July 10, 2024

uly Kili team at Machame Camp (Ang Jangbu)

Kili climbers in the forest on the way to Machame Camp (Phunuru Sherpa)

Kili climbers loading up for the Machame Gate trailhead (Ang Jangbu)

Ang Jangbu reports the team made a clean getaway this morning, heading for the Machame Gate and the trailhead.  Upon arriving at the Gate, they did the mandatory permit checks with the Park Rangers.  Loads were distributed to the Chagga porter team and it was time to hit the trail for the hike up through the forest zone to the Machame Camp.  It took the team about 6 hours (including breaks) of forest hiking to reach the camp, located near the treeline at a little below 10,000 feet elevation.  So far so good!

July 9, 2024

The July Kilimanjaro team is ready to climb (Ang Jangbu)

We are happy to announce that our fourth Kili trip of 2024 is now starting, led by IMG senior leader Ang Jangbu Sherpa.  Ang Jangbu reports from Tanzania that the whole team arrived on schedule yesterday and today they did their gear checks, secured any missing items, and got the duffel bags weighed and ready for the trailhead (the porter load limits are strictly enforced by the National Park).  The plan is to depart at 8AM tomorrow morning for the Machame Gate.  All’s well in Africa!

June 24th, 2024

Phunuru reports the team had a gorgeous climb to Uhuru Peak, the 19,340 ft tippy top of Kilimanjaro. They started from the 15,000 ft Barafu Camp at about midnight and reached the summit at dawn. After a rapid descent to Barafu, they had time for a nice rest and meal before continuing down to Mweka Camp at the treeline, about 11,000 ft. Everyone stayed strong and they arrived by 3pm. Tomorrow, they will head down through the forest to the Mweka Gate and the waiting vehicles for the ride back to Moshi. Well done team, and congratulations to Phunuru for his 25th Kili ascent!

June 21, 2024

IMG Team at lava Tower (Phunuru)

Barranco Camp with the Breach Wall and Icicle above (Eric Simonson)

Porters approaching the Barranco Camp with the giant groundsel plants (Eric Simonson)

After yesterdays rainstorm, the weather cleared and today was gorgeous for the team.  The old adage for acclimatization is “climb high, sleep low” and the team’s hike today fits that bill perfectly, climbing to a high point at Lava Tower (4600m/15000ft) before descending back to 13000 ft at the Barranco Camp.  From the Barranco Camp the team has a great view of the Breach Wall and Icicle, and their first objective tomorrow, the steep climb out of the Barranco camp as they continue their trek to the Karanga Camp.

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.