MOUNT KILIMANJARO, Tanzania - Martina Navratilova is leading a group of 27 fundraisers to the summit of Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, to raise funds for the Laureus Sport For Good Foundation, a charity helping the lives of over one million disadvantaged youngsters worldwide through sports based projects. Navratilova will be issuing a daily blog on their progress as they make their way towards the summit of the mountain via the Rongai Route.

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Monday, December 7, 2010 - Kikelewa Caves (3,600m)

Hi all,

Day two of the Mount Kilimanjaro climb, and the team and I are enjoying a well deserved rest at camp after an intense day of trekking.

We were woken this morning at 6:30am for breakfast, before departing camp at 8am. Today's route was quite steep from the outset, but as we crossed the heather moorland, we had the chance to take in breathtaking views of the summit, and with it the realization of how far we have got to climb!

We can also see that there is LOADS of snow on the summit. We were warned about this, but now we can see the reality. It means it's going to be very, very cold at the top.

After a break for lunch, the walk became increasingly difficult, as we trekked towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro's second peak. We were warned that we may start feeling the effects of altitude at this point, as we climb beyond 3,000 metres. The porters are right, most of us are beginning to get out of breath and finding the walking more difficult.

The porters are keeping us going by singing lots. We're trying to pick up the words to join in, but we don't have the lung capacity that they do. They are used to the altitude.

Paralympic cyclist Michael Teuber is amazing, he keeps walking past me at a great pace, and he doesn't stop smiling.

After what feels like a long afternoon of walking, eventually the tents at Kikewela caves are spotted in the distance, a relief for all of us after a hard day of trekking!

Martina

Check out photos from Day 2 of the climb in the gallery!

Climb Coverage: Previous Days
Day 1 Blog & Day 1 Photos