am a celebrity journalist. When Jim Becket asked me to define one I said: "It is someone who has no formal training as a journalist but I happen to have a regular weekly column and when the stars are aligned favourably I manage to write some good articles."



We had a lunch stop just before reaching Lava Tower. It either rained or snowed most of the way.

The after-lunch smiles.

Snow at Lava Tower.

After lunch Steve Kamau began to bleed through the nose and I thought that was cause for serious concern. When we stopped for a short rest at Lava Tower, I sought Yahoo's assessment and he said they will monitor Steve's condition. If the condition worsens, he would have to descend. He did not bleed again.

At dinner, Innocent, one of the assistant guides, suggested to Steve that should the bleeding resume he should avoid blowing his nose but instead soak the flow with tissue.

Next: Yahoo, a true professional

Posts related to this one:
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/02/mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro-charity_27.html
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/03/mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro-charity_12.html

The Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb 2011 (post 8 of 15)

Thursday 22 September 2011
Kibo peak bared itself in the morning, before sunrise. It was freezing cold with frost on the ground.
The trek to the next camp, Shira 2, was uneventful. This trek on the Shira Plateau is by far the easiest on the Lemosho route.

Jim Becket is trying to engage all in conversation. I am having difficulties catching my breath and walking at the same time.

On arrival at Shira 2 it began to rain, alternating with a mild hailstorm for over an hour.
We had French fries on our lunch menu and everyone, including Zulfa who has difficulty eating some dishes, was excited and pleased.

Some sunshine broke through before sunset and revealed a spectacular view of the Shira Hills.
The short trek uphill for acclimatization was canceled by Yahoo because of unfavourable weather. I didn't complain. A rest was in order.

Next: some cause for serious concern

Posts related to this one:
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/02/mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro-charity.html
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/03/mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro-charity.html

The Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb 2011 (post 7 of 15)

Wednesday 21 September 2011
The pace was commendable and I went through the 'Seven Hills' section with much less effort compared to past climbs, but I felt a latent fatigue and some stress on my chest. Something didn't feel right. And yet, I was more worried for Jim Becket and Zulfa, who was not eating enough food and drinking enough water.

The protea flower is prevalent only on the 'Seven Hill' section on the Lemosho route

Jaffar appeared more confident and talked throughout most of the sections. Jim Whitney trailed behind to shoot scenes with his camera.

At a midway point on the 'Seven Hills' climb we stopped for lunch and I was later interviewed for Jim Becket's documentary.

As Jim Becket (left) stands to observe the valley below, Steve Kamau (right) steps up to a higher vantage point.

Everyone seemed to cope well.

Next: A glimpse of Kibo peak

Posts related to this one:
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/01/mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro-charity_13.html
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/02/mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro-charity_27.html

posted from Bloggeroid

The Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb 2011 (post 6 of 15)

Tuesday 20 September 2011
This is it! The first day of the Mt. Kilimanjaro climb and, following a surprisingly regular occurrence every year, I was the last one to leave my room, having stayed up working late into the early hours.

Again, I was the reason why the truck taking us to the drop-off point made two stops in Moshi town: for rental of additional gear, and for flu medication.

At Londrossi Gate of the Kilimanjaro National Park the place was crowded with visitors and porters. I had never seen anything like it.




The trek from the the drop-off point to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp

After a four hour trek to Mti Mkubwa we found the camp packed with tents.

Next: The Seven Hills' challenge

Posts related to this one:
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/01/mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro-charity_08.html
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/02/mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro-charity.html

The Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb 2011 (post 5 of 15)

Monday 19 September 2011
I was one of the first clients in the CRDB branch Bank in Moshi when it opened, having survived Moshi with only four thousand shillings yesterday because of an ATM card that is defective.

Jaffar Amin called to inform me of his arrival as I was having breakfast and I picked him up and we headed to the Springlands Hotel. I told him I was relieved he had managed to join the climb because Jim Becket's documentary depended on his presence.

At Springlands Hotel Jim had arrived with Jim Whitney, the cameraman and his son August who resembles one of the younger European princes. I don't know whether I get the impression from his haircut or whether it is his height. I hint some resemblance.

Andrea Wobmann was also present, rearing to go and with her constant jovial mood.
 
I attempted to stay up working late, as usual on the eve of a Kilimanjaro climb, but felt unwell from the flu-like symptoms induced by what I suspected was a night spent in a hotel room with a Gypsum ceiling.

Next: The climb begins

Posts related to this one:

http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/01/mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro-charity.html
http://madarakanyerere.blogspot.com/2012/01/mwalimu-nyereremt-kilimanjaro-charity_13.html

Jim Becket is the senior member of the Kilimanjaro Club

The Kilimanjaro Club lists people I know who have scaled Mt. Kilimanjaro, including those who join me every year on the annual the Mwalimu Nyerere/Mt. Kilimanjaro Charity Climb.

Jim Beck is the elder member of the Kilimanjaro Club. When I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with him and a group of other climbers from the United States, Uganda, Switzerland, Kenya, and Tanzania in September 2011 he revealed he was 74 years old. By the time we completed the climb he was 75.


Jim Becket, left, at the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

He is the reason why I tell everyone who hesitates to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro (especially younger people) that there are very few people who have an excuse not to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.

The updated list of the Kilimanjaro Club is:

1. Markus Geiger
2. Notburga Maskini
3. Gerald Hando
4. Le Huynh
5. Jaffar Amin
6. Mary Kalikawe
7. William Rutta
8. Steve Kamau
9. Jim Becket