Pembroke House children are known for always being up for a challenge and this past half term was no exception. 34 children from Year 8 set off on an expedition of a lifetime, with the aim of climbing 4,985 metres (16,354 feet) up Mount Kenya, the second tallest mountain in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The entire party consisted of 27 parents, 5 teachers, 8 guides from Savage Wilderness, 2 cooks, 2 camp managers and 120 porters!
Taking the Sirimon route, they spent days hiking through Afro-alpine moorlands, heath, bamboo and canopy forests and four nights on the mountain staying at Judmaier, Liki North, Shipton’s and Makinder’s Camp, under magical moonlight.
On the penultimate morning, the groups started leaving camp at 6 am for the final five-hour climb to the top, summiting Lenana around 11am in glorious sunshine and being rewarded by a majestic view of Mt Kilimanjaro.
Quite remarkably 31 children reached the summit to significant cheers. Everyone agreed just how brilliant the trip was and just how energetic a bunch of 12 & 13 year olds can be.
We couldn’t be more proud of how much endurance, teamwork and humour our children displayed throughout the climb – although Mr Wright did add that they could benefit from remembering everything they say in a tent is audible from the outside!!
Mount Kenya. Done. Which mountain will they conquer next?
