Macon Dunnagan with mt. Kilimanjaro in the background
Macon Dunnagan with mt. Kilimanjaro in the background.
(Kilimanjaro, Tanzania- July 28, 2014) North Carolina native, Macon Dunnagan, continues to prove that age is not a factor as he plans his 35thclimb to the “Roof of Africa”, Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest freestanding mountain at 19,341 feet. Recently, he broke a record for making the most Kilimanjaro summits in one month when he climbed four times in 28 days. At 54 years old, he serves as an inspiration for others as he still has climbs scheduled through 2017.
Dunnagan made his first ascent in February 1999 with little hiking and no mountain climbing experience and has yet to look back. He has since become a Kilimanjaro specialist and Expedition Director for Zara Tanzania Adventures, a Tanzanian tour company based in Moshi, in 2013.
In 2013, the Tanzania Tourist Board named Dunnagan as a Goodwill Ambassador of Tourism for Tanzania.
When asked why Dunnagan climbs the same mountain over and over again, he replied “I enjoy taking other people up Kilimanjaro and giving them an appreciation for the mountain, what it is, the environment and the people of Tanzania.”
In 2005, his wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and she succumbed to the disease in August, 2007. He has since dedicated a number of his climbs to raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research and treatments by partnering with Ovarian Cancer Canada’s "Expedition of Hope.”
Macon Dunnagan has also “tackled” polio, bringing new awareness through his summits, in collaboration with Rotary District 7680’s "End Polio Now.” Though only a few countries still feel the effects of polio, Dunnagan believes it’s important to continue with eradication efforts until the disease is extinct. He has helped raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for both causes and will continue to do so for as long as possible.
In addition to his mountain climbing skills, Dunnagan is also a published author. Sons of Kilimanjaro is his debut novel and it details the summit of four men up Mt. Kilimanjaro, the individual reasons they have for climbing it and the lessons they learned along the way.
ABOUT TANZANIA
Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, is focused on wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism, with approximately 28% of the land protected by the Government, the largest percentage of any country in the world. It boasts of 16 National Parks and 32 Game Reserves, 50 Game Controlled Areas, one special Conservation Area (the Ngorongoro) and three Marine Parks. It is home to the tallest mountain in Africa, the legendary Mt. Kilimanjaro; The Serengeti, home to the "Great Animal Migration" that was named the New 7th Wonder of the World, by USA Today and ABC TV's Good Morning America; the world acclaimed Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the "Eden of Africa" and the “8th Wonder of the World”; Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of mankind: the Selous, the world’s largest game reserve; Ruaha, now the second largest National Park in Africa; the spice islands of Zanzibar; and seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Most important for visitors, the Tanzanian people, with a rich history and diverse blend of cultures, are warm and friendly. Tanzania, an oasis of peace and stability with a democratically elected and stable government, is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Union. For more information on Tanzania, visit www.tanzaniatourism.go.tz
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