The guide books say that climbing Kilimanjaro (which at almost 6000 metres is the highest freestanding mountain in the world) is for most people the toughest physical challenge of their life. So last February I set out with my son Gareth to climb Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route which is the only viable approach from the north side of the mountain.
We reached Kibo Hut (our highest camp at 4700 metres) after a 4 day trek covering some 30 miles and steadily gaining height as we passed through several climatic zones. The final push to the  top started just after midnight when in single file we started to climb the loose volcanic scree that covers much of the lower slopes of Kibo, taking broad zig-zags across the flanks of the crater wall to reach the 5000 metre point after an hour. After another hour we reached Hans Meyer Cave – the half way point at 5300 metres but from here the climb became much steeper and our progress slowed as loose scree gave way to rocks and boulders and the effects of high altitude began to take hold. 
We finally broke through the crater rim to reach Gilmans Point (5700 metres) in time to see the sunrise over the vast African plains far below. From here it was a further 2 hour round trip to reach the highest point on Kilimanjaro at Uhuru peak (5895 metres) but by this time I had become severely dehydrated and weakened through loss of body fluids and had to get off the mountain quickly before the effects of high altitude made my condition more serious. That was personally very disappointing but it was the right decision and I’m pleased to say that Gareth was still in good enough shape to make the final short haul to the roof of Africa.
Looking back I can say without any hesitation that the ascent of Kilimanjaro is every bit as tough as the guide books say but it was an incredible experience that neither of us will forget. And it was all the more rewarding because of the generosity of our many sponsors helping us to raise £8000 for Prostate Cancer research.

We would like to thank all those that supported Matt’s trek.  Matt is currently working on his next challenge, if you would like to join Matt and help with his fundraising efforts then please get in touch with us at the centre by phone on 020 7679 9366 or email info@prostate-cancer-research.org.uk