Our Friends

Information about various members of the Kilimanjaro Blind Trust:

Koichiro Kobayashi (Koba)
Koba is a visually impaired rock climber and runs a rock climbing program for the blind and visually impaired in Tokyo, Japan. (Monkey Magic Japan)

Eric Wheinmeyer
Erik Weihenmayer is the only blind person to have climbed the “Seven Summits,” the tallest peak on every continent. He has scaled the 3000 foot rock face of El Capitan, skied down the tallest peak in Europe, and guided Tibetan blind teenagers to 21,500 feet on the north side of Mt. Everest. Erik is also a prolific speaker and author of two books. (www.touchthetop.com)

Douglas Sidialo
Douglas Sidialo is one of the most celebrated blind cyclist and mountain climber in Africa. After losing his sight in the Nairobi embassy bombings on August 7, 1998, he has devoted his life to spreading a message of peace and forgiveness. (www.sidialo.com)

Andy Holzer
Andy Holzer is one of the most celebrated blind hikers and rock climbers today, and has extensive experience climbing throughout Austria, his motherland, as well as mountains extending all over the world. He first met Eirc Wheinmeyer while climbing in the Dolomites, and they continue to climb together whenever possible. (www.andyholzer.com)