Kilimanjaro - Day 8

Day 8:              MWEKA CAMP to Exit Mweka Gate

5,400’~1645m) ∙ 6.4 mi ~10.3 km ∙ 3-4 hrs
A morning walking to Mweka gate reflecting of the past weeks experience with our Climb Kili vehicle waiting to transfer you to your hotel for a very welcomed shower at the hotel.

Kilimanjaro - Day 7

Day 7: ICE to SUMMIT to laugh CAMP

19,340 '~ 5,895 m ∙ 13 mi ~ 21 km (5 km ASCENT / 12 km descent) ∙  7-8 hrs 4-6 hrs descent ASCENT ~
Tonight  is the night! A midnight start to Conquer the Highest point in Africa. This section of the route is considered one of the steepest on the non-technical paths of Kilimanjaro. It is a 6-7 hour Hike to Stella Point in order to see the sunrise. We Continue OUR way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We head in a northwesterly direction and Ascend Through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This can be the most MENTALLY and physically challenging portion of the trek. From Stella Point you can see the summit; just 1 hour to Uhuru Peak and the rooftop of Africa! We then descend down to Mweka Camp for dinner and celebration.

Visent (our assistant guide), Andi, Myself, and James (our main guide).

We did it!

We reached the summit at 6:43 am Sunday June 22nd.

But more details and pictures to come later.

Kilimanjaro - Day 6

Hi!

Day 6:              KARANGA CAMP to BARAFU CAMP

15,300’ ~ 4663m ∙ 2.2 mi~3.5 km ∙ 4-5 hrs

Today we take a slow pace to Barafu Camp from Barafu you will have excellent views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Barufu Camp is situated on an exposed ridge, so it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark. We continue to acclimatize, rest, relax and make necessary preparation for the summit day ahead.

Kilimanjaro - Day 5

Hello again!

Day 5:              BARRANCO to KARANGA CAMP

13100’ ~ 3992m ∙ 2.2 mi~3.2 km ∙ 4-5 hrs

Today the group conquers the great Barranco Valley and up the Barranco wall, and adventuourse stretch that ushers us into the arctic zone of Kili.  We continue the trek on the South Circuit path through the Karanga Valley. We camp tonight at Karanga Camp.

Kilimanjaro - Day 4

Hello!

Day 4:              MOIR CAMP to BARRANCO CAMP

13000’ ~ 3962m ∙ 4.3 mi ~ 7km∙ 4-6 hrs

Today we take an acclimatization trek to the Lava Tower at 15,000’~4,500m. Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier. Following our rest at the tower, we decend upon the enormous Senecio forest reaching waterfall prior to finishing at Barranco Camp. Tonight’s camp is in the shadow of the massive Barranco wall with the breeze often carrying clouds from the Barranco Valley.

Kilimanjaro - Day 3

Hi again!

 

The group has now finished Day 3:   SHIRA CAMP to MOIR CAMP 13,650’~3,818m ∙ 6.3 mi~10.1 km ∙ 6-8 hrs

Full day exploration of the Shira plateau. Trek east toward Kibo's glaciated peak with the option to visit the ancient collapsed Shira cone, the oldest of Kilimanjaro's three volcanoes.  We arrive at Moir Camp situated in a huge gorge at the end of a dormant lava flow.

Everything is still going great.  The group is in good spirits and going strong.  Thanks!

Kilimanjaro - Day 2

Hello!

 

The group has now finished Day 2:     MTI MKUBWA to SHIRA CAMP 11,500’~3,505m ∙ 4.5 mi~7.3 km ∙ 6-8 hrs

Departing the rain forest, we enter the heath and moorland zone. In the afternoon we follow the Shira ridge the vast high altitude desert plateau where the first views of Mt Kilimanjaro open on the horizon and the landscape is a magnificent contrast from the departed rain forest.

Everyone is happy and healthy and still going great.  Thanks!

Kilimanjaro - Day 1

The group has now finished Day 1:  LONDOROSSI GATE to MTI MKUBWA 7,742’~2,360m ∙ 3 mi~4.8 km ∙ 3-4 hrs

After a restful night at the hotel, we begin our trek from western side checking in at the Londorossi gate with a starting altitude of 7,742’~2,360m.  The trail with gently ascend through the montane forest until you are welcomed into camp under the Climb Kili banner with tents set up and your personal belongings inside. Tonight’s camp is nestled in the Kilimanjaro rain forest at the Mti Mkubwa which in Swahili means Big Tree.

All is well and they are resting for the night.  I will try to update as often as possible although sometimes over the weekend or if they are in a spotty area for reception they do not update. If you would like to see the current and forecasted weather of where they are right now as well as elevations they will be traveling to in the next few days, please click here.  You can select the desired altitude as it corresponds to the camp they are at to see the current conditions.  Thanks!

Kilimanjaro Awaits

This is Andi and I from college. 

8 years ago when we played basketball together.

She is actually already in Africa on a safari.
Her blog about her adventures so far is at Life is too short...

And now we are adventuring up a mountain together.

Here are the details for our trip again.

Day 1 - Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa begin at 7742 ft, 3 miles, 3-4 hrs, rain forest zone
Day 2 - Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 11500 ft, 4.5 miles, 6-8 hrs, rain forest to Heath. First views of Kilimanjaro.
Day 3 - Shira Camp to Moir Camp 13650, 5.7 miles, 6-8 hrs, Heath to Alpine Desert
Day 4 - Moir Camp to Barranco Camp, up to 15,000 end at 13,000, 4.6 miles, 5-7 hrs, Alpine Desert
Day 5 -  Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp, 13,200 up a 500 ft wall, 2.2 miles, 3-5 hrs, Alpine Desert
Day 6 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, 15,200, 2.2 miles, 3-5 hrs, Alpine Desert
Day 7 - Barafu to Summit to Mweka Camp, 19,340, 13 miles, 12-14 hrs twilight start with a sunrise and summit, then back to camp. Alpine Desert to Arctic Glacier
Day 8 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Exit, 5400, 3.7 miles, 3-4 hrs, Arctic Glacier back through Alpine Desert, Heath, Rain Forest, and into the Bushland.

And next, Thomas will be sending you emails!
So I ask for prayers for health, health, and more health so we conquer this mountain!
And of course I am bringing my oils.
Can't leave the house without them!
And off we go.