MOUNTAIN TRAVEL
there is a common phrase among hikers: the mountains are calling, I must go. The majority of them get into hiking because they love nature or are fascinated by the towering wilderness. Some have been inspired by other hikers. Others are seeking a physical challenge, or to conquer something within.
My case was slightly different. An idle conversation with a friend ended up in a debate as to which mountain was more difficult to hike: Mt Kenya or Mt Kilimanjaro. I was of the opinion that the latter – being Africa's highest mountain – had to be harder, while my friend vouched for Mt Kenya due to its more challenging terrain. There was only one way to resolve the dispute: climb both and then make up my own mind. And so began my personal obsession with climbing Africa's 12 highest mountains.
Fast-forward several years and my quest for the high ground has just two targets remaining: 4270m Amba Farit and 4036m Mt Chilalo, both in Ethiopia. The following pages describe my experiences of climbing 10 of Africa's highest peaks
