THE STORY ABOUT
KIBO SHELTERS
After several years of work in Asia and Africa, we chose to return home to Denmark, where we settled at Juulsgaard in 1985. Juulsgaard is located along the Hærvejen – Denmark's oldest road – which since 1973 has been the route for the Fodslaw's 'Hærvejsvandring,' a 300 km hike from Schleswig to Viborg.
After a serious accident involving a hiker on one of the surrounding roads, the route was adjusted in the early 90s, and one of Juulsgaard's dirt roads was granted road rights, allowing the Hærvejsvandring to pass directly by the property. A few years later, in 1994, Fodslaw held their first rest stop at Juulsgaard on the second day of the Hærvejsvandring. Conditions back then were more primitive, with self-built toilets in the old barn, compared to today.
True to tradition, the Hærvejsvandring and the many new and experienced hikers continue to pass by every year, much to our delight. In recent years, hiking has become increasingly popular, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the number of hikers significantly increased. Additionally, the route passing by Juulsgaard became part of a Pilgrimage route.
We therefore discussed the idea of offering hikers an opportunity for overnight stays or a short stay on their journey. We had an area that was previously used as a riding arena, but since both the riders (the girls) and the horses had long since departed from Juulsgaard, this area was available.
That's why we decided to establish Kibo Shelters in the beginning of 2021. From the outset, we knew we wanted to offer a different and comfortable experience than the more traditional shelters. That's why the site looks the way it does.
Get up close in nature
At Kibo Shelters, we embrace the diversity of animal species and birds that share our scenic surroundings. Our area is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including everything from majestic fallow deer to agile roe deer and impressive red deer. These elegant creatures roam freely, providing our visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the harmony of nature up close.
But it's not just the wildlife that makes our place special. The various species of birds that fill the air with their songs and grace add an extra dimension to your experience. From the sharp calls of the raptors high above to the gentle chirping of small songbirds, you are surrounded by a constant concert of natural sounds that remind you why it's so important to get outdoors.
The name, Kibo Shelters
We have worked and traveled extensively around the world, but Africa, in particular, holds great significance for us. The inspiration for the name Kibo Shelters is therefore derived from Africa, and more specifically from the name of a hut at 4,720 meters altitude on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
In 1979, I (Ove) stayed at Kibo Hut before making the final ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. After two years of work in Lesotho in southern Africa, which concluded in 1979, I and three friends decided to drive back to Denmark in a Land Rover. It was a journey through Africa from south to north, passing through war zones, civil conflicts, incredible landscapes, and wildlife. It was also a journey filled with significant challenges, particularly in southern Sudan. The approximately 20,000 km journey – without GPS and phones – took about half a year, during which we primarily lived in our own tents and occasionally in huts and small shelters.
