Successful candidates then began a programme of training and preparation which included a long weekend administration and planning session at RAF Wittering, an eight day mountain training phase at the National Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre Windermere and a final training weekend at the Sea cadet Training Centre Inskip. During the weekend at Inskip a presentation was made to family, friends and members of the respective Cadet Organisations.

Very soon after arrival in Kenya the expedition group found themselves camping in the remote wilderness of the Hell’s Gate National Park where they took part in an acclimatisation trek and began to get familiar with their surroundings. Similar experience was gained at Lake Naivasha, Crater Lake and Mount Longonot before moving on to what would become base camp, at Sagana.

The time at Sagana was used to make final preparations for the ascent of Mount Kenya but the group also took the opportunity to make a white water raft descent of the Tana River.

Seven days were spent on the ascent of Mount Kenya which was supported by guides and porters. Arriving at their objective was one of the most rewarding experiences for all concerned as described by one team member:

Having completed their ascent the group moved on to the Samburu National Park for more remote camping where they were immersed in the impressive environment and where they came into close contact with the animals of the African plains.

Two days in Nairobi, three days working at a school community project and a visit to the coast south of Mombassa rounded off the expedition before the group flew back into London at the end of their four week adventure.