In 2011, a team of 9 inspirational people climbed Mt Kilimanjaro for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW. We raised more than $36,000 and had the adventure of a lifetime.
Grandpa! This is for you xx
If you want to take on such an adventure, visit Inspired Adventures
Emma standing on top of Uhuru Peak
It’s funny how different the same experience can look through another’s eyes. A journey that was shared so closely between a group of people can look so different from their view – and from their camera.
It was lovely recently to catch up with my friends who I did Mt Kilimanjaro Climb for Alzheimer;’s Australia NSW with in September 2011. We met and shared stories and photos and how our lives have changed since and it was so wonderful to reconnect.
These are photos from the lovely Anne and Andrew that really stood out to me and reminded me of some wonderful moments – moments of me enjoying and experiencing without even realising someone was looking on and capturing those special times.
Starting out the trip
The Tembo Girls are getting read to go before the climb
Staking my claim on our vehicle - though apparently this wasn't our van
Arriving at Camp Day 1! Woo well done team
gorgeous Anne and I, ready for Day 2
Misty misty on Day 2
Looking towards Kikelelwa Camp on Day 2 after 7 hours of walking, that's Mawenzi in the distance.
Amazing night view from Kikelelwa of Kibo which we willl climb in 3.5 days time.
Camp on Day 3 or 4, Mawenzi Camp where we stayed 2 nights, great view
Walking across the saddle towards Kibo
Hiking up and over the rocks towards the saddle - it's great to have some natural shots of hiking
We finished! At the Marengu Gate!! Enjoying a well deserved Kilimanjaro Beer
My certificate! Proof! Thank you Mufasa, King of Team Tembo
Team Tembo celebrate all together ( exlcuding our other 20 porters who were very much part of the crew)
Share with me your photos and memories of great times captured by another.
Mt Kilimanjaro. The roof of Africa. The largest freestanding mountain in the world. A marvel and a beauty.
I climbed Mt Kilimanjaro and it was amazing to see it from so many angles and so many views.
Here I will share with you 5 gorgeous photos from 5 different points of the mountain. Each one more breathaking and inspirational then the next.
My first beautiful view of Kili from the plane
A view of the mountain from our hotel roof, the day we were to climb it
KIBO peak. Our first views of it from the actual mountain, at Simba camp on morning of Day 2
Good morning Uluru, wait no it's KILI! with the sunrise on it, it looked just like the red dessert rock of Australia. Day 3 - Kikelelwa camp
The most incredible to stop on Day 3 and have a rest - it's wonderful to see where you are heading! To be able to visualise the goal
I have to say one of my favourite things about doing the climb was seeing the mountain from so many new and unexpected views. Sights you can only see when you are climbing her beautiful faces.
From 16th September -22nd September 2011, I Climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW! I did this in honour of my Grandpa who passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2008. I was in Africa when I found out and I said at the time I would one day do this for him, in his memory! We are raising money for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW to raise awareness and the necessary funds for prevention of the disease that affects so many. Dementia is the third leading cause of death in Australia, after heart disease and stroke.
You can still help me reach my $10.000 target by donating to my online fundraising page:
http://my.artezpacific.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=357503&Lang=en-CA
Introducing you to Tanzania by Dismas (Mufasa) Alex.
Mufasa is a dear friend to me who I only recently met on my amazing and epic journey, Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. As head guide, mufasa is responsible for all arrangements with staff and for the primary care of all 9 international participants on the trip. He commands his crew and orchestrates his tribe incredibly for a seamless and highly enjoyable tour.
I cannot wait to go back to Tanzania (planning 2 years time) to see more of the wonderful country and with my best guide and dear “Rafiki” (friend) by my side.
Read more about wonderful Tanzania from Mufasa and see his contact details below for those who are going!
1. Name: Dismas Alex (MUFASA)
2. Occupation: Tourism
3. Country of Residence: Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
4. Country of Origin: Tanzania
8 NORTHER ICE FIELDS FROM THE RIM
5. email/contact/ website ( If happy to be published on a website):
dismasguide@hotmail.com, safaris@tanganyikaparks.com
P.O.BOX 7711, MOSHI
Cell: +255 768 848 323; + 255 658 848 323
6. Why do you love Travel? I feel happy to participate and deliver my community with responsible travel caring about nature flora and fauna living free in wilderness.
