Our team was up before daylight today, getting set to leave the Dik Dik Hotel. We were piling into the expedition bus at 7 AM and driving out of the garden-like grounds we'd grown comfortable in these past few days. As expected, it took about two hours to reach the Machame Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park, our starting point for the climb. We traveled through corn fields for much of the way, but worked up into banana and coffee plantations as we gained elevation. It took about two hours to register and organize porters and so we set out at 11 AM from the 5,900 ft road head. Clouds protected us from the sun as we walked through gradually steepening terrain in the lush forest. It took about six hours to reach the Machame Camp at close to 10,000 ft, about where the vegetation changed markedly from tall trees to more scrub like heather. The team demonstrated a high level of fitness, but all were relieved to come into a well built camp at the end of the day. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn

On The Map

We've assembled in Tanzania for an ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro. More importantly, our baggage has accompanied us. All 10 climbers and their guide arrived safely at the tranquil Dik Dik Hotel on the outskirts of Arusha. We spent today organizing gear for the climb, meeting with our expedition staff and catching up on jet-lag-lost sleep. Starting early tomorrow, we'll climb aboard the fully loaded tricked out off-road-ready expedition vehicle and head for the hills. Conditions have been partly cloudy with comfortable temperatures and team members have been granted partial views of Kilimanjaro as reward for climbing the lofty water tower on the Dik Dik grounds. We'll need to get walking tomorrow... The quality and quantity of excellent food served up in the dining room of the hotel will have us absolutely spoiled if we don't make a break for it. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn