SUMMIT COUNTY — Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest “walkable” mountain in the world, will soon be home base to seven Summit County residents who hope to reach the peak during their stay in Tanzania.

Matt Eilers, Heidi Eilers, Stacey Todd, Jake Himmelman, Zak Himmelman, Eric Ebarb and Clayton Carson will leave today for their first major mountain assent.

Climbing Kilimanjaro, a mountain reaching an elevation of 19,335 feet, is a sizeable feat of stamina. The oxygen at the top is less than half the amount that is common at sea level. Climbers generally hike five days to reach the summit and return.

“We hope to make it to the top or at least have fun trying,” said Matt Eilers, group leader.

This climb will be the first of its kind for every member of the assembly, a loosely formed group of local friends. In preparation, its members have climbed Quandary and Mount Royal. Recently, members have also hiked local mountains and skied down.

After their assent, the group plans to visit Ngorongoro Crater for a safari, Zanzibar Island and Dubai.