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What is climbing Kilimanjaro like?

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an amazing and awe-inspiring adventure for numerous reasons. As the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the tallest peak in Africa, Kilimanjaro offers a unique and challenging experience that captivates climbers from all over the globe. Here are some reasons why climbing Kilimanjaro is considered amazing:

Iconic and Majestic: Kilimanjaro’s striking silhouette rising dramatically from the African plains is an iconic sight. The mountain’s massive volcanic cone and snow-capped peak create a breathtaking and majestic backdrop for the climb.

Diverse Landscapes: Climbing Kilimanjaro takes you through a remarkable range of landscapes, from lush rainforests in the lower elevations to barren alpine deserts and glaciers at higher altitudes. Each day of the ascent reveals a different environment, offering a sense of adventure and exploration.

Physical and Mental Challenge: Summiting Kilimanjaro is a challenging endeavour that pushes climbers physically and mentally. The gradual ascent to high altitudes requires endurance, resilience, and determination, making reaching the summit a remarkable personal achievement.

Unique Wildlife: Kilimanjaro is home to diverse and unique flora and fauna, including the endemic Kilimanjaro tree hyrax and various species of plants and animals adapted to high-altitude environments. Climbers may encounter wildlife as they traverse different ecological zones.

Cultural Experience: The climb often involves interaction with local guides and porters from nearby Tanzanian communities. Learning about the local culture, traditions, and languages adds an enriching cultural experience to the journey.

Sunrises and Sunsets: Witnessing the sunrise and sunset from Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude camps is a breathtaking and unforgettable sight. The changing colours of the sky over the vast African landscape create a magical atmosphere.

Camaraderie: Climbing Kilimanjaro done in groups, fostering a sense of camaraderie among fellow climbers. The shared experience of facing challenges and supporting one another creates strong bonds and lasting memories.

Spiritual and Reflective: The serene and remote environment of the mountain provides an opportunity for introspection and reflection. Many climbers find a sense of spiritual connection and personal growth during the journey.

No Technical Climbing Skills Required: Unlike many other high-altitude mountains, Kilimanjaro does not require technical climbing skills or specialized equipment. It is a non-technical trek, making it accessible to a broader range of adventurers.

Sense of Accomplishment: Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) is an extraordinary accomplishment. Standing on the “Roof of Africa” provides a sense of triumph and fulfilment that stays with climbers for a lifetime.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is not only an adventure of a lifetime but also an opportunity to connect with nature, challenge oneself, and create cherished memories. However, it is essential to be well-prepared, physically fit, and acclimatize properly to ensure a safe and successful climb.

‘Matt’-chu Picchu trek 2019!

Matt Cox signed up to trek to Machu Picchu and raise money for Cancer Research UK in memory of his cousin Mandi.

‘I saw the advert for the Ultra Adventures trek to Machu Picchu and I was instantly tempted to do it. After a chat with my wife over fundraising ideas I signed up that evening. I set up my JustGiving page so that I could give myself the maximum amount of time to hit the fundraising target, I was really pleased with the generous donations and encouragement I got! People I hadn’t seen in years were helping me to get to my target, which I hit just before Christmas 2018.

In January, I started training and once a week I would go for a hike with my Dad which was really nice as we’d not shared much time together in years. I also went to the gym, jogging and walking most evenings to help me prepare for the trek.

I’d never done anything like this before so I was looking forward to the Ultra Adventures challenge! After a few final sponsors from local businesses in exchange for their logo on my trek t-shirt I reached £5,000 for Cancer Research UK. I set off to meet the group at Heathrow airport for the journey to Peru.

We landed in Cusco where we spend the day taking in the local sites and getting acclimatised. The following day we took a trip to the beautiful rainbow mountain which was incredible and our first taste of the trekking altitude.

The following day we started the trek to Machu Picchu which spanned over 4 days with amazing sites every step of the way! There were some challenging steep sections, long downhill sections, bright blue lakes, snow-capped mountains and plenty of wildlife. The whole journey was stunning.

