L Cpl Sarah Robinson and comrades from 158 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps joined 162 Regiment RLC reservists to conquer Kilimanjaro earlier this year. They made a successful assault on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in the summer.
The demanding seven-day expedition to scale Africa’s highest peak is the sort of adventurous training that reservists across the UK’s Armed Forces can take advantage of. But despite their training in preparation for the trip, it tested the endurance, teamwork and resilience of all the RLC reservists involved.
The team’s challenge began at Lemosho Gate (2,100m), where porters and guides welcomed them to the trek. They set off on a steep four-hour climb through humid jungle terrain, home to towering trees and the occasional monkey, spending their first night at Mkubwa Camp, 2,650 metres (8,700 ft) above sea level.
Over the following days, the reservists climbed through changing landscapes. They passed the volcanic moorland of Shira I Camp (3,610m, 11,850 ft), where they were treated to a striking red and gold sunset, before crossing the flatter terrain of the Shira Plateau to reach Cathedral Point, at an altitude of 3,872m (12,700 ft) .
By Day 4, the team faced their first real test in the thinning air, crossing an alpine desert of dust and boulders to reach Lava Tower (4,600m, 15,000 ft) before descending into Barranco Valley. The following day’s ascent of the formidable Barranco Wall proved a highlight, with soldiers scrambling across rock faces to reach spectacular views at the top of their climb.
As their ascent continued, less oxygen and other altitude-related symptoms began to affect some members of the team. After resting at Kosovo Camp (4,870m, 16,000 ft), the reservists began their final summit push at midnight, battling blistering winds and temperatures as low as -20°C.
Despite the exhausting conditions, the team reached Stella Point (5,756m, 18,900 ft) and ultimately Uhuru Peak at 5,895m (19,341 ft ). Their reward was a glorious view of the sun rising from the roof of Africa, which they enjoyed for a short time before beginning their descent.
The reservists’ achievement reflects the determination and physical resilience that underpin their Army Reserve training, demonstrating the skills and commitment they bring to both operations and challenging personal pursuits.
Such expeditions often receive funding from the Ulysses Trust charity, which supports adventurous training for members of the Reserve Forces and military cadets. Named after the hero of the Odyssey, the charity is headed by East Anglia RFCA’s Chair, Brig Tim Seal TD DL VR.
