Johannesburg, South Africa – The team of four courageous members of the Bush Whisper Foundation have successfully conquered the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of raising funds for South Africa’s ailing tourism and conservation industries. The Bush Whisper Foundation team stood atop Mount Kilimanjaro peak, staring out at a carpet of clouds that hovered just below them as they had finally reached Africa’s highest summit, after a weeklong test of strength and endurance.
Before the COVID-19 Pandemic, travel and tourism had become one of the most important sectors in the world economy, which according to the International Monetary Fund, accounted for more than 320 million jobs worldwide. Services that are key to the tourism and travel sectors have been disproportionately affected since the onset of the pandemic and are currently on the mend as people slowly feel safe to travel en masse again.
Towards Higher Ground
The Bush Whisper Foundation’s Climbing for a Cause initiative is actively raising awareness on the challenges that the abovementioned industries faced during the pandemic. This foundation, which was created by the team at Bush Whisper Expeditions, a travel operator that focuses primarily on bush trips around Africa, is a non-profit organisation that was born during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Their aspiration to climb Mount Kilimanjaro began when key and close organisations had been affected by the impact of the past few years. They did not let their drive to help others lay dormant and began making plans, raising awareness and most importantly, training to successfully conquer this epic mountain in Africa.
Talitha Oosthuizen, who is the co-founder of the purposeful foundation, is driven by helping others. The climb was no easy feat, but it was one of the most fulfilling things the team of adventurers had ever done. “There were moments we would see the trail ahead and be intimidated. In the end, it was completely worth it and after seven gruelling days of climbing uphill, and acclimatising to the altitude changes,” commented Oosthuizen. “As we approached Uhuru Peak we experienced the most magnificent sunrise making its way over Mawenzi Peak with the glaciers shining a golden glow, it’s a picture I will never forget,” she added.
The summit was undoubtedly a momentous one as the it was team’s first ascent to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, and they are looking forward using this experience as a catalyst for change and support. Donations raised from the climb will support both Green Trax and Uthando.
Climbing for a Cause
Pushing their bodies to the limit during a 16?000 foot climb to reach the highest point of Africa, the Bush Whisper Foundation got to support charities and organisations that are extremely close to the team’s heart. This campaign was born from a passion to help others in desperate need of support in an industry that has suffered severely over the past couple of years.
How to Continue Supporting the Bush Whisper Foundation
If you’re interested in helping the Bush Whisper Foundation in their efforts to support various conservation and charity efforts across Southern and Eastern Africa, here’s what you can do:
- You can offer a donation towards this great cause which will create a positive and important difference: https://bushwhisperfoundation.
com/ - Partner with the Bush Whisper Foundation to continue helping the tourism and hospitality industry
