The die is cast and they are ready to hike to the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak pegged at 5 895 metres above sea level on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
The 18 enthusiastic hikers are set to break history for being the first Malawians in a group to trek to the Rooftop of Africa. The trek begins on September 8 and ends on September 17.
The team, under the Outdoor Outreach Adventure banner, is led by three mountaineers of repute. These are Austin Mndolo team leader of the Hikers’ Alliance, Kondwani Chamwala, national coordinator of the Team Adventure and Colby Mughogho who is the chief executive officer of Adventures with Colby.
Daring the trek are lady hikers Akonda Chakhaza, Violet Tabu Chisiano, Agness Mbale, Linda Kapanda, Alice Ndalama, Carolyn Ngwira, Joona Dilawo, Tikhale Kathumba and Sarah Mulwafu. Joining the excursion are Sarah’s husband Ketamoyo Mulwafu, Peter Tumpale Mwamondwe, Kingsley Mmambo, Chifundo Tenthani, Kennedy Jana and Chance Mkandawire.
In separate interviews, it is clear that they all come from diverse professional backgrounds. Some are business entrepreneurs, a lawyer, accountants, a university lecturer, a banker, a communications expert, a soldier, among others. Their ages also vary.
But then, much as they may have diverse physical appearances, educational background, age, professional careers, among others, they all meet at one point: The love for nature, hiking and adventure. Besides, they also believe in the cause for the hike, which is to raise funds for the establishment of tourism, hiking and nature conservation clubs in the country’s secondary schools.
All of them have been to the highest point in Malawi on Sapitwa, at 3 002 metres above sea level. And they have been to several of Malawi’s notable mountains like Zomba, Nkhoma, Ngala, Senga hills, Chiradzulu, Bunda, Ngala ya Pakamwa, Chombe, among others.
Besides, they have all been engaged in deep gym sessions as well as brisk and nature walks not only to keep fit, but also prepare for the Kilimanjaro trail.
Recently, when the names of the hikers were unveiled, the social media was awash with negative as well as positive comments. While some commended the hikers for the trek, others observed that raising funds by contributing K1.5 million to make it on the trip and asking for sponsorship made little sense.
But in an interview, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture spokesperson Symon Mbvundula said much as people may have divergent views, the ministry was endorsing the hike.
“People would have different views on this and we respect that. Our understanding though is that the hiking of Kilimanjaro is not an end but a means to raise funds for the establishment of nature and tourism clubs in schools. Kilimanjaro is more challenging and our expectation is that of corresponding higher stakes,” he observed.
In fact, Kennedy Jana who is joining the trip is Southern Region Tourism officer.
In 2019, Stewart Kambewa made a rare and scarce fund-raising venture. He climbed to Uhuru Peak, before getting on his bike and cycled up to Mulanje from where he hiked to Sapitwa. He did that from September 1 to 30 to raise funds for the Friends of Mulanje Organisation (Fomo). He wished the team to Kilimanjaro well.
Said Kambewa: “Well, I urge them to always remember why they are doing the hike whenever they will be moving. Especially when they reach the base camp, from where they will start the last journey to Uhuru Peak. They should listen to the guides’ advice as well as listening to their physical being.
“It’s not an ordinary hike, but just like everyone else who has hiked a mountain before, determination and will power will get them through. It’s a hike they’ll never forget. Let the cause drive them throughout.”
Also wishing the hikers well is former Cabinet Minister Ken Lipenga, known in hiking cycles as the Landlord of Mulanje Mountain for his treks on the mountain and his chronicling of his excursions. His reaction came when one of the lady hikers mentioned him as her inspiration.
“It’s a great honour to hear that my hiking activities have inspired this young lady. I too feel inspired by her. As the group of Malawian climbers scramble up the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, they’ll be carrying the aspirations of all of us. I wish her and her teammates great success,” said Lipenga.
According to Chamwala, as a pilot, two clubs will be established in each region and they will work hand-in-hand with district tourism and forestry offices for the implementation of tours and conservation acts.
He said: “Currently, the crew members have gone through medical and fitness tests and we are set. The schools will be competing among each other on coming up with tourism, wildlife or forest management proposals that can be implemented and handed over to the responsible department.”
