ER24 medic takes on Kilimanjaro
The next challenge for Rees will be taking on the K2, a mountain in the Himalayas and Mount Everest one day.
Photo: Sonwabile Antonie
Wilropark’s Rees Webber braved the cold, wind and a number of other challenges to climb Mount Kilimanjaro last month.
The ER24 West branch medic decided to climb the mountain following a conversation with his aunt.
“My aunt and I were discussing Mount Kilimanjaro and we questioned whether we would ever do the hike. That is where the idea came from. Planning and training began soon after.
To get himself fit, the 22-year-old attended CrossFit classes, training at a gym and getting out on hiking trails carrying the same weighted backpack that Mount Kilimanjaro requires.
“I did the Camel Roc Hiking Trail which is situated next to the border gate with Lesotho, the Hennops Hiking Trail and Tswaing crater in Pretoria,” said Rees.
Rees, along with a guide and three other climbers, began the Mount Kilimanjaro hike on 22 June.
While one climber dropped out, others were determined to reach the summit.
“I had no regrets during the first couple of days of climbing. I loved every minute, but when it came to summit hike time I wondered why I decided to take up the challenge. Day four was the most difficult part of the hike because we hiked about 10 kilometres and then slept for four hours. We started our summit hike at 12am. It was dark and cold. The higher we went the less oxygen we had. This played with my mind and body. I became tired quicker,” he said.
Rees remained determined despite the pain and struggles experienced until he reached the summit.
“When I got to the top I experienced a rush of emotions. I was emotionally and physically exhausted but at the same time had a rush of energy and I was ecstatic. I did it. I was at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. The pain experienced during the climb up to the mountain disappeared,” he said.
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