We are so proud to have played a small role to help a wonderful group raise funds for a South African children's education charity when they climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. We sponsored their Explorer sunhats to keep them sunsafe during their adventure.
The fund raising trip was coordinated by the Flight Centre Foundation and Adopt-A-School and their goal was to raise R1.4 million to build a new school library at Qhobosheane Primary school in Soweto.
Emthunzini Explorer Hat: Factors Impacting UV Radiation
The Kilimanjaro climb took place from 12-20 March 2019. The group consisted of 14 volunteer climbers, 13 from South Africa and one from Canada. The timing for the trip was good as weather conditions in March are relatively mild - not too hot and not too wet.
The climbers needed ensure they were protected from ultra violet (UV) radiation as this is known to increase at altitude by 10-12% per 1,000m (3,300 ft). The sun is therefore 60-72% more intense at Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru Peak than at sea level. Uhuru Peak is the highest of Kilimanjaro’s peaks at 5,895m and was the climber's final destination.
Mount Kilimanjaro is also 3.03 degrees south of the equator. The closer you are to the equator, the higher the UV radiation levels. The climbers needed to ensure they were sufficiently protected at all times.
We sponsored the climbers with our Explorer UPF50+ rated sunhats. These are also our recommended hats for schools and sports teams. It was the perfect sun hat for this trip!
The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) endorses the Explorer hat and it also carries the UPF50+ swing tag. This is the highest rating given to a garment and assures excellent sun protection. The Explorer hat is also water-repellent, lightweight and crushable. It has an adjustable chin strap that helps to keep it securely on everyone’s head. Shop the Explorer online.
Emthunzini Hats on Top of Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa with its top peak, Uhuru Peak, reaching a height of 5,895m. It is also the world’s tallest walkable mountain where travellers trek from sea level through five different climate zones and a variety of landscapes before reaching the summit.
Diane Cleary, project manager for the Flight Centre Foundation, shared images and detailed information about the adventure, including the many challenges that the group of 14 strangers experienced. The hikers pushed both their mental and physical boundaries and many suffered from altitude sickness. One of the biggest challenges was during the first two days when they had to ascend 3,600m in just over 12km. Another challenge was the final day of the trek when the walkers had to start at 11pm to allow sufficient time to summit the peak.
Of the 14 climbers, nine successfully summited Uhuru Peak (5,895m), two summited Gilman’s Point (5,685m), one reached 5,500m and two reached 5,300m.
It was amazing to support this group on their journey. One climber, Lyndall Blaikie, wrote: “When the opportunity came round to join the Flight Centre Foundation climb I just knew it was something I could not let pass me by. So I jumped at the chance, threw caution to the wind and agreed to climb up with relative strangers. Months of training, preparation and shopping turned into the most incredible experience of my life. The so-called strangers very quickly became my mountain family, and after the 6 days on the mountain it was very sad to part ways with them.”
The final tally of their fundraising efforts is not yet available. Check back on social media to find out an update. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
To enquire about our branded hats for schools, corporate and sports hats please contact us.