let’s give kili horns jacaranda fm MARTIN BESTER DRIVE
purple rhino project
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During our last 20kms I try wrap my head around what I have just done… It doesn’t make sense and then it slowly starts sinking in... What a mammoth feat the Martin Bester Drive have just accomplished.” Arod
Published by Storyline Studio Registration Number: 2010/ 141205/ 23 (P O Box 217, Greyton, Western Cape, 7273, South Africa) Design/ Layout/ Copy Writing/ Production: Charmane Kirkland Copy Editing and Proof Reading: Annabelle Bradfield E-mail: stories@storylinestudio.co.za www.storylinestudio.co.za Printing and Binding: SA Media Services Cape Town Printed and Bound in South Africa First Edition printed 2013 Photos © Jacaranda FM Text © Jacaranda FM and Charmane Kirkland All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author. Let’s Give Kili Horns MARTIN BESTER DRIVE | JACARANDA FM
kilimanjaro beckons A VIEW FROM THE SUMMIT Jacaranda FM is deeply committed to the fight against rhino poaching which is expressed through the Purple Rhino Project. Through forging partnerships with forums such as Stop Rhino Poaching, the project has raised millions through pledges that are distributed to partners and used to help train dogs, bulk up security and arm rangers for their war against rhino poachers. We are in a fortunate position to make a real difference to this scourge. The Purple Rhino Project is an initiative that the station will continue to support until South Africa’s rhinos are safe once again. KEVIN FINE JACARANDA FM, GENERAL MANAGER
CONTENTS CLIMBING ONE OF THE TOP 7 SUMMITS OF THE WORLD
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THE PURPLE RHINO PROJECT 7 LET THE MADNESS BEGIN 8 SIMBA CAMP TO KIKELEWA CAMP 16 KIKELEWA CAMP TO MAWENZI TARN 22 MAWENZI TARN TO THIRD CAVES CAMP
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UPWARDS AND BEYOND - THE SUMMIT LOOMS
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SITTING ON THE TOP OF KILIMANJARO...
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HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE 46
thank you Sun City/ Sun International Divi Engineering Quemic Mantella Trading Protea Coin Group
CORPORATE SPONSORS Inoxpa Bridgestone SA SupaQuick Tyre Experts Clipper Sales Demacon Market Studies
Retail Network Services Babelela Security Imperial Select Praxos Industrial Sandblasting and Painting
Gunsite Aon Numatic Crest Information Systems
CLIMBING ONE OF THE TOP 7 SUMMITS OF THE WORLD
“The Seven Summits are
the highest mountains of each of the seven continents. Kilimanjaro, Denali, Elbrus, Aconcagua, Carstensz Pyramid, Vinson and Everest. The seven summits are magical mountains that have been climbed by a select few.
Kilimanjaro is the world’s highest free-standing, snowcovered equatorial mountain. Mt. Kilimanjaro continues to preserve a mysticism that defies all recent knowledge of her slopes. The first written reference to Mt. Kilimanjaro was by Ptolemy but even so, Africa’s highest mountain remained relatively unknown to the outside world until 1848. Snow capped and shrouded by clouds, the local Chagga people called it ‘Kilema Kyaro’ meaning ‘that which cannot be conquered’ or ‘that which makes a journey impossible’. Today, it is the dream of every adventurer to conquer its summit and stand on the “Roof of Africa.”
the accessibility of its peak to climbers with no mountain climbing equipment or real previous experience of scaling such heights.
Images of the towering snow-covered cone rising majestically from fertile green foothills have become a powerful motif of Tanzania’s extraordinary extremes. Few could deny a very distinct sense of awe when the cloud clears to reveal a glimpse of the towering peaks, shining bright in the equatorial sun. One of the most amazing aspects of the mountain in the present day is
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain that regular tourists can climb, although it remains a considerable feat of human endurance! The breathable oxygen at the top is less than half the amount than is common at sea level, and climbers cover at least eighty kilometres on nothing but their own two feet over the five days it takes to reach the top and return.