7. Favourite place in your home country and why?
Kilimanjaro (the roof of Africa), been there more than 150 times. I feel freedom of mind on the highest peak of Africa, as on the foothills where I grew up in Marangu volcanic fertile land, God given us. I’m so proud of it.
Snows of Kili background
8. Best place for tourists to visit in your country?
Places in combination eco-tourism Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro & Serengeti.
9. What other country would you live in if you had to leave your country?
I love my country Tanzania; more important, it’s a peaceful country; If it happens I’d like to live in any country similar as my home country.
10. Best travelling experience anecdote in your own country?
That is during my childhood, when I first climbed Kilimanjaro 14 years ago; with no proper gearsuntil 4,600 meters, and that I was happy getting closer to those big blocks of permanent glaciers I use to see from the bottom, and also landscape when on Ngorongoro crater rim and Serengeti endless plain with vast wild beast migration.
11. Favourite activity when around your city?
Chatting and exchanging tourism ideas with friends and colleagues
12. Do you feel you know your country well, or is more exploring of your homeland needed?
I know most of my country places of interest physically in spite of the fact that more exploring needed (eco-tourism) to the new places for Tourists to visit as Tanzania is big and believed to have plenty of virgin interesting places to visit.
13. Any warnings for travellers visiting in your country?
Others are normal like any other country, to bring/have copy of their yellow fever certificate.
14. Must see movie featuring your country and Why?
Novels and movies featuring Tanzania, so they can have an idea what kind of a country they are going to visit
October 2011
15. The best book to read before visiting your country?
The Snows of Kilimanjaro by Ernst Hemingway.
16. The must eat dish or delicacy of your country?
Ugali (stiff porridge- corn flour) Banana stew, banana beer,
17. The top three sayings to make travellers stay in your country easier? E.g. How much? Too expensive or Hello.
“Karibu” – Welcome
“Hakuna matata” – No worries, no problems
“pole pole” – slowly slowly
“Poa kichizi kama ndizi” Crazy cool like a banana.
Our mountain tent
18. Best time of year to visit?
All year around, except the raining season March & April for hikers
19. The 4 words that best describe your country:
Tanzania the land of “Kilimanjaro”, “Serengeti”, “Ngorongoro” & “Zanzibar”
Emma and Mufasa on the SUMMIT!!!
KILIMANJARO
Mountain Guides & safari Outfitters
Post Office Home Address:-
7711 Moshi Taifa rd.
East Africa Tanzania
Phone +255 768 848 323
E-mail: dismasguide@hotmail.com
Climbing/Safaris & Beaches
Every year on 21 September, World Alzheimer’s Day unites people living with dementia around the world. There are more than 36 million people with dementia worldwide and by conquering the world’s highest free-standing mountain on World’s Alzheimer’s Day, we will be helping to fight to make sure that dementia is recognised as a global health priority.
I am today going to summit Mt Kilimanjaro in honour of my late Grandpa Jack who passed away from Alzheimer’s Australia NSW. I made a promise soon after my grandpa passed, when I was in Africa, that I would Conquer Kili for him.
This is a killer disease and it’s affecting many Australian lives- we need to make a change and raise awareness. We can do things to prevent it, and by raising such funds, we can hopefully find a cure.
Learn more about World Alzheimer’s Day – http://www.alz.co.uk/world-alzheimers-day
I am currently in Africa Climbing the tallest free standing mountain in the world, Mt Kilimanjaro. I’m climbing on behalf of Alzheimer’s Australia NSW and raising money for the wonderful work they do.
You can still sponsor me by visiting my online fundraising page:
http://my.artezpacific.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=357503&Lang=en-CA
Are you training enough? Are you fit enough? Are you strong enough?
Everyday people are askng me am I ready for my Kilimanjaro Climb.
The answer is, I don’t know.
How can I know?
I’ve been getting in my 2 hour walks, heading to the gym, doing some of my P90X workout DVD’s and just trying to get the fitness in as much as possible.
But I’ve never done a 7 day hike. I’ve never even done a 1 day hike- so I don’t know what to be prepared for.
