CLIMB AGAINST CRIME – February 2006
Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania
and includes the highest peak in Africa, Uhuru Peak on the volcano Kibo, 5,895
metres above sea level. It is also the tallest freestanding mountain
known to mankind. Although believed to be extinct by many, this volcano is in
fact very active. Scientists concluded in 2003 that molten lava is just 400
metres below the main summit crater of Kibo. Although new activity is not
expected, there are fears that the volcano may collapse, causing a major
eruption similar to Mount St Helens.
The climb to Uhuru Peak is considered to be
relatively straightforward, however ample time must be provided for proper
acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness. Due to the equatorial location as
well as huge height, climbers can experience almost every climate type on earth
during the journey to the top.
Between the 11th and the 18th
of February 2006, three very brave girls will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro,
via the Machame route to Uhuru Peak. They are Caroline Kaltzberger, Sam Dowson
and Belinda Peters. They are climbing as a tribute to all South Africans who
have lost their lives to violent crime and will be planting the STAND banner on the summit.
As a matter of interest, Kilimanjaro is the
highest point in the world to be covered by a GSM mobile phone network. The
service is provided by Vodacom.
