The Equites team will take the last step to Africa at an altitude of 6,000 meters
First, the Equites team went to Moscow, from where they flew to Dubai. From there, Kenya's regional airlines took the guys to Nairobi. However, the team's goal is not in Kenya, but in Tanzania, 300 kilometers south of the equator. The name of the goal is Kilimanjaro.
Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa (as everyone knows) and the highest free-standing mountain in the world (as few know). It rises 6,000 meters above the surrounding plains: steppes where the Chaga live (calling themselves by the name of their god), national parks, and cultivated agricultural fields. Mount Kilimanjaro is actually an extinct volcano and consists of three separate peaks: Shira, Mawenzi, and Kibo. For those wishing to climb Kilimanjaro, there are several routes differing in difficulty and coverage. The Equites team intends to ascend the mountain via the Machame route, about which the authoritative guidebook "Le Petit Futé" says the following: "Undoubtedly the most beautiful route for climbing Kilimanjaro, but it is only suitable for those who are not afraid of difficulties, are ready to sleep in a tent, and acclimatize easily in the mountains."
For the purpose of objective coverage of events, Equites invited a group of Ukrainian journalists, including Alexander Provozin, special correspondent of "Zagranitsa." Alongside the team, Alexander will have to endure all the hardships of the ascent and witness the Equites team planting the state flag of Ukraine at Uhuru Peak. This will happen exactly on the tenth anniversary of Independence – August 24 (thanks to the TV channel "Studio 1+1," Ukrainian citizens will have a real chance to observe this original act of patriotism).
"Zagranitsa" wishes the guys good luck and eagerly awaits reports from its special correspondent from Africa. Follow our publications!
"Zagranitsa" No. 33(86), 2001