The climb is part of Farm Africa's Food for Good initiative, which is rallying the food and hospitality industries to help end hunger in Africa, and comes almost a year after Palmer-Watts paid his first visit to Kisumu in Kenya to visit Farm Africa's projects there.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal head chef Palmer-Watts, Foster, of Tuddenham Mill, Freeman of Restaurant Sat Bains and de Tarso arrived in Nairobi earlier today and have headed west to Kisumu where Palmer-Watts will introduce his fellow climbers to Joyce Kadenge and her fish farming community, with whom he spent a week last year learning about Farm Africa's Aqua Shops.
After three days in Kisumu the climbers will head to the base of Kilimanjaro where they will start the 5,895 metre climb to the mountain's summit, spending several nights in tents on the side of the mountain and eating basic food rations before arriving to the top about a week later.
Inspiration
Palmer-Watts said he was inspired to do the fundraising climb following his visit to Africa last year and set about motivating others to join him on his quest to raise more cash for Farm Africa's fish farming project.
“As chefs, our daily lives revolve round serving great food in luxurious surroundings. But we are all only too aware that beyond our restaurants’ walls there are close to a billion people going hungry every day. Without food, these people have no hope for making a better future for themselves. Last year I was lucky enough to travel to Kenya to see the inspirational work Farm Africa is doing to beat hunger.
“We all have to do our bit to help tackle hunger and I am confident that the UK food and hospitality world will support our climb and the wonderful work Farm Africa is doing to tackle one of the greatest problems facing the world today.”
Fundraising target
The hospitality team has so far managed to raise £41k of its £50k fundraising target by holding auctions, adding a discretionary £1 to diners' bills at their restaurants, taking part in a football tournament organised by Foster and through online donations.
Cleaning and hygiene product company Chemex has also pledged its support by sponsoring the team for the climb.
To make a donation towards their climb, click here.
You can also follow the team's progress live via Farm Africa's Chef Altitude blog or on Twitter via #Chefkili.