Its old English saying that says “never judge a book by its cover”, I have found this saying more befitting for today’s story given its one that’s inspired by someone beating all odds to achieve something momentous that isn’t easily.  In the world of hikers, hiking Kilimanjaro is no joke given that this hike takes you from less than 1500ft above sea level to over 19340ft in less than a week, this is so mean feet because at this height you’re at Africa highest point getting to this point by no means a thing you would easily to any six-year-old child to do unless you’re dealing with a kid that’s so passionate want to put their young adrenaline energies to test with this cruel but awesome experience.

Ashleen Mandrick a six-year girl from West Sussex UK, I have no doubt that has perfectly cement the fact not all “men” are created  equal as some are created destined for greatness than  because you don’t  need to be a fortune teller after reading this story to know that

Ashleen Mandrick inspired by a family hiking trip after skiing in the Alps earlier this year, she also wanted to take on a bigger hiking challenge and Kilimanjaro was an obvious choice given she was also motivated by the desire to be at the top of her mummy’s continent since her mother grew up from Africa.

All good things come at a cost

Organizing for Ashleen’s hike was no easy tusk given the fact that the Tanzanian authorities don’t permit anyone below the age of 10 to ascend this freestanding mountain hence it required Victoria Mandrick- Ashleen’s mother to acquire a special permit for Ashleen to be allowed to ascend the mountain.

The road to the top

Ashleen together with her brother Nicolas aged 11 and mother victoria 45 a medical doctor began their conquest of the Kilimanjaro mountain on the 24^th September 2019 following the Machame route and their ascent to the top took only 6 days. Ashleen was so intrigued by the hike because she loved the attention and the whole adventure: the rocky parts; the atmosphere – chatting and singing with the guides and porters all the way to the summit; dancing in the camps; meeting other climbers; ‘helping’ the cook prepare dinner in the evenings; the flora and fauna – she had a little book about local vegetation where she was checking out the plants she encountered. She was also very happy to stand on top of ‘mummy’s continent’.” Said Ms Victoria

Upon successful completion Ashleen was so pleased with her accomplishment in that she decided to go back for a second round and this time around they used the Umbwe route, considered the ‘hardest and steepest trail’, Victoria said, adding: “According to information given to us at registration at Kilimanjaro National Park, no child under 12 (or even a bit older) has ever attempted it.” Ashleen’s brother Nicholas, 11, accompanied her on both occasions and again on October 12, becoming the youngest person to reach the summit 2 times in a two-week period.

What next for this climbing protégée?

After returning, Ashleen said ‘It was amazing to make two climbs. It was the best thing I have ever done.” After successful overcoming Kilimanjaro, Ashleen has her sights set on being able to ascend the tallest mountain on the planet mountain Everest someday.

What else can you do in Tanzania besides mountain climbing?

Tanzania is the epicentre for epic Africa wildlife safari given its wide variety of wildlife that can be encounter with a Tanzania adventure safari to other tropical savanna national parks in Tanzania such as Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Park and Serengeti National Park. Serengeti National Park, however holds a special place in the hearts of hardcore Africa wildlife safaris goers because a Tanzania safari tour here comes with a possibility of catching glimpses of the great wildebeest migration and if the timing of your Africa safari adventure is in sync with the occurrence of this natural wonder where millions of wildebeests and other animals embark on a journey of a lifetime from the southern ends of Tanzania’s Serengeti national park all the way into Masai Mara National Reserve,  in southern Kenya, you will be in position to watch a spectacle unfold right before your eyes as these seemingly careless wildebeests plunge themselves one after the other as if someone is chasing after them into the Grumeti River which is filled with thousands of hungry Nile crocodiles that are awaiting to devour and feast on these crossing animals. A similar Africa safaris tours experience like that in Serengeti national park can be had when you make a Kenya wildlife safarito Masai Mara National Reserve which is connected to the Serengeti national park at its southern boundaries. Other Kenya safari destinations that are worth considering for an epic Africa wildlife safari adventure include Masai Mara National Reserve, Nairobi National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Tsavo East National Park, Aberdares National Park and Amboseli National Park. East Africa being country of extensive savanna grassland plains, you still enjoy a similar Africa safaris adventures when you make a Uganda safari to any of Uganda wildlife safari destinations such as Lake Mburo National Park Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park Uganda, This Uganda safari tour experience gives you an enchanted opportunity to enjoy thrilling encounters with several of the 5 big Africa game which include lions, leopards, cape buffaloes, African bush elephants and rhinos as well as a variety of other wild mammals.

Mountain climbing in Uganda

Uganda is a country that isn’t only gifted with a diverse wildlife but also landscapes and you can definitely enjoy a fun time with a Uganda safari tour to Sipi falls in eastern Uganda district of Mbale. A short Uganda safari or short tour Uganda to these iconic falls gives you an opportunity to come face to face with a vertical cliff of about 80 meters giving you an opportunity to have a thrilling abseiling experience. If you are still in need of more blood rushing extreme sport activities, you can definitely make a Jinja source of the Nile tour following 1 day Jinja city tour or Jinja day tour and this give you an opportunity to engage in any of the numerous extreme sport safari activities at Jinja source of the Nile which include bungee jumping, white water rafting, horse riding, quad biking and kayaking.

Hiking in Uganda

If you are a person with a big appetite for scaling mountains, Uganda offers you the best opportunity to engage in an epic Rwenzori hiking safari experience that comes with minimal crowds. Uganda is also home to 2 towering mountains which are Rwenzori mountain in Mountain Rwenzori National Park and this is the 3^rd highest mountain on the African continent with an elevation of 5109m and is considered the highest mountain range in Africa since Mountain Kilimanjaro and mt. Kenya which are the highest and second-highest mountains in Africa respectively are both free-standing mountains.  Mountain Elgon at 4321m above sea level, 3 of the 8 Virunga ranges found in Uganda and the forever intriguing Kigezi highlands will excite you on your Uganda safari to Kabale district.