Scaling Kilimanjaro at 70: Journey to the Roof of Africa
In August 2022, Ray Kleiner, a 70-year-old from Milan, Italy, embarked on an extraordinary adventure: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 meters. Despite being an avid mountain biker with no prior mountaineering experience, Ray led a small group to tackle this formidable challenge.
What route did Ray climb?
Ray recounts, “After months of preparation, we arrived at Marangu Gate to begin our ascent via the notorious Coca-Cola Route. This route, known for its high failure rate, is the shortest but also one of the most demanding paths to the summit, requiring both physical strength and mental resilience.”
Challenge during the climb
The final push began at midnight from Base Camp, with the group facing frigid temperatures of -15°C. As dawn broke, the warmth of the sun offered some relief, boosting their spirits as they approached Gillman’s Point at 5,685 meters. Ray felt strong, inspired by the stunning sunrise.
The climb continued towards Stella Point at 5,756 meters, with frequent stops to rest and enjoy the spectacular views. However, the higher they climbed, the more altitude sickness took its toll, making each step a battle against fatigue and dizziness.
Reaching the summit was an emotional triumph. “Standing above the clouds, overwhelmed by the breathtaking beauty, I was filled with awe and a profound sense of achievement,” Ray shares. The climb, dedicated to his late colleague Maurizio Citati, made the success even more meaningful. Overcome with emotion and exhaustion, Ray felt a deep satisfaction as he stood at Uhuru Peak.
Ray’s accomplishment is remarkable, placing him among the few over 70 who have reached Kilimanjaro’s summit. This achievement was made possible with the expert support of Kili Footprints, a local Tanzanian company. Led by guide Jackson Mmari, Kili Footprints provided exceptional support, ensuring the adventure was both safe and transformative.
Ray highly recommends Kili Footprints, especially for older adventurers. For those considering a Kilimanjaro climb and worried about age, he assures that with proper preparation and the right team, reaching the summit is achievable.
Can old person climb Kilimanjaro
Who is the oldest person to climb Kilimanjaro
The oldest person to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is Anne Lorimor, aged 89 years who reached Uhuru Peak at 3:14 p.m. local Tanzania time on July 18, 2019. It’s actually wasn’t her first time to summit Kilimanjaro! She’s from Paradise Valley, Arizona, USA.
She also summited when she was 85 years old and was the oldest person to summit at that time. However, just the next year, Angela Vorobeva summited at 86 years old and beat Lorimor’s record.
For more information or to plan your own climb, contact Jackson Mmari at:
- Email: kilifootprints@gmail.
com - Phone: +255 743 627 874
- Website: www.kilifootprints.
com