George Solt, an 82-year-old resident of Maidenhead in the UK, will attempt to conquer the summit of Africa next Friday as he tries to become the oldest climber ever to reach the top of Kilimanjaro.
His climb, according to a statement issued yesterday by Summits Africa, a non-governmental organisation, said Mr Solt’s goal is to be officially accepted by and published in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest person to reach the top of the highest Mountain in Africa.
“He will try to accomplish the record together with five members of his family and supporting staff of the UK-based charity event organiser, Action Challenge,” said the statement, adding that the climb is organised locally by the Arusha-based Kilimanjaro outfitter, Summits Africa.
In their mission to establish Mr Solt’s name in the world records, the family has chosen the Machame route. Owing to his age, it is expected that the climb would be slow, taking a total of eight days.
The team is expected to reach the summit on the morning of July 14, followed by a descent to Mweka gate on July 16.
According to Summits Africa, Mr Solt has prepared for the climb with a series of workout programmes and has been given a green light by his doctors to embark on the challenge.
To get accepted for publication in the famous book of records, the group and the organisers have to follow specific rules set by the Guinness World Records organisation in London.
The record attempt must be verified by independent witnesses, be filmed and photographed and meticulously documented in a log book.
The group handling Mr Solt’s attempt chose Action Challenge as the organiser of the event because they have a longstanding experience in putting together successful charity challenges all over the world.
Summits Africa was chosen as the local operator because of their high ethic and safety standards and the high standard of training offered to every member of the company, according to a statement.
“The chief guides of Summits Africa are not only first aid trained, they also have a First Wilderness Responder certificate which enables them to give professional first aid in remote regions such as the heights of Kilimanjaro,” noted the statement.
Should Mr Solt succeed in his mission, he will join several other people who have set records climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, American Carl Haupt holds the record for the oldest man to climb Kilimanjaro’s summit. He was 79 when he reached the top in 2004.
Another record is held by Bruno Brunod of Italy who in 2001 managed to reach the Uhuru Peak from Marangu Gate in 5 hours, 38 minutes and 40 seconds, which remains the fastest ascent of Kilimanjaro ever verified.
Another record includes the fastest ascent and descent of Kilimanjaro, which is held by Simon Mtuy, a Tanzanian who runs the Summit Expeditions and Nomadic Experience trekking agency in Moshi.
On Dec 26, 2004, Mr Mtuy achieved the incredible time of eight hours and 27 minutes. Apparently, it took Simon 6 hours exactly to reach the summit via the Umbwe Route, and after taking seven minutes to catch his breath, he spent only 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete the descent to Mweka Gate.
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