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Agents conquer Mount Kilimanjaro: 'The Roof of Africa' with Bench

After months of preparation and eight testing days of energy sapping emotion, a spirited group of Australian Travel Agents led by Bench Africa GM, Martin Edwards made it to the summit of the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro.

After months of preparation and eight testing days of energy sapping emotion, a spirited group of Australian Travel Agents led by Bench Africa GM, Martin Edwards made it to the summit of the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro.

Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain in the world, lies on the border between Tanzania and Kenya.

The group followed the Rongai Route up to the summit, and on the 5th of November 2017, ten of the eleven climbers reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and one climber made it to Gilman’s Point (5,685m), at the crater rim, which still counts as the summit.

We spoke to some of the group before they left including Sean Skilton from Skilled Travel who said;

“I’m looking forward to conquering probably one of the most difficult challenges I’ve ever set myself. I like to win and succeed in everything I do and this is no different. I want to stand at the summit and feel like I’ve made a huge achievement!”

READ MORE: Agents set off to climb Mount Kilimanjaro

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The Rongai route retains a genuine sense of wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from a northeasterly direction. It is generally considered to be the easiest of the quality routes on the mountain. The trek passes through several different climate zones, adding considerably to the interest of the adventure.

Operations & Groups Director, Julie De Palo said;

“We are incredibly proud of Martin and this fearless group of travel agents. What they have achieved is amazing! A huge congratulations to all climbers and of course a big thank you to the support team on the mountain without whom this success would not have been possible. Well done everyone!”

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The group consisted of:  

Martin Edwards, Bench Africa, Sean Skilton, Skilled Travel, Natalie Hudson, My Travel Group, Brett Ryce, Flight Centre Hastings, Caitlin Baker, Flight Centre Cremorne, Paul Rickard, helloworld Caloundra, Julie Rickard helloworld Caloundra plus friends; Ashlee Simpson, Riley Rickard, Robert Camilleri and Vanda Puccio.

The climb takes 8 days on the Rongai Route, with prices starting from $3,495 per person sharing a tent. This includes most meals, airport transfers, your expert support team on the mountain, as well as park fees. 

To find out more, visit: benchafrica.com.au or call 1300 AFRICA (237 422)

READ: Agents set off to climb Mount Kilimanjaro

READ: TRAVEL INFLUENCERS: Martin Edwards, Bench Africa

Have you climbed Mount Kilimanjaro before? Would you? Share your thoughts below.