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Mt Kenya & Kilimanjaro Trek 2001 - A Trip To Snowcaps On The Equator

In August 2001, our group of ten enthusiastic members, age ranging from 25-51, made a successful trek up to the summits of Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro, the "Roof of Africa". The team's success was assured with meticulous planning & preparation as well as good teamwork and spirits among the members. Even though the weather was less than perfect on certain days of the trek, the team members were all in high spirits as they made it to both summits. The following is an account of their outing from trip leader Maggie Lim.

It all began...

... sometime mid- June this year when I was feeling the itch to plant my legs on higher ground again, barely 5 months after the last awesome trip to Mount Cook in New Zealand in January 2001. Everywhere but Africa had been on my list of possibilities ; as everything unexpected always prevails in the end, I found myself clinched in a challenge, thanks to Tim, owner of B.O.A.C (Blazing Outdoor Adventurers & Co). I was honoured with the task of leading a group of enthusiasts to safari land, specifically Nairobi to Mount Kenya (Point Lenana at 4985m A.S.L ) and Tanzania, for the world-renowned Mount Kilimanjaro (Uhruru Peak at 5895m A.S.L). After having climbed countless number of flights of stairs and battered the terrain of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve during our training sessions, we were ready for the 17-D mission commencing 6 August 2001!

Polei Polei ! We walked....

Having done our "homework" prior to departure, we came to conclude the secret to overcoming AMS (acute mountain sickness) was none other than spending an unrushed schedule upon arrival in Africa. Mount Kenya was our saviour, a magnificant fortress that never fails to inspire on every moment spent with her throughout the week. Coupled with a slow but steady pace, our group of 10 raved through various terrains ; from the lowland of equatorial rainforests to the barren tussock highlands. We were also blessed with experiencing the elements of sun, rain, hailstorm and snow, not to forget the only night of being closest to the natural environment, a chance to be one with cold and wet sleeping grounds. Hey mates, you know what I'm referring to. Beyond each valley mirrors the magical silhouette of surrounding mountains, of which Batian and Nelion stood out majestically, commanding a sense of magical mystique.

Every moment leaves an impression; for me, this trip brings forth a whole new bunch of like-minded fellow-mates with a sense of adventure, a gift no value can compare. Rays of frendship, a bonding of camaraderie, abridged across each of our hearts. The untreaded grounds of unfamilarity no longer seemed so foreign when our feet journeyed together in harmony, the shadows of darkness and fear lost in our midst of cheerfullness and optimism. To all my dear friends out there, 3 cheers to a trip well done!

Ice caps on the summit crater, Mt Kilimanjaro