Early Days
When we first decided to climb Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya in one expedition, we didn't give the idea any serious thought. It was simply a matter of: "Let's do it". "Sure, why not". Having climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro 6 times between us, we assumed that it would be more of the same, just not as high or cold. Now, a few months down the line and a month before the expedition, we've wisened up and have started putting in some additional training.
Mt. Kenya is lower than Kilimanjaro, but an entirely different mountain, one where technical climbing takes a front seat and hiking no more than a vehicle for getting close. We've learnt that one needs to be able to understand rock (strata), how to abseil, how to climb (which sounds much easier than it is) and to trust in one another under pressure. Having never seen a climbing rope up 'till 2 months ago, we've since been on a steep learning curve (no pun intended)
Our first step was to enroll in an abseilling course. We reckon that having gone up to the top, you better understand the only way down, which abseilling happens to be. Next was to actually brave the world of climbing and this we did with the help of The Mountain Club of South Africa. Under the expert tutelage of Stephen Mallory, grandson of the famous mountaineer, we were introduced to climbing walls, figure of 8 knots, bugs, belays, friends and so on. It is essential to have all the correct gear and to actually undergo your training with that equipment. Familiarity is the key issue as once on the mountain, there can be no guessing.
I should mention that the climbing techniques and discussion relates purely to Mt. Kenya as there is absolutely no climbing done on our Kilimanjaro part of the expedition.
Training has taken on a new meaning for us as we now run and climb together with hiking. Running gets your legs and lungs fit, hiking helps to prepare the legs for actual conditions and climbing; well, climbing gets you to the top.
The concept of running the expedition on the internet has become a full expedition in itself, with hours being spent on getting equipment ready, speaking to specialists about battery life, compression techniques for photographs etc etc. Thanks to satellite technology, we are able to link up with the world by simply pressing all the right buttons in the right sequence. Now we hope that all the hours of planning and sourcing equipment pays off to put you there with us on top of Africa .
Satellite communication courtesy of Station Africa Telecomms
