A group of 15 journalists and a section of members of the Tanzania National Parks (Tanapa) board of directors today start a six-day journey to conquer Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro.
The group, which also includes the writer of this article, is expected to reach their first post, Mandara Hut, today at around 5pm.According to Tanapa Public Relations manager Pascal Shelutete, Mandara hut is located some 2,700 metres above the mean sea level.
Originally, there were only 14 journalists set for the trek before the Communication officer in the ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Ms Sheiba Bulu, decided to join the team yesterday.
Preparations for the journey to scale the mountain whose tip stands at 5,895 metres above sea level were completed yesterday after the team received mountain climbing gear.
Each of the journalists was given special clothing for the chilly weather, water containers, a sleeping bag, a walking stick as well as sunglasses.They will be joined by six Tanapa board members to make the journey which has been prepared specifically to mark Tanzania Mainland’s 50th independence anniversary.
The team is expected to reach the highest point, Uhuru Peak, on December 9, the day when the country would mark Independence Day.Tomorrow the team will travel from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut which is located some 3,720 metres above sea level where they will stay for two days.
According to Mr Shelutete, after leaving Horombo Hut, the team will aim for Kibo Hut, some 4,700 metres above sea level and from there, on the night of December 9, they will head for Uhuru Peak.
The team of journalists is made up of James Range (Star TV), Emanuel Almasi and Nicholaus Mbaga (TBC1), Irene Mark (Tanzania Daima) as well as Mussa Juma (Mwananchi).
Others are Asraji Mvungi (ITV/Redio One), Juma Kapipi (Channel 10), Lilian Joel (Uhuru), Salome Kitomary (Nipashe) and Rodrick Makundi (Redio Moshi FM).
Joining the group are also Charles Ndagulla (Tanzania Daima), Emmanuel Herman (a photo journalist with The Citizen), Mr Shelutete and the author of this article.This is the first time Tanapa organises a large team of journalists for such an expedition since Tanganyika became independent in 1961.
The team will be led by 81-year old guide Emanuel Minja who also guided Mr Charles Nyirenda to place the Uhuru Torch on top of Mount Kilimanjaro on December 9, 1961.
Etiketter: News
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