CAPE TOWN WOMAN READY TO TAKE ON KILIMANJARO

To climb the toughest mountain on earth has crushed the dreams of many hopeful hikers.  For Estelle Van Schalkwyk, a keen hiker from the Northern Suburbs in Cape Town, this dream is one step closer to coming true as she’s preparing to leave for Tanzania on Sunday 25 September 2022.

                WHY KILIMANJARO

Estelle is celebrating her 40^th birthday in October and the summit will be on her birthday, 1 October.  Estelle says she has hiked around the most parts of Cape Town and surrounds but wanted to challenge herself.

                “I decided to do this one year ago. I want to challenge myself.” – Estelle –

It is difficult to believe that five years ago Estelle described herself as a ‘coach potato’ and has since changed her habits to a healthier lifestyle, something that has changed her life. She goes on to say that if someone had told her five years ago that she would climb this mountain she would have laughed.

                PREPARING FOR KILIMANJARO

Estelle says that most of her preparation work the last six months has been done with the help of her personal trainer, Jaco Brits from Commit Okovango.

“I have been training eight times a week. Running, walking, CrossFit and hiking. I do feel prepared physically and mentally, but you never know what lies ahead.” – Estelle –

She has also read many books and spoken to many people about the summit and feels she has a good idea of what to expect, but will only know once she gets there. Her emotions are running on nerves and excitement and does admit that she is a little worried about the altitude sickness and challenges that comes along with that – “… each person’s body has a different reaction to altitude sickness.”

To reach the peak of 5895m of Kilimanjaro takes a mental and physical toll on even the most fit athlete.

                “I am mentally ready to climb that mountain, but my brain and my body has to work together.” – Estelle –

Estelle also puts emphasis on the importance of doing research before attempting any trial as trials can vary from moderate to difficult and says that there are many apps to use that gives you all the info.

                HIKING GIVES A FEELING OF ACCOMPLISHMENT

For Estelle, hiking clears her mind and she says she has hiked with many wonderful people and: “… many mindful conversations.”  This is a time for her soul to rest and reset. Estelle loves the challenge the more difficult routes bring and says reaching the end is an absolute feeling of accomplishment.

“You feel that you can conquer the world. Yes, your legs shake, but that feeling never gets old. A walk-in nature clears your mind and lifts your spirit. Mother nature never disappoints. I always find it very humbling” – Estelle –

She encourages hiking and says it’s as easy as putting on your takkies and walk, but reminds people to take loads of water and never go alone.

MORE ABOUT THE SUMMIT

The climb will start on Tuesday the 27^th and Estelle explains that on summit day your crew wakes you up at midnight, you have something to eat and then you are off.

“You climb in the dark with your headlamp for about 7 hours and you reach summit by day break. You have to walk very slowly for your body’s oxygen levels to adapt. They keep telling you “pole” which means “walk slowly” in the Swahili language. You can’t spend much time at the top because of the dangerously low oxygen levels. I am doing the 6-day Marangu route and it’s a 64km route in total.” – Estelle –

Estelle says she’s looking forward to her trip to Tanzania and to: “…  stand on the “Roof of Africa.” and hopefully have a beer at the top.

With the passion this humble hiker has towards hiking and Mother Nature, it’s no wonder she’s aiming to summit the highest mountain in Africa.  Mount Kilimanjaro is also the highest free-standing mountain above sea level and about 4,900m above its plateau base. It is a dormant volcano in Tanzania and has three volcanic cones: Kibo, Macenzi and Shira.

Follow Estelle’s journey every step of the way on way on a page where she also documents all her hikes: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064048872338

Annette Havenga – Happening News ©