A group of keen amateur hikers from the United Kingdom set themselves the ambitious task of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano and the highest mountain in Africa, standing 5895 metres above sea level. After 5 arduous days of trekking, the intrepid team commenced the climb to the summit.

Still bleary-eyed, the group ventured out at 11pm and eventually reached the peak nine hours later. Considered the most challenging part of the climb, the hikers set out in the dark, using headlamps to navigate the steep, rocky terrain, in order to reach the summit at sunrise. Climber David Rasiah stated that the ascent was unquestionably brutal, with many in the group suffering the dangerous symptoms of altitude sickness.

At the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the air is significantly thinner due to lower atmospheric pressure, resulting in a reduced amount of oxygen available for breathing. For this reason, the time spent at the summit is usually limited to a mere 30 minutes. Following the gruelling ascent, the group started the demanding descent to the camp site. The hikers finally reached the base camp at 2:30pm, having hiked for over 14 hours.

The sheer amount of energy required to tackle the peak and the subsequent descent left many exhausted. Three Trek4Ceylon riders successfully completed the hike, raising funds for the Karapitiya Palliative Care Centre in Galle and St Luke’s Methodist Mission Hospital in Puttur. Riders Nancy Gunaratnam, Srith Karunanithy and David Rasiah were part of a team of ten. Having previously hiked Machu Picchu in Peru, Mount Ulriken in Norway, Mount Snowdon in Wales, Arthur’s Seat and Ben Nevis in Scotland and, most recently, Everest Base Camp, David Rasiah was the most experienced member of this trekking team. Albeit, still very much an amateur.

Comparing the various challenges, he stated that overall Everest Base Camp was extremely taxing from start to finish. The brutality of the climb prevented him from appreciating the spectacular Himalayan backdrop. David explained that over the span of the hike, the trek to the summit of Mount  Kilimanjaro was far gentler than to Everest Base Camp. However, the final day’s hike to the peak was torturous. The push to the mountain top was savage. And David advised that anyone considering this expedition or any similar trip, must be fully aware of the demands. Read up clearly, and be thoroughly informed of the conditions and strains, and ensure that you’re physically in prime shape for the task.

Trekking at these heights is most definitely not for the faint hearted. It’s an incredibly debilitating physical and mental endurance test. Preparation is key. Put in the effort to get physically fit, and ensure you obtain sturdy equipment eg trekking shoes and gear. You won’t regret it. When asked which trek was the most punishing, David responded Machu Picchu in Peru. Then Everest Base Camp and finally Mount Kilimanjaro.

Furthermore, ensure that the team is supportive of each other. Without unity, compassion and patience, the chances of failure increase. Take everything into account before embarking on any laborious quest. Additionally, the climbers were aided by a remarkable team of 50 individuals, attending to the group's every need. Not only did they cook, carry the baggage, etc, but were also very mindful of each hiker's health, safety and wellbeing. Trek4Ceylon hopes to sail across the Atlantic next year. All in an effort to raise funds to lift up the medical infrastructure across Sri Lanka.
 The trekkers have also set their eyes on climbing K2 on the border of Pakistan and China, and Annapurna.

In the meantime, preparations are underway for the annual cycle ride. Coordinated by the Ride Chair, Trinushka Perera, the ride will take place from 10-14 February 2026. Over 70 cyclists from around the globe have registered to participate in this ride, and journey from Colombo, via Galle and Hambantota, to Jaffna. Further information regarding this charity can be found on www.trek4ceylon.com