On the final day of the trek, we approached the sun gate where we were greeted by an incredible view of Machu Picchu. We arrived at the Machu Picchu site around 5pm which was perfect as there were hardly any other tourists which meant we could explore and capture amazing photos of the sunset over this incredible site. This was the best and most rewarding part of the experience. After a well needed nights sleep we returned to Machu Picchu in the morning for a full tour.

My Machu Picchu experience was truly unforgettable. I met some great people, had lots of fun, trekked an incredible distance and raised over £5,000 for Cancer Research UK in memory of my cousin Mandi. I’d like to thank everyone involved in making the experience, with a special thank you to Natalie, our medic who looked after us every step of the way.

If anyone is thinking about taking part in an Ultra Adventures trek, don’t think – just do! You won’t regret it.

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Scott Wyper Kilimanjaro

On Top of The World – Scott Wyper

So, in short, I did it! I made it to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro 5,895m or 19,341ft. The rooftop of Africa, the highest free-standing mountain on this planet.

“…you realise what humans are capable of!”

Sorry to anyone who wanted an update sooner, but I came back and wanted to settle back into what is deemed to be normality for a week and let it all really sink in before writing this post. I felt there was something kinda final about posting this and letting everyone know and I suppose I didn’t/don’t really want this experience to be over. But it is and when you come back down with a bump you realise what a truly amazing experience it was from start to finish.

It’s weird being back after 7 days on the mountainside with one sole purpose. To walk and keep on walking until you get to the top. Things are different, after spending a fair chunk of the time in your own head and the rest with a bunch of people who were strangers to me when we met at the airport or when we met on day one in Tanzania, you realise what humans are capable of.

Coming together with a common goal and bonding in a way that is very unique I could not have asked to set out on the mission with a better bunch of absolute legends, everyone with their own reasons for being there. All bringing their own personality and additions to the group dynamic. We all got each other up and down with support, banter, grit and determination. I really have made a troop of friends for life, the bond we have forged is a very special one that could only come from such an expedition.

I have said to a few people now I kinda feel like it was two adventures the first part getting to base camp. Different terrain each day, being woken with an African song and dance. Getting higher each day and your lungs, legs and mind being tested a little each day. Getting to know the group, the porters and guides (who by the way are superhuman) with every step.

Then the second adventure was summit night/day. To say it was hard is an understatement. Setting off at midnight and walking for 12hrs. the conditions were insane, -20 and the rest with 60-70mph winds, packed ice that was like walking on an ice rink with glass shoes on. I had to dig deeper than I ever have before, deeper than I knew I could and for hours on end. It took every fibre in my body, mind and soul to keep pushing. But with my comrades support one foot in front of the other sometimes having to literally crawl WE did it. What a feeling, what an experience, what a life changer.

I could go on and on but I’m going to leave it at that for now. So many memories and stories to tell and photos to share, but let’s talk about them the next time we meet. I can’t wait to catch up with you all and tell you ALL about it.

Thanks to all my Tanzanian brothers and thanks to all my new friends we did it TOGETHER!

Lastly thanks to all who donated to the cause getting my JustGiving total for Cancer Research UK up to nearly £8,300 which is £8,800 including gift aid truly amazing. As a group we are upwards of £80,000 It’s not too late yet if you still want to contribute my page is open for a few more weeks we are trying to get to £100,000

http://www.justgiving.com/Scott-Wyper?utm_id=26

Linda Climbs Kilimanjaro

Linda Climbs Kilimanjaro

Linda climbed Kilimanjaro in June 2018 as part of the Ultra Adventures Team, here’s her account of the experience.

“Articulating my experience of climbing Kilimanjaro is simply impossible! It was an incredible, life-changing experience from start to finish.

I had no experience climbing before and I was greeted at the airport by a team of amazingly motivated, inspiring, warm-hearted people and instantly I knew there would only be one outcome. I felt safe with the team and our brilliant medic Natalie, and we were all there for the same shared reason, to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Amazing motivated group climb Kilimanjaro

From the first day of climbing, with adrenaline rushing through us, I received nothing but constant support, kindness, motivational chats, banter, empathy, encouragement and an abundance of laughter! We were all from different walks of life, but we took care of each other.

