Kenn Nielsen, CFO of Daniamant has, after an incredible, intensive and gruelling training regime (well not really, Kenn tried on his boots and back pack in the office one day and then said “I’m ready, lets go!”) finally made it up the mountain.
Fig 1 - Kenn in "intensive" training
On March 12, 2010, Kenn reached the Uhuru Peak at 07:13 after 7½ hours hard trekking during the cold (-20c) night. After reaching the top Kenn trekked down to the base camp at 4,600m and rested for one hour before trekking down to the camp at 3,100m where he spent the night.
Fig 2 - Kenn makes it to the top
Kilimanjaro, with its three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira, is an inactive stratovolcano in north-eastern Tanzania and the highest mountain in Africa at 5,895 metres or 19,341 feet (the Uhuru Peak). Mount Kilimanjaro is considered to be the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, rising 4600 m (15,100 feet) from the base.
Fig 3 - A view from Kenn's own camera
Though the climb is technically very easy, the altitude, low temperature, and occasional high winds make this a difficult and dangerous trek. Acclimatisation is essential, and even then most people suffer some degree of altitude sickness. About 10 climbers die from this each year, together with an unknown number of local porters - figures for these are guessed at between 10-20. Kilimanjaro summit is well above the altitude at which high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), or high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) can occur. All climbers will suffer considerable discomfort, typically shortage of breath, hypothermia and headaches, and though most young, fit people can make the Uhuru summit, a substantial number of trekkers will abandon the attempt at a lower altitude.
Fig 4 - Kenn enjoying the moment ("Can I go now!")
Congratulations Kenn on a truly remarkable achievement that you will remember for the rest of your life.
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