A Panorama teenager is still planning on summitting Mount Kilimanjaro, also referred to as Kili, despite a major setback in 2020.
Jayden Peiser, a Grade-8 learner at Rondebosch Boys High School, was initially planning on hiking up Africa’s highest peak in 2020, but had to reschedule his plans due to the Covid-19 pandemic and travel restrictions.
His mother, Anile Peiser, says if all goes well Jayden (14) will be jetting off to Tanzania in July this year.
Through his climb up Kili, Jayden hopes to raise money for an animal charity.
“Due to the Covid travel restrictions, our Kilimanjaro expedition unfortunately did not happen as planned, but the good news is that we have new dates set for 2 to 10 July and we are hopeful that this time nothing will stand in our way to conquer that mountain,” Anile says.
She says the heart of the climb is to raise money for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. “We have raised close to R16 000 so far and hoping to reach our target of R20 000.”
Anile will be joining her son on the hike.
“I summitted in 2017 and since then Jayden has made it his goal to climb Kilimanjaro to raise awareness for animal welfare. In total we will be 20 climbers, who all share a passion for adventure and a desire to make a difference in the world.
“Our chosen partner is Adventure Dynamics International (ADI), an operator that has been leading and guiding trips up Kilimanjaro for over 20 years. Sean Disney, ADI chief executive, personally leads our expedition,” she says.
Disney is supported by an experienced team of Tanzanian guides and porters who have climbed with him over many years to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
“We are doing the Rongai Route. The actual hike will take seven days, from 3 July to 9 July. We fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha, Tanzania, on 2 July, start climbing 3 July, finish the climb 9 July and fly back the 10th,” says Anile.
To prepare for the hike they have to do fitness and conditioning training during rugby practise at Rondebosch Boys High School, visit their local gym and hike as often as possible, she explains.
“Preparation hikes include several Table Mountain routes, as well as hiking in the Drakensberg, Cederberg and the Garden Route,” Anile says.
- To donate to the cause visit www.backabuddy.co.za/mom-son-kilimanjaro-challenge-2020.
