Rainy day on Kili!

June 19, 2024

Machame Camp (Phunuru Sherpa)

Wet day at Machame Camp (Phunuru Sherpa)

Phunuru called to say that the team were safe and sound up at Machame Camp (nearly 10K, at treeline) after a good dinner and under clearing skies. Earlier today was quite wet for their trip up from Moshi, through the forest. It was a good reminder for why we take the time to do the gear checks before starting, so we have the right gear to stay comfortable and have fun, even in challenging weather. Everyone is in good spirits and looking forward to a good sleep tonight.

Back to Kilimanjaro

June 18th, 2024

Southside of Kilimanjaro from the airplane (Phunuru)

Phunuru had a couple days between his June Kilimanjaro climbs so he took a quick jaunt over to Zanzibar to check out the beaches on the Indian Ocean, and was happy to get a great view of Kilimanjaro from the airplane!

The team is now all together and doing well in Moshi. Phunuru and our head Chagga guide, Kassim, helped everyone get packed and duffel bags weighed before taking a pleasant trip into Moshi town to visit the local market and see the sights. They are all set for an 8am departure tomorrow morning, heading to the Machame Gate for the first day on the trail up to Machame Camp at treeline. All’s well in Tanzania!

Denali Team 6 Summits!

June 16, 2024

The last few steps to the summit of Denali in 2019 (Eric Simonson)

Last night at around 6 PM PST, we got the call from Timm Phillips that Team 6 was standing on the summit of Denali! After the team had a safe and successful descent back to 17K Camp, we’re able to share the news. Timm and team spent the night and are packing up their camp, starting their descent to 14K camp and beyond today.

Team 7 is right on their heels, taking a rest day yesterday and are looking to make their move to 17K and beyond soon.

Almost to the finish line with our Alaska season!

Denali Teams 6 & 7 At 14K Camp

June 13, 2024

IMGD climbers breaking above Windy Corner (Audrey Simonson)

IMG Denali Teams 6 and 7 led by Timm and Porter are at 14K Camp today! Team 6 is resting and will make their final move to 17K Camp when the time is right, hopefully in the next few days. Team 7 made it to 14K camp yesterday and today made a back carry to 13K to pick up their cache.

All’s well in Alaska!

Summits on Rainier

June 12, 2024

: The view from near the top of Mt Rainier (Riley Gilson)

: Looking down from near the summit of Mt Rainier (Riley Gilson)

: The team on top of Mt Rainier (Riley Gilson)

IMG Lead Guide Riley Gilson reported spectacular clear weather and beautiful views from the summit of Rainier this morning. The team spent the first two days of their 3.5 Day Summit Climb in moderate winds but persevered to IMG’s Ingraham Flats Camp yesterday to be in the best possible position for a summit attempt this morning. The team woke up to calm winds and made it to the top as the sun was rising. Congratulations team!

Kilimanjaro Summits!

June 12, 2024

: Snow on the crater rim heading for Uhuru Peak (Phunuru)

: Looking out at Mawenzi at dawn (Phunuru)

: On top of Uhuru (Phunuru)

Phunuru reports that the team had a nice climb today to Uhuru Peak, the true summit of Kilimanjaro. They departed Barafu Camp about 1am as planned, reaching the Crater Rim at dawn. It’s good to see some snow up on the summit, which made everything looks very alpine for their traverse around the Crater to Uhuru Peak, the true summit. Their descent went smoothly and now everyone is back down in the Mweka Camp at treeline for the night. Tomorrow they will be up early for the final part of the descent to the Mweka Gate and then back to Moshi. Well done!!

Kilimanjaro Climbers Going for the Summit

June 11, 2024

: On the way to Barafu Camp (Phunuru)

: The team at Barafu Camp (Phunuru)

Phunuru reports that the team made it up to the Barafu Camp today in time for some well-deserved rest this afternoon. After getting packed for tomorrow and an early dinner, they all bedded down for a short sleep, with the plan to be up at midnight and walking at 1am. This should put them near the summit in time for the sunrise! The spectacular weather has been holding for the team, though it has been a bit windy at times. We’ll wish the team the best for the climb and look forward to hearing from them later today.

Kilimanjaro Team At Barranco Camp

June 10, 2024

IMG Kilimanjaro Team at Lava Tower for lunch (Phunuru Sherpa)

Phunuru checked in this evening and said the team was doing well and they were all settled in for the night at Barranco Camp! On their way to Barranco Camp today they ascended to Lava Tower which sits just about at 15,000′ for a hot lunch and rest for acclimatization. Tomorrow the team will get an earlier start and go up and over the famed Barranco Wall while on their way to Barafu Camp!

All’s well in Tanzania!

IMG June 10th Denali Update

June 10, 2024

Camp 14K with Hunter in the background. (Riley Gilson Photo)

Team 4 led by Forrest Baldwin and Team 5 led by Rowan Stewart have arrived back in Talkeetna, they will be headed home in the coming days.

Team 6 lead by Timm Philliips is moving to 14 Camp today, Team 7 lead by Porter McMichael is carrying to 13.4 today. Good Luck teams!

Kilimanjaro team reach Shira Camp

June, 9th 2024

The entire team, and Kilimanjaro crew at Shira Camp. (Phunuru)

Phunuru reports that the team had a nice hike today up to Shira Camp about 12,300 feet. After leaving the Machame Camp they climbed out of the forest into the moorland zone, where they start to see the “weird plants” like Lobelia and Groundsel that only live at high altitude near the Equator. The Shira plateau is a remnant of an old volcano and marks the point where the team will start traversing around the south side of the mountain (for the next three days). Everyone is doing well and the entire team got together for a group photo. Between the climbers, Chagga guides, porters, cook team and camping team, it’s a good size group. Unlike mountains in other places where you can climb on your own, on Kilimanjaro you are required to hire the local staff which is a big benefit to the local economy. All’s well in Tanzania.