Kilimanjaro trekkers return to enthusiastic welcome

Eight Kilimanjaro trekkers arrived back home yesterday to an enthusiastic welcome by family and friends, including the 10 colleagues who returned last week.

Seventeen of the 18 trekkers reached the summit of Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro - the world's highest free-standing mountain at an altitude of 5,895 metres - on January 5, having started the upward trek on December 20. One failed to make it to the summit because of altitude sickness.

Although all of this year's trekkers performed the challenge for the first time, this was the third Kilimanjaro Challenge.

It aimed at collecting Lm45,000 towards financing a prosthesis for Amy Zahra and to refurbish a school and convent in Ethiopia.

Trekkers walked six to eight hours a day in atrocious conditions with heavy rainfall and lots of snow.

Hilary Galea Lauri said the weather was the worst it had been in 25 years. However, reaching the summit made it an incredible and worthwhile trip.

Sunrise rewarded trekkers with a spectacular scene every morning.

One can donate Lm1 via SMS on 5061 7371, 5061 8077 to donate Lm2 and 5061 8927 to donate Lm3. Alternatively donations can be made by means of a deposit in accounts held at Bank of Valletta account number 40015232535 or HSBC 75108050001.