Mountain High

On Sunday April 2nd, fifteen children from Year 7 and 8, a hardy group of parents and a couple of ill-prepared teachers set off on what would prove to be the adventure of a lifetime up the mountain in a bid to conquer Point Lenana. The first couple of hours went smoothly, with all bags, children and adults being safely transported in the comfort of vehicles. These few sweet hours of warmth would be the last felt by the group until their return to civilisation four days later.

After arriving at their starting point, a quick lunch was devoured by all enabling everyone to have enough energy to reach the first camping spot, approximately six kilometres away. Tea and hot chocolate greeted the group on arrival, along with a full briefing on how the following days would pan out. The excellent staff from African Ascents made everyone feel at ease and answered a range of questions and queries before supper.

If the children were not tired by the end of the first day, they certainly were after the next day's early start and 12 kilometre hike. The good weather the group had enjoyed on the first day continued, with only a light shower towards the end of the afternoon. Spotting a group of zebras was a highlight of the day, along with the first glimpse of camp when the trekkers reached the peak of one of the many hills along the way. After such a long walk, everyone enjoyed their evening meal and a few games of cards before having a very early night.

Day three featured a much shorter walk, but an equally challenging day, as the group attempted to reach their final base camp at Simba Col. The terrain changed throughout the day and temperatures dropped rapidly the higher the party got. Simba Col felt like another planet and presented breathtaking views of tarns and valleys below. The group's main focus whilst at the camp was staying warm and focusing on being prepared for the final ascent which was to begin in the early hours of the final day.

At 4am and in darkness, the group began what would prove to be the most arduous part of the journey - a steep climb from approximately 4600 metres to the summit of 4985 metres at Point Lenana. On arrival, the clouds parted and the way was clear; the views were stunning and everyone was absolutely elated and in awe of what they had achieved. Although ready to be instantly transported back to the warmth of their houses, to soak tired feet and weary bodies they were sadly only at the beginning of the full descent of the mountain, they set off clinging to hope that they could make Old Moses Camp before nightfall.

Any member of the group who went will tell you that the trip was, without a doubt, one of the hardest yet most rewarding things they have ever done...would they do it again - now that's another question entirely!