Oldest person to climb kilimanjaro?

-Oldest person to climb Kilimanjaro

In the summer of 2010 we had a couple of record breakers in this field. First, grandad George Solt, a retired professor from Olney in Buckinghamshire, became the oldest man to reach the summit of Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, at the age of 82. Professor Solt followed the Machame Route and took a total of 8 days to reach the summit and descend again, and was accompanied on his climb by five members of his family.



(Those Kilimanjaro-buffs among you will note that Mr Solt is in fact five years younger than Valtee Daniel, the mysterious Frenchman who at 87 is accepted by some as the oldest man on the summit. But Mr Daniel's climb has never been recognised by the Guinness Book of Records, who insist on certain rules being followed in order for a climber's claim to be accepted. In particular, the record attempt has to be verified by independent witnesses, must be filmed and photographed as well as meticulously documented in a log book. As such, the Guinness Book of Records currently have American Carl Haupt as the oldest man, (he reached the summit at the tender age of 79 back in 2004) - but will presumably have Prof Solt in the 2011 edition.)



Also in 2010, this time in September, 83-year-old Bernice Buum managed to climb to the top of Kilimanjaro - and in doing so, became - I believe - the oldest woman to get to the summit. Ms Buum, who was accompanied by her niece and long-time trekking companion Judy Myers, took six days to complete the trek - four up, two down. She began her training by climbing the 10 flights of stairs at the Rapid City Regional Hospital at the hospital where she volunteers. She described her experience as the 'adventure of a lifetime' - but won't be hurrying back anytime soon, though will continue to hike around the US and near her home.