I’m taking each day is it comes. It’s just one foot in front of the other.
Pole Pole – slowly slowly, The African guides tell trekkers this on the trip. I think this is the most common advice- walk to the beat of your own drum and pace yourself. You’ll make it!
Any training advice or tips from any climbing you have done?
I am currently in Africa Climbing the tallest free standing mountain in the world, Mt Kilimanjaro. I’m climbing on behalf of Alzheimer’s Australia NSW and raising money for the wonderful work they do.
You can still sponsor me by visiting my online fundraising page:
http://my.artezpacific.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=357503&Lang=en-CA
KILI COUNTDOWN – 20 Days to go
I’ve turned to friends for advice and information as the date now creeps increasingly closer to when I must venture out and Climb Mt Kilimanjaro.
I am fortunate enough to have some wonderful friends who were more than happy to give their time, tips and share with me some souvenirs from their Kili climbing experience.
I met with my high school mate Dan who climbed Kili just last year and he gave me not only great advice but a DVD of his time on the mountain, a diary given to him by his tour group with information on Africa, and a great Map of the park and the mountain. As it’s finally within reach, I’m really getting stuck into these resources and trying to place myself in Africa.
DVD
I’m yet to watch the DVD though think this will be a great learning experience- and interesting to see someone else’s journey. The movie was commissioned by one of the members of his group and is shot over a series of different climbs. Dan was actually in this one but not featured. Pretty cool souvenir to get though!
Safari Journal
A wonderful gift from the tour company given to all the participants of the trip. It’s got beautiful images, information and facts about Tanzania, star maps, area maps, wildlife spotting checklists, Tanzania folk tales and lovely writing pages where you can pen your own story. It’s such a great idea to have it all in one, and a fantastic souvenir. I really hope I get something like it – but I have also prepared my own.
Map
The Map of Kilimanjaro Park is really helpful to have and again starts to put things in perspective. However, looking at the elevations and having Dan talk me through the various parts of the hike and explain how treturous some of it could be, it also made me nervous. It will be great to come back and look at this map and see where I went and the heights that we reached.
Do you have any cool souvenirs or photos or blogs that you can share with me before I head off on this crazy adventure?
I will be taking on my biggest Adventure yet, Climbing Kilimanjaro for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW! I will Climb Kilimanjaro in honour of my Grandpa who passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2008. I was in Africa when I found out and I said at the time I would one day do this for him, in his memory! We are raising money for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW to raise awareness and the necessary funds for prevention of the disease that affects so many. Dementia is the third leading cause of death in Australia, after heart disease and stroke. We must prevent and find a cure as it’s not a normal part of aging, and does affect 100,000’s of Australians.
Help me reach my $10.000 target by donating to my online fundraising page:
http://my.artezpacific.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=357503&Lang=en-CA
KILI COUNTDOWN –3 Days to go
As the time fast approaches for my Kili Climb, I find that everyone has a tip, trick or piece of advice they wish to impart.
Some of them are more worrisome and cautions really rather than insightful pieces of information, which can sometimes be less beneficial. But on the whole, it’s been nice to hear what others have to say and perhaps at times, get some harsh home truths about what it’s going to be like.
Here are some of the things that friends, strangers and experts have been telling me:
There were tips galore- and I get at least 5-6 suggestions a day. Everyone’s an expert. I know they are trying to help though.
I look forward to sharing with you my own gems of advice and pearls of wisdom once I’ve conquered Kili!
I will be taking on my biggest Adventure yet, Climbing Kilimanjaro for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW! I will Climb Kilimanjaro in honour of my Grandpa who passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2008. I was in Africa when I found out and I said at the time I would one day do this for him, in his memory! We are raising money for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW to raise awareness and the necessary funds for prevention of the disease that affects so many. Dementia is the third leading cause of death in Australia, after heart disease and stroke. We must prevent and find a cure as it’s not a normal part of aging, and does affect 100,000’s of Australians.
Help me reach my $10.000 target by donating to my online fundraising page:
http://my.artezpacific.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=357503&Lang=en-CA
KILI COUNTDOWN – 7 Days to go
It’s now just 5 days to go til my climb and I seriously need to start thinking about how I’m going to get all the gear I’ve accumulated into the backpack and onto the plane.
