A global gathering of 30 climbers from Israel, the UK, US, Canada, France and Switzerland spent 10 days surrounded by some of the world's most beautiful scenery on their way to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to benefit Israeli children's charity Shalva.
The group, led by Shalva trek leader Perry Sugarman and supported by some 75 members of ground staff, ascended the mountain via the Lemosho route, known for its outstanding beauty. The group spent Shabbat at the Barranco Wall, located at 3,900m and above the clouds. All participants elected to observe Shabbat as part of the Shabbat UK project and organised an eruv and special Shabbat meals. Services were led by chazan Anton Ereira and Rabbi Ari Shainfield, both from the UK.
On the last night before the summit climb the group awoke around midnight to begin their final trek up the scree slopes to Stella Point. They reached this point by dawn and continued on around the rim of the volcano to the highest point, Uhuru Peak. This gruelling final trek involved 1,295m of ascent, 2,145m of descent, and over 13 hours of hiking.
The trek has raised more than £200,000 for Shalva's children and their families.
