We departed from Heathrow Airport on the evening of Tuesday July 16th, filled with anticipation, and touched down at Kilimanjaro by late afternoon on Wednesday July 17th. After arriving, we spent the evening preparing for what would be the most challenging trek of our lives.
Our task for the night? Squeezing a mountain of gear into a large bag and a rucksack – no small feat. We packed everything from sleeping bags and mats to walking clothes for every kind of weather: shorts and t-shirts for the heat, and padded jackets, gloves, and wool hats for the freezing cold. We also brought along trainers for when we weren’t in our boots, enough snacks to keep us fuelled, large water bladders and bottles, wet wipes (our only way to wash!), and a lot of hand sanitizer. The list of essentials felt endless.
The adventure began on Thursday July 18th, under warm skies and bright sunshine. We travelled three hours on a packed minibus, with our luggage piled high on the roof. Along with us were many of the guides and porters who would be crucial to our journey. Spirits were high as we drove, but the reality of the challenge ahead was starting to set in.
The Kilimanjaro Trek Breakdown:
Day 1: Rongai Gate (1950m) to 1st Caves Camp (2600m)
Hiking time: 5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: 1st Caves Camp (2600m) to Kikelewa Cave (3600m)
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Moorlands
Day 3: Kikelewa Cave (3600m) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorlands
Day 4-5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Summit Night (11 p.m.): Kibo Hut (4700m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m), back to Kibo Hut (4700m), and onward to Horombo Hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 9 hours up and 9 hours down
Habitat: Stone, scree, ice, and snow
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3720m) to Marangu Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: 7 hours
The nights on the mountain were brutally cold, and sleep was hard to come by. Every morning, at 6am we were gently woken with a steaming mug of ginger tea – meant to help with altitude symptoms. The chefs provided us with incredible meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Considering they had no running water or proper facilities; it was nothing short of amazing how well they catered for us.
Everything – food, tents, equipment – was carried from camp to camp by the porters. They worked tirelessly, setting up for us at every stop, making sure we were taken care of in ways we could never have imagined. Every morning, we were entertained by the team with songs and dances, a beautiful tradition that lifted our spirits and energised us for the long days ahead.
We were in good hands. The guides, porters, chefs, and helpers went above and beyond to look after us, ensuring we were comfortable and safe. Each night, they checked our heart rates and oxygen levels to monitor how our bodies were handling the altitude, making sure we were fit to continue.
Summit Night had us both on edge. We knew it would be a brutal challenge, starting the trek at 11pm with the knowledge that it would stretch on for hours in the biting cold. Temperatures plunged between -15°C and -25°C, making the air almost unbreathable, every step a fight against the freezing wind. It was painfully cold – nearly unbearable. The climb was steep and relentless, a punishing 9-hour ascent with only brief pauses. Stopping too long was not an option – we had to keep moving to fend off the cold.
As we neared the summit, the first rays of sunlight broke through the horizon. It should have been breathtaking, but in our exhaustion, we barely had the energy to appreciate the beauty unfolding around us. Every part of our bodies ached, and the climb felt like it would never end – gruelling and unforgiving.
What kept us going? The unwavering support from our incredible guides, who encouraged us with every step. We also held onto thoughts of Mr Garwood and Mr Young, and the immense challenges they are facing. Remembering that we were doing this for two vital cancer charities gave us the strength to push through the moments when we felt like quitting.
Finally, we reached the summit. Overwhelmed with emotion, we shed tears of relief, the weight of the climb lifting off our shoulders. After a few quiet moments of reflection, we took photos with our charity banners, capturing the triumph of the moment – before the descent began.
Despite the immense challenges we faced – especially on Summit Night – climbing Kilimanjaro was the most incredible experience of our lives. We feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to undertake this journey, and we would encourage anyone with the chance to consider doing it themselves. The mountain tested us in ways we never imagined, but the sense of accomplishment, the stunning landscapes, and the purpose that drove us made every step worthwhile. It’s an adventure that will stay with us forever.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire Farringtons community for the incredible support, encouragement, and generous donations to our fundraising. Thanks to your kindness, we have already raised over £7,000 for the cancer charities chosen by Mr Young and Mr Garwood. If you would still like to contribute, the donation link remains open. Your generosity means the world to us and will make a real difference.
