Three Legs Reach Kilimanjaro Summit

A team from Capital International has proudly raised the Manx flag atop Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.

After raising nearly £25,000 in various charity events, the Capital team headed to Tanzania to support the Huruma orphanage, a project that helped build and support the infrastructure to secure its future for generations to come.

As part of the trip, some of the Capital team had a personal goal ahead of them, to climb Kilimanjaro.

The team, consisting of Werner Alberts, Jamie Wade, Karen Le Moal, Leanne, and John Venables, embarked on this expedition, showcasing the remarkable power of teamwork and personal determination. Joining them was Mike Valerga, who had always aspired to ascend Kilimanjaro alongside his late mother. Mike’s mother’s dream was sadly cut short by a brief illness, making his participation in this expedition a poignant tribute to her memory.

As part of Mike’s goal, he managed to raise over £4000, which he split between Hospice Isle of Man and the Huruma Orphanage.

Leanne said: ‘Not that the normal climbing route up Kilimanjaro is hard enough, our team leader challenged us to undertake the difficult Marangu Route, known as the Coca Cola route.’

This route, boasting a 50% success rate, offered the team a unique yet testing experience.

She added: ‘The expedition began with our departure from the hotel, where experienced guides and dedicated porters warmly welcomed us. A two-hour journey to Marangu Gate marked a transition in the landscape, from dry, dusty terrain to lush, green tropical vegetation and farms. On the third day, we undertook a challenging six mile trek to Kibo Hut, located at an altitude of 4,700 meters, where the landscape transformed into an alpine desert, and the dropping temperature reminded us of the challenges ahead.

‘Sleep was scarce, and we initiated our midnight ascent to the summit, navigating the pitch-black environment illuminated only by our headlamps. After six and a half hours of relentless climbing, we reached Uhuru Peak, the summit, which brought forth an emotional moment as we reflected on our achievement.

‘Our descent from the mountain marked the end of this incredible journey, and as we descended, our cheers and well-wishes resonated with fellow climbers just beginning their adventure. In total, the whole team covered over 43 miles, reaching an astounding altitude of 5,895 meters (19,340 feet), creating unforgettable memories that solidified our team bond.’