There are five main routes to the top - Marangu, Shira, Mweka, Umbwe and Machame. The most popular route is the Marangu Route which starts at the Marangu Gate at 6000 ft. and has huts and facilities along the way. The other routes are more scenic with stunning views of the glaciers. They are also more challenging for the advanced trekker, requiring special permission and the use of tents.
rongai
ROUTE
| DAY 1 Marangu Gate (1860m) - Simba Camp (2626m) | DAY 2 Simba Camp (2626m) - Kikelewa Camp (3679m) | DAY 3 Kikelewa Camp (3679m) - Mawenzi Tarn at (4303m) | DAY 4 Mawenzi Tarn at (4303m) - Third Caves Camp (4614m) | DAY 5 Third Caves Camp (4614m)- School Hut (4722m) - Gillman’s Point (5708m) Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo hut (3705m) | DAY 6 Horombo hut (3705m) - Marangu Gate (1860m) 6
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THE CAUSE
THE
purple rhino
PROJECT
Big-hearts, generous spirits and a powerfully emotive cause, namely the rhino poaching scourge in South Africa, was the catalyst for the Purple Rhino Project. In the first 6 months of 2013 over 450 rhinos had been senselessly killed by greed-fuelled poachers. The Jacaranda FM Martin Bester Drive Show (MBD) was determined to once again make a huge difference and so Let’s Give Kili Horns was launched.
in Tanzania. Suitably kitted out and sufficiently prepared physically and mentally for the onslaught and challenges of the life changing journey, success was bittersweet.
The message of the plight of the rhino would be taken to the roof of Africa by way of corporate sponsorship and public donations. Arod, the MBD sidekick-daredevil, accompanied by veteran climber Lyle Turner would set off on a 6 day trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro
Corporate sponsors each donated R50 000 (and indeed some even sponsored in excess of R50 000) showing their generosity and solidarity towards the Purple Rhino Project. Their corporate logos were proudly displayed on a flag at the summit of Kilimanjaro.
So it was that during the trip up Kili a telethon was held and an incredible R333 311 was pledged to Give Kili Horns, taking the total to R1.5 million thus far.
MARTIN BESTER DRIVE... MAKING A
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LET THE MADNESS BEGIN
17 JULY 2013 DAY 1
Diary: Breakfast is served at our hotel from about 0700. It is a rather nervous affair but soon we are packed and ready to set off. We climb into our vehicle and after about two hours we arrive at Marangu Gate where we complete registration formalities. From Marangu we transfer to Naro Moru, north east Kilimanjaro, a further 68km and 2 hours 20 minutes on bad roads. We have lunch en route to Naro Moru near to Tarakea.
Finally at around 1400 we start trekking from the Rongai Start Point at 1996m, located 600 metres south west of the Naro Moru junction. Today we ascend to Simba Camp at 2626m, a trek of 6.7km. We arrive in camp shortly before sunset, which we are told, is quite normal on the first day.
“My biggest worry was that it would rain as we headed through the rain forest and we would be cold, wet and miserable on the first night. Weird to think in just 4 days I’ll be on the top Africa!” Arod
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SOLDIERS OF THE
mountain
Giant Lobelia (Dekeni) tower up to 4m high and thrive in this moorland zone, giving the landscape a strangely primeval atmosphere.
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SIMBA CAMP TO KIKELEWA CAMP
18 JULY 2013
Diary: We head off from Simba Camp and climb to 3482m where we stop for lunch at Second Caves, a distance of 5.8km from Simba. After lunch we trek a further 6km to Kikelewa Camp 3679m where we stay overnight.
DAY 2
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“My breathing is slowly becoming heavier. After stopping for lunch we met up with a group of American girls again and the one girls name was Jessica. Needless to say the singing of Ray Dylans ‘Jessica’ ensued for the rest of the day.” Arod
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KIKELEWA CAMP TO MAWENZI TARN
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Diary: Today we travel only a short distance of 3.7km, gaining only 624 metres in altitude from Kikelewa to Mawenzi Tarn at 4303m. We set up camp close to the water feature nestled between two spurs on the western side of Mawenzi.
