OUR EFFORTS, PAST AND PRESENT

We climb Kilimanjaro, together we stop rhino poaching.

WHEN: Sept 21st - Sept 29th, 2025

WHERE: Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Africa

Elevation: 19,341'

WHO IS SUMMITTING: Gerhardt Thiart (Executive Director), together with his wife, Al-Jo Thiart (Office Manager) will embark on the challenge of climbing the 19,341 feet to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in 9 days following the Lemosho Route.  

Lemosho starts in a lush, fertile rainforest. This is the first ecological zone they'll encounter on Kilimanjaro (they will trek through four ecological zones). 

The route heads up and across the Shira Plateau, which used to be Kilimanjaro’s third peak before it collapsed. Then, they'll make their way north to Moir Hut, which serves as a great acclimatization day due to short hikes that can be done in the nearby Lent Hills.

Next, they'll climb high up and over Lava Tower before dropping into Barranco Valley, one of the prettiest areas on the entire trail. They will climb the intimidating Barranco Wall and then circle along the southern circuit to Karanga and high camp Barafu Hut.

The summit attempt is made from Barafu in the early morning hours, often during the full moon. This is the coldest, windiest section of their climb. But once the sun comes up, so can most of their extra layers. 

After the summit, the descent follows the Mweka Trail. 

To tackle the 16,000+ feet elevation gain, Gerhardt and Al-Jo committed to a strict training schedule of long hikes with backpacks, gym, and swimming.