In August 2017, working as a Challenge Leader for Action Challenge, I lead a group of 24 clients to attempt to summit Kilimanjaro, my seventh time on this mountain.
For photographs of this expedition see Tanzania Aug 2017
This expedition is arranged by Action Challenge
Tanzania (Mt Kilimanjaro)
Aug 20 2017
Depart London to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport via Addis Abba. Group meets in the late afternoon/ evening and takes an overnight flight to Addis Ababa.
Aug 21 2017
On arrival in Addis we take a connecting flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport touching down briefly in Nairobi. On arrival we transfer approximately one hour to our hotel in Moshi. After freshening up we meet our guides who will be leading the climb. In the afternoon there is the chance to relax by the pool before the welcome briefing and kit check. This evening we enjoy an evening meal together.
Aug 22 2017
After breakfast we transfer to the west of the park at 1,981m and begin trekking along a pristine route through the Lemosho Glades. Eventually we reach our camp at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp).
Aug 23 2017
This morning we begin our first full day trekking, where we will gain over 700m in height. A slow and steady ascent allows for our bodies to acclimatise to the higher altitude as we cross the Shira plateau. Tonight we camp at Shira 2.
Aug 24 2017
Today we trek east across beautiful barren moon like landscape and around craters that scar the earth. We trek always in the shadow of mighty Kibo until reaching the Lava Tower where we stop for some lunch. This afternoon we descend through the surrounding ravines, with their wonderful micro climates and beautiful birdlife. We eventually reach our camp late in the afternoon. This decent aids the acclimatisation process and allows our bodies to adjust to the ever changing altitude.
Aug 25 2017
Today we climb the Barranco Wall, where at the top we are rewarded with fantastic views of Mt. Meru and the surrounding valleys below. We then head onwards to Karanga Camp where we enjoy an afternoon walk followed by an early night!
Aug 26 2017
Today we make the steady climb to our camp positioned on a ridge overlooking the south east valley. We reach camp in the afternoon and after a good meal, we put on some extra layers to keep warm and try to relax and get some sleep in preparation for our early morning summit bid.
Aug 27 2017
And so to summit day and our toughest challenge yet. We awake just after midnight and after a hot drink and snack we begin our climb. For the next 6 hours we trek the steepest and most demanding part of the route by torch light. This is a long and gruelling trek through scree to reach Stella point at the crater rim. After a short rest we make our final traverse to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the African continent at 5895m. The rising morning sunlight gives us spectacular views across the plains below and of Mount Meru in the distance and we feel on top of the world! After some photos we have a tough decent to Barafu/Kosovo camp where we stop for a rest and some breakfast before continuing on to Millennium camp. After a long but exhilarating day we can finally rest our tired legs and get a good night’s sleep.
Aug 28 2017
After breakfast we continue our descent back through the rainforest to Mweka Gate where we have lunch and celebrate our achievements before continuing on to our hotel. Here we can finally take off our walking boots and enjoy our first hot shower in almost a week! We have the afternoon to relax by the pool with a drink and this evening we enjoy a fantastic gala dinner to celebrate our remarkable achievements and for those who have the energy we can party in to the night!
Aug 29 2017
We can enjoy a free morning either by the pool or exploring the local area before transferring to the airport for our overnight flight back to the UK.
Aug 30 2017
Arrive Home
