Something about the mountain: Kili isn't just Africa's highest mountain; it's also the world's highest freestanding peak. Standing tall at 5895m (19,340 ft), it proudly claims its spot as the fourth highest of the Seven Summits. However, it's not all glory and selfies on Kili, as about 10 unfortunate souls lose their lives there each year, mostly due to the dreaded Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Something about AMS: At sea level, the atmosphere boasts a comfortable 21% oxygen. But as you ascend, that percentage remains the same; what changes is the number of oxygen molecules per breath. For instance, at 3600m (12,000ft), you're inhaling roughly 40% fewer oxygen molecules per breath, forcing your body to adapt quickly. If it doesn't, trouble brews. The wise folks break it down into three altitude categories:
High altitude: 1,500 - 3,500m (4,900 - 11,500ft). Namibia's highest mountain, the Brandberg (2574m or 8,445ft), falls into this category. Climbing it in June 2017 demanded my full attention—yes, I know, some folks might call it a hill.
Very high altitude: 3,500 - 5,500m (11,500 - 18,000ft). Think of mountains like Mount Vinson in Antarctica and Puncak Jaya in Australasia.
Extreme altitude: 5,500ft and above (18,000ft). Kilimanjaro sits in this category.
To put it simply: On a high mountain, you might still feel frisky and could do something about it. On very high mountains, the urge diminishes, and the action becomes less likely. At extreme altitudes, the last thing on your mind is romance—you're too busy trying to stay alive.
September 16, 2017: We touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport on a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi. Joining me on this adventure are my wife, Leonie, my best mate Fanie, and his wife, Anneke. Leonie and I have been married for 19 years, and Fanie has been with us since day one—he was my best man. The rest of the crew hails from Europe: Gary, a taciturn detective from Ireland; Mary from Scotland, who could talk the ear off a donkey; Richard and Tracey from England, who somehow managed to stay impeccably clean and dressed throughout the trek; Eric and his kids, Julian and Larissa, from France, pleasant as a spring day; Jedd and Simon, two young lads from Scotland who could lecture on whiskey and beer; and lastly, Chris and Matt from England.
We've booked our adventure through Jagged Globe, a British-based company that specializes in everything from climbing to skiing to trekking remote wilderness areas (www.jagged-globe.co.uk).
The responsibility of turning 15 strangers into a cohesive team falls on the capable shoulders of Mark Hendry from Herefordshire, England (check him out at www.sandwoodmountaineering.co.uk). After a brief orientation and a delightful dinner, we hit the sack. Tomorrow, it's off to Camp 1 (Big Tree Camp at 2,650m or 8,694ft). And just a fun fact: Camp 1 is higher than Namibia's highest mountain!
To be continued...
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