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Ten students signed up, ranging from seasoned trail runners and swimmers to one bold student who admitted, ‘I had never climbed a mountain before!’ As group member Isaac put it, ‘Everything seems like a good idea at sea level...’ Once committed, students began raising funds for the expedition, training rigorously, combining independent fitness regimes with organised hikes to build team spirit, test equipment, and experience extended treks at altitude.
Two major training expeditions took place alongside our Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award students: a multi-day hike with overnight camping in the Gruyère region in June 2024 and a demanding trek in September over the Col du Grand St Bernard in harsh weather, with a night in a monastery.
“With the caveat that before this trip I had not been to Kilimanjaro, hiking over 15 kilometres with 1,500m of elevation in awful weather while carrying a significant backpack showed me how well the students were prepared.”
Additional hikes in Marchissy and a snowshoe expedition on Mont Fort, Verbier, further tested their endurance. A gruelling bleep test was another testament to the group’s commitment and determination.
Extreme expeditions are all about experience. From off-piste skiing to scuba diving, parapenting to mountaineering, assessing conditions, weather, group preparedness, and individual wellbeing is essential. Our ten LCIS students and two staff members—Mr Porteous and Head of Secondary Mr McLoughlin—set off ready to appreciate each and every moment, whatever the trip would bring.
Their first stop was Shamba Kipara camp, outside Arusha at 1,500m altitude. Here, they met their four Nord Anglia expedition leaders and Charles, their in-country representative and guide from Summit Africa.
Day one focused on orientation: kit checks to ensure boots, backpacks, and clothing were fit for purpose, discussions about expectations, and vital health screenings, including oxygen saturation tests and the Lake Louise Test for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
On day two, the adventure truly began with a walking safari and hike on Mount Meru, a dormant volcano. The conditions were starkly different from the Swiss mountains, with challenges and welcome surprises too. The group quickly grasped the challenges ahead including navigating the volcanic landscape under a blazing Tanzanian sun, and were rewarded with the presence of zebra, giraffes and monkeys. This trial run was essential—not just for testing kit, but for finding hiking rhythm and pacing.
Returning to camp, students relaxed in the peaceful surroundings of Shamba Kipara, where camp manager Raphael’s passion for local produce was turned into incredible meals prepared by chef Susan. As they swam in the pool and unwound, excitement for the coming days built. Mr McLoughlin commented, “We all knew we would soon be leaving such luxuries behind so we wanted to make the most of it while we could!”
Day three marked the start of the real challenge: hiking Kilimanjaro and, perhaps, reaching its 5,895-metre summit. At Machame Gate, porters expertly organised gear, food, and tents for the seven-night trek. With waterproofs, snacks, and water packed, and after a good lunch, the group took their first steps up the mountain.
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At first it seemed like a massive change - with no phones!” said our student Isabella. “But once we got onto the mountain, we really appreciated it and lived in the moment. We bonded as a team, and I got to know people I didn’t know before.” “Walking up with nothing but each other and our thoughts… you gain a lot of insight into yourself and the people you are hiking with,” reflected another student Parker.
The first 11-kilometre trek took them from 1,800m to over 2,800m through humid rainforest. With significant altitude gain, acclimatisation was key. The next day, the landscape transformed into a stark volcanic plateau, where prehistoric giant groundsel plants towered above them in the mist.
Each day began with waking in tents, packing up, and ensuring day packs were adequately provisioned. “Incredible pupils, conversation, and energy,” said Mr Porteous. “Really focused, fantastic young people coping and adjusting brilliantly.”
An acclimatisation hike to the 4,700m Lava Tower pushed the group’s stamina further. Descending to Barranco Camp at 3,959m, fatigue set in, but their resilience shone through. The next day, they tackled the famous Barranco Wall scramble, though two students were too unwell to continue. They descended with Mr Porteous, making the most of their time at Shamba Kipara, while the rest pressed on.
The remaining eight students, led by Mr McLoughlin and their guides, continued through to Kosovo Camp, where they ate and rested before the final ascent. Around midnight, they set out under an almost full moon, aiming to reach Stella Point at sunrise. Though bitterly cold, conditions were perfect.
“Summit day was absolutely gorgeous,” enthused our student Stijn, “but it was the day that tested us mentally and physically the most.”
“It was very difficult,” agreed Francisco. “Summit night, everyone had a moment when they wanted to turn back… but the sheer ecstasy of being up there is unmatched.”
Fully embracing the challenge, student Jana reflected, “I got closer to classmates I had never talked to before. It was moving and tough. It’s just yourself against yourself… I grew a lot.”
Mr McLoughlin added, “Everyone was profoundly moved as they witnessed the sun rise over the African continent from the summit of its highest peak.”
After 24 hours without sleep, the exhausted but elated group hiked back down and made their way back to Shamba Kipara. Carla, who had descended earlier, had not wasted a moment—helping in the kitchen, she formed bonds with chef Susan and engaged in insightful conversations with the local staff.
“It was a very different experience from a standard school trip. You get to meet porters and guides—they do so much to help and encourage you. Talking to them, you gain a sense of a very different lifestyle, which is amazing.”
For Mr Porteous, the trip reaffirmed his passion for teaching. “The experience reminded me why I wanted to be a teacher.”
The Kilimanjaro adventure tested limits, forged friendships, and built resilience, leaving ten LCIS students, and their teachers, with some unforgettable memories.
