Entries from Kilimanjaro
Jambo from
Shira Camp at around 12,500 feet. We enjoyed a rain-free day from start to finish. Early risers back down at Machame Camp claim to have seen
Kilimanjaro's main peak before clouds hid her cliffs and glaciers. We ate breakfast at around 7:30 under partly cloudy skies and got walking at 8:15 under sunny skies. It was a day of serious altitude gain as we covered half of yesterday's distance but still got up 2,500 vertical feet. There were dramatic changes in vegetation as we came out of the forests and through various zones of plant life flourishing in arid conditions. A large part of the day was spent working up along a ridge of old and weathered lava. Eventually we saw our first Senescu and Lobelia plants. The first of what will be many. The climb finished with a traverse out to the west, where ancient lava flows built a broad flatland between Kibo- Kilimanjaro's main peak and Shira, its western satellite. The gang are all climbing well and continue to marvel at just how much dirt and dust will fit under human fingernails in this environment. Temperatures aren't so cold yet, despite our having pushed up to roughly 12,500 feet.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn
On The Map
The climb is underway. We were up early today, carrying bags and packs to the magic bus/truck for the ride to Kilimanjaro. We enjoyed a last comfortable breakfast at the Dik Dik Hotel and said our goodbyes to the staff there as we climbed on board the great expedition vehicle. We were on the road just after 7 AM and at our destination, the
Machame Gate to Kilimanjaro National Park by around 9 AM. Our expedition staff sorted loads and hired porters as we snacked, drank water and shooed monkeys from our staging area. Our climb began around 10:15 as we set out through the forest at nearly 6000 ft above sea level. Gaining 4000 feet over the course of about five and a half hours, we were encouraged to be on dry ground and good trail. There was significant cloud cover, but no rain until we'd very nearly reached Machame Camp at 9890 ft. Even then we only had a few minutes of sprinkles as we moved into our tents. An afternoon snack and a delicious dinner in our dining tent took us to darkness and the end of a fine first day. We were all happy to be finally walking in a pretty place after so many less than fun days of packing, traveling and preparing.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide
Dave Hahn & Team
Our
Kilimanjaro climbing team has come together at the Dik Dik Hotel on the outskirts of Arusha, Tanzania. The team actually assembled 24 hours ago, but it took until today for the guide to catch up and join the party. Couldn't get my rickety old 747 to start for the hop across the Atlantic. The team, in the drowsy grip of jet lag and the tranquility of the Dik Dik gardens, barely noticed my absence. Today was a day of rest and recovery... and of preparation for a great adventure. Eleven of us introduced ourselves and began the fun "work" of building a climbing team. We went through the various details of packing and getting organized for a journey through multiple climatic zones and a hoped for shot at the 19,340 ft high point of Africa. With just a few wonderful meals together, we're well on our way to being spoiled by the kitchen and dining staff at the Hotel. Our intention is to break away from all of this luxury in the morning...To get on the road by 7 AM, with the hope of being walking a few hours later. It will be great to replace the images of crowded airports and long security lines with visions of paths in lush forests and glimpses of distant snow-capped peaks.
Best Regards,
RMI Guide
Dave Hahn & Team
RMI Guide
Billy Nugent radioed at 7:23 am as his
Four Day Summit Climb team and the
Five Day Summit Climb led by RMI Guide
Solveig Waterfall reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning, and were starting their descent from the crater rim. Billy reported it was very windy with winds from the NW.
Congratulations to today's team!
Team Orlando was in full safari mode as we explored the
Ngorongoro Crater and all the wildlife and beauty it had to offer. We visited a Maasai Mara village to learn the great history and culture of such a strong and beautiful people.
RMI Guide
JJ Justman & Team
Hey, this is Seth. We are all headed to the airport to catch our flights home. We've had a great trip and today was no exception. In the morning, as we returned through
Tarangire National Park, we got very lucky and saw
two leopards . It was a great cap on what had already been a wonderful trip. Everyone is excited to go home but we all wish we could be on safari forever!
RMI Guide Seth Waterfall
Hello from
Kikoti Camp. We have just finished a wonderful evening around the fire pit complete with Maasai dancing and a BBQ dinner. Kikoti is am amazing place to finish our trip. Today we toured Tarangire National Park and it didn't disappoint. We were extremely close to elephants and giraffes and we got lucky and spotted a pride of lions lounging in the shade if a tree. The best thing about Tarangire though us the sheer number of animals. It was pretty much non stop the whole time. The talk at dinner was about how much fun the trip has been and that's because this group has really made it non stop laughs the whole time.
RMI Guide
Seth Waterfall & Team
Team Orlando just enjoyed their first day of our
African safari! We spent the day with camera in hand watching elephants, zebras, hippos and much much more! I really would like to write more to describe everything but I'm going to be selfish...because Africa is Awesome! I'm outta here because I'm going to join the team in a glass of wine while we watch the sunset at the Plantation Lodge.
RMI Guide
JJ Justman & Team
RMI Guide
JJ Justman checked in from the DikDik in Arusha. Team Orlando is off the mountain and celebrated their successful summit of Kilimanjaro by swimming in the hotel pool and enjoying live music.
Tomorrow the team heads to
Lake Manyara for their first day on safari.
Greetings from the beautiful Plantation Lodge. We have just returned from a great day of safari. We started off early and visited a Maasai village before descending into
Ngorongoro Crater. It was a little cloudy on the rim of the crater but once we were inside the sun came out. The temps were a little cool which I always think is good for seeing lions and sure enough about 15 minutes after we arrived we saw our first lion, a female. She quickly grouped up with several others in her pride. The rest of the day was packed with tons of other animals and we even got to see a black rhino from a distance. It's always great to see that elusive beast.
Tomorrow we are off to Tarangire National Park and Kikoti Camp. I'll check in then.
RMI Guide Seth Waterfall
Go Dori ! Go Dori ! Go Dori ! Go Dori ! Go Dori ! Go Dori ! Go Dori ! Go Dori !
Posted by: Laurie on 9/5/2015 at 9:45 am
Yay Jenell!! Hope everyone stays safe.
Posted by: Leisa on 9/5/2015 at 8:12 am
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