With ski jackets, hiking boots, walking bladders and a mountain of snacks and vitamins and tablets, I’m just not sure it’s all going to fit in.
See here the Packing List. Yes All 2 pages of it, that was provided to us by our wonderful organizers, Inspired Adventures. With a list like this, I cannot go wrong.
I feel as though I now have most things covered, but man is there a lot to check!
We also still have to do our last big shop for snacks, medication, pain relief, first aid kit supplies and any other cream, band aid or paste that is going to make our trip more comfortable.
Any suggestions on things that I should take for climbing a mountain?
I will be taking on my biggest Adventure yet, Climbing Kilimanjaro for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW! I will Climb Kilimanjaro in honour of my Grandpa who passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2008. I was in Africa when I found out and I said at the time I would one day do this for him, in his memory! We are raising money for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW to raise awareness and the necessary funds for prevention of the disease that affects so many. Dementia is the third leading cause of death in Australia, after heart disease and stroke. We must prevent and find a cure as it’s not a normal part of aging, and does affect 100,000’s of Australians.
Help me reach my $10.000 target by donating to my online fundraising page:
http://my.artezpacific.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=357503&Lang=en-CA
KILI COUNTDOWN – 5 Days to go
We finally got to the Dandenong Ranges and managed to do the 1000 steps/ Kokoda /memorial trail . And in a way… I wish we didn’t!! If this trail resembles Mt Kilimanjaro at all, I’m in deep trouble!
Doing this steep ascent in the wet and lush rainforest made me realize how unprepared and unfit I am. Panic set in as I climbed those steps and puffed and panted my way along. Honestly, I felt exhausted after maybe 10 minutes of walking. My breathing was bad, my head felt light and I felt utterly useless. Shame and sadness set in too at my state- and I really let my mind get the better of me.
As I stopped and collected myself, I felt close to tears. This was my idea. The Mountain climb, the practice walk, the whole shooting match. And here I am, puffed out and wanting to turn back. I really felt as If I couldn’t do it and maybe I should turn back. Instead of re-setting the pace, taking my time, I just felt like I’d let down the group and I wasn’t living up to expectation.
In reality, there was no shame to be had. It’s a touch walk. Especially on your first go and it really is a tough track. I needed to set the pace that suited me, take my time and relax. The others I went with had no expectations of me, they weren’t judging me, it was all in my mind. This was a big warning and message for Kili - walk to the beat of my own drum. Do what’s right for me. And my stubborn determination and pride will get me there in the end, just as it did on Saturday.
One Tree Hill Picnic Ground
The walk is actually beautiful. I suggest on your first time, take it easy, read the signs along the way, look at the lovely flora and rainforest like landscape that surrounds you. Set your own pace, allow lots of time, and enjoy this beautiful region.
We reached the top in 25 mins-or possibly less, which was really quite quick. We then walked to One Tree Hill picnic ground and took a breather- We were all surprised at how quick It was. We were expecting an 8km track and quite a long day of walking. None of us were hungry really so after a few light snacks, we headed back down. We all opted for the hill instead of the steps.
The hill is a 3.1km path back down, again with some lovely views and beautiful Australian flora all around you. But again, it felt quite quick. We were done with the whole thing within an hour.
The best tip for training at 1000 steps is do it twice! Set your own pace, and listen to your body.
A lovely day out in this area and I’m glad I went – A wake up call and a good bit of exercise for a Saturday.
Kokoda Memorial Trail info and map
If you are interested in checking out the 1000 steps, read some more info here.
I will be taking on my biggest Adventure yet, Climbing Kilimanjaro for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW! I will Climb Kilimanjaro in honour of my Grandpa who passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2008. I was in Africa when I found out and I said at the time I would one day do this for him, in his memory! We are raising money for Alzheimer’s Australia NSW to raise awareness and the necessary funds for prevention of the disease that affects so many. Dementia is the third leading cause of death in Australia, after heart disease and stroke. We must prevent and find a cure as it’s not a normal part of aging, and does affect 100,000’s of Australians.
Help me reach my $10.000 target by donating to my online fundraising page:
http://my.artezpacific.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=357503&Lang=en-CA
KILI COUNTDOWN – 10 Days to go
