February 24, 2020

The team on the summit of Uhuru Peak (Phunuru Sherpa)

Phunuru Sherpa called to report that the Kilimanjaro climb went well today, with 100% on the summit of Uhuru Peak (the true summit of Kili). He was also able to send out a summit photo. Congrats and well done, team! Now they are all back down to the Millennium Camp (about 12,000 ft) where they are spending the night, and in the morning they will be finishing off the descent to the Mweka Gate.

Eric Simonson

February 23, 2020

Phunuru Sherpa called from 15,000 ft at Barafu Camp to report the team had a very nice hike today coming up from Karanga Camp. They enjoyed spectacular views of the south side of the mountain, and everyone is feeling good for their Summit Climb tomorrow.

Climbers at Barafu Camp with the view up the route (Phunuru Sherpa)

Since today was a relatively short day, they arrived to Barafu in time for a hot lunch, then spent the afternoon resting and preparing. After an early dinner, it was an early bedtime. Their plan is to get up at 11pm and be walking by midnight which should put them on the summit right about sunrise.

Best wishes to everyone, and we’ll be looking forward