A WORCESTER man is getting ready to scale the world’s highest freestanding mountain.
Standing 5,895 metres (19,336 feet) tall, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa and in just over 12 months, Matt Gammon, of Low Fold Close, St John’s, Worcester, will set off on an expedition to conquer it.
The former Royal Grammar School student, aged 23, is undertaking the challenge of the lifetime as part of his Adventure Tourism Management degree from the Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies.
“I’ve no doubt it’ll be the most difficult challenge I’ll ever face,” he said.
“Altitude sickness, coupled with exhaustion and freezing temperatures near the summit will really test myself and the group. No amount of planning and training will prepare us for what it will be like, but I believe a positive attitude will see us to the top.”
Mr Gammon, who can already cites hill and mountain climbing as a hobby, is now appealing for local people and businesses to sponsor the trip. The aim of the expedition is to reach the summit of not only Mount Kilimanjaro, but also an active volcano in Northern Tanzania called Ol Donyo Lengai - known by local tribes as the Mountain of the Gods.
At 2,878m (9,650ft) it is less than half the height of Kilimanjaro, but still poses a challenge due to 40C (104F) temperatures and steep, unstable slopes of ash and crumbling rocks.
Whilst in Tanzania, the group of six will also explore the Ngorongoro Crater and partake in community and research projects in the area.
“I do quite a lot of hill and mountain walking already,” said Mr Gammon, “but obviously this will be a completely different challenge.”
Training will consist of trips to the gym and jogging in order to build up stamina.
Mr Gammon said in return for funding the trip sponsors will get the opportunity to support small communities in Northern Tanzania and the chance to have your company logo photographed at the top of the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Anyone interested can email Mr Gammon at matt_gammon_1984@ hotmail.co.uk
Good luck on your Kili climb!! You’ll love every minute of it! I climbed it in October 2006 and got to Uhuru Peak! It was an incredible experience, one that you’ll never forget. I’m going back on 10th Jan to climb it again (Shira route this time instead of Rongai) because I decided it was just too good to only see once.
A couple of very important tips for you…1) walk as slowly as you can, the slower the better! 2) drink plenty of water, you’ll need lots of toilet breaks but who cares! I was given the title of “p*ss king” by my fellow trekkers because of my frequent loo breaks!!
Success is not guaranteed so just make sure you take in as much as you can and try to enjoy it to the max!
Very best wishes to you!