The HIT-Hikers Return to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Team Kilimanjaro enjoying Andrew’s Burns Supper in 2011.

Known as the Roof of Africa, the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro is our chosen fundraising challenge for 2022.

It is hard to believe that it’s been eleven years since our first group of intrepid hospitality professionals set off to climb Kilimanjaro. We left Scotland in a haze of excitement and apprehension, a new quest for us all, quite literally walking into the unknown. We followed the Shira route that took 6.5 days to the summit. We left our camp at midnight on summit day and walked seven hours through the night to get there, arriving just as the sun was rising above the African skies. A truly magical moment to be cherished forever.

The biggest challenge climbing Kilimanjaro is coping with the altitude changes. Complex body changes take place above 2500m and we had 5895m to climb. Add to that the “toilet” facilities, lack of showers, fortified food supply and tiredness, there were days when the lure of giving up was real. Thankfully the camaraderie of the entire group was so strong we would literally pick each other up during the hard moments, and together we kept the team spirit burning bright.

There’s no denying it was exceptionally tough physically, mentally and emotionally. However the tough times also brought many special times that still make us smile and warm our hearts. The curious chats around the mess table, the songs we sang, the romance that blossomed, the kit malfunctions, the interesting noises - snoring and toilet challenges. We’ll never forget the world’s highest Burns Supper prepared by our late friend and two-star Michelin Chef, Andrew Fairlie. So many incredible memories forever etched in our minds.

Andrew Fairlie at the summit of Kilimanjaro in 2011.

Andrew was a dear friend and huge supporter of HIT and his inspirational legacy will continue for many years to come. Our Kilimanjaro challenge this year is in special memory of Andrew. The money raised will contribute towards the Andrew Fairlie scholarship and the Cornhill Hospice where he spent his last few weeks. The Scholarship will be awarded annually to a male and female chef who are forging ahead with their culinary career in Scotland. Andrew’s family wish to raise funds for Cornhill Hospice, to give back to the nursing team who provide so much incredible care to patients and their families.

This year 22 intrepid industry professionals will join the challenge and follow in Andrew’s footsteps. We’re a new team and fitness levels are eleven years older, so perhaps slightly more apprehension than before. One thing’s for sure, we’ll be brimming with team spirit, sheer determination and will: the key ingredients to get us to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, and equally successful as 2011.

We’ve set a modest target of £100k for this year's challenge. It’s a new era, we’re still in recovery from difficult times and money is not in abundance. With that said we’re thrilled to announce we’ve already raised £40k, and we have every faith that figure will continue to rise over the coming weeks. None of this would be possible without the exceptional kindness of our corporate sponsors and industry supporters. The funds raised will provide both charities the essential resources to help make a difference. Help us to help others by donating on our fundraising page here.

Author: Dympna McKenna