The beauty of the mountain is breathtaking, the views are indescribable. You push yourself beyond your limits and share an experience with people that you may not see in person again. But the bond we share is one that words can’t describe and I find it hard to verbalise.

Breathtaking views up Mount Kilimanjaro

I’d like to wish everyone Good Luck. Enjoy every single minute of the most unique and truly phenomenal days that you may ever have!”

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Scott takes on Kilimanjaro with Ultra Adventures

Scott Takes on Kilimanjaro

I’m always someone that likes to challenge myself and when an opportunity from Ultra Adventures came along to climb Kilimanjaro, I was instantly interested!

Register today for your spot on the next trip to Mount Kilimanjaro!

Being a former Royal Air Force Physical Training Instructor I’ve been physically and mentally pushed to my limits but this trip was something different. There were 15 of us who started, all complete strangers to me but by the end of the 7 days, from what we experienced, I now consider them much more than friends! The local support crew from Ashanti Tours were incredible and made the trip that extra bit special.

Scott Kilimanjaro group photo with Ultra Adventures

Mount Kilimanjaro an experience of a lifetime!

New Year, New Experience – Take On An Ultra Adventure

Have you ever wanted to experience one of the seven wonders of the world? Or climb the highest mountain in Africa? Because I have. Machu Picchu and Mount Kilimanjaro have always been on my bucket list! In 2018 I want to experience as much as I can and along the way, help raise money for charity.

I have always wanted to do new and exciting things for charity but a run or a swimathon never excited me, so this year I will be taking a big challenge and getting ready to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and Machu Picchu. I know it’s going to be hard but I also know it will be worth it!

Knowing that Ultra Events have their sights set on raising £17M for Cancer Research UK as their next milestone, has spurred me on even more, to be a part of it.

I took part in Ultra White Collar Boxing in 2015 and since then I haven’t done anything as exciting to raise money for charity. As soon as Ultra Adventures popped up on my screen I immediately read all about it.

I can only imagine the feeling of walking through the phenomenal viewpoints and stunning scenery on the Inca trail and summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. The pictures I have seen are amazing and being able to have the chance to see it in person, made me jump to the chance. 

I cannot wait to start my journey with Ultra Adventures.

Machu Picchu: One of the 7 Wonders of the World

Machu Picchu is, deservedly so, one of the seven wonders of the world. Most people have seen photographs of it but few have seen it in real life, in all its glory.

Machu Picchu is Peru’s most famous Inca citadel situated on a mountain ridge 2,430 metres above sea level, it stretches over an impressive 5-mile distance with over 3,000 stone steps.  It is believed to have been a royal estate or sacred religious site for Inca leaders. For hundreds of years the citadel was abandoned and its existence was only known to people living in the region until 1911 when it was discovered by American archaeologist Hiram Bingham.

Continue reading “Machu Picchu: One of the 7 Wonders of the World”

kilimanjaro-story-jon-2

Jon climbs Mount Kilimanjaro and raises £8,000 for charity!

I have supported Cancer Research UK for many years and have done various challenges to raise as much money as possible. In June 2017, I took on my biggest challenge yet – Mount Kilimanjaro!

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free standing mountain in the world. I knew it was going to be tough, I was going to have to train hard, but I also knew that is was going to be an incredible experience. The great thing about Mount Kilimanjaro is that it is non-technical which means almost anyone can do it!

Continue reading “Jon climbs Mount Kilimanjaro and raises £8,000 for charity!”

Ultra White Collar Boxing Winner

Ultra Events have raised almost £10 Million for Cancer Research UK!

Ultra Events started out as a local fundraiser in Derby in 2009, raising money for various charities. In 2013, they started to support Cancer Research UK and have since raised almost £10 Million to help fund research into over 200 different types of cancer.

Continue reading “Ultra Events have raised almost £10 Million for Cancer Research UK!”