DAY 3
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J OURNEY heart, soul & mind
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“Today we started playing ‘eye spy with my little eye’ and
singing Disney songs to keep our minds busy. We couldn’t believe what was served for supper… Chicken and CHIPS! Best meal of the trip.” Arod
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MAWENZI TARN TO THIRD CAVES CAMP
20 JULY 2013 DAY 4
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Diary: This morning we climb Mawenzi’s north west ridge and move around the north western flanks of Mawenzi, crossing onto the high eastern edge of the Plateau, from where we see some of the rarest, clearest and most dramatic views of both peaks. The highest point on this excursion is 4614m and we covered 3.6km in distance to reach this from our starting point this morning. From here we descend a distance of 8km to the tent site at Third Caves Camp to overnight at 3936m.
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“ We descend about a kilometre today, with every step you feel better because there is more oxygen in the air. Got to call my mom today, she was ecstatic to hear my voice!” Arod
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UPWARDS AND BEYOND - THE SUMMIT LOOMS
21 JULY 2013 DAY 5
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Diary: After gently traversing the eastern slopes of Kilimanjaro yesterday, we start the trek upwards from 3rd Caves Camp (3936m) to School Hut (4722m). Although the distance covered is shorter than yesterday we gain 751m in height. We will be woken up just before midnight for the final summit push.
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SITTING ON THE TOP OF KILIMANJARO...
22 JULY 2013 DAY 6
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Diary: As mentioned we set off for the summit via Gillman’s Point (5708m). With all sorts of health warnings running through our minds we battle the loose scree slopes above Kibo Hut, ascend from School Hut (4722m) via Hans Meyer Cave (5243m) and Gillman’s Point (5708m), to Uhuru Peak (5895m). After our successful summit we turn around and descend to Stella Point. From Stella we now follow the ridge line along to Gilman’s Point, and descend down the loose scree slope using the Rongai’s normal ascent route. After a short rest at
Kibo Huts we continue to Horombo (3705m) to overnight. Distances on summit day: • School Hut to Summit via Gillman’s Point: 5.4km • Summit to Gillman’s Point: 2.0km • Gillman’s Point to Kibo Huts: 3.4km • Kibo Huts to Horombo: 9.6km Total summit day’s distance: 20.4km
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We hike to the last camp where we will be expected to eat supper early, sleep and then begin the summit. Needless to say I couldn’t sleep. 22h30 • We get up and put on every item of clothing possible because it is going to be COLD! You cannot describe the walk up the mountain, with every two or three steps you slide back because the sand just vanishes under your feet. Like being on the road for too long, I fall asleep while walking... more than once, and wake up with such a fright! Seven hours on and we 42
reach the crater rim of Kilimanjaro. We are almost at the top but the next two and a half hours will be the toughest. I put one foot in front of the other and breath deeply. I see the board that says ‘Uhuru Peak’ and the excitement is MIND BLOWING! WE HAVE REACHED THE TOP! MBD HAS GIVEN KILI HORNS!” AROD
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THE
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OF AFRICA
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“ We hike down the mountain - we have a further 10kms to walk to our camp. I am so tired I pass out eating lunch. We reach our final camp and I cannot wait for a warm shower! The one thing I wont miss… Washing with a little bowl of water!” Arod
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HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE
23 JULY 2013 DAY 7
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Diary: This morning we descend from Horombo to Marangu Gate 1860m via Mandara Huts 2715m. The day’s distance is 19.7km along very well maintained trails. (Horombo to Mandara is 11.6km and Mandara to Marangu Gate is 8.1km). Upon arrival at Marangu Gate we head off on 2 hour journey by car back to our hotel in Arusha.
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kilimanjaro an ultimate lifetime experience It remains a hard and serious endeavour that requires a level of physical fitness, stamina and a realistic awareness of the potentially damaging effects of high altitudes.
not the end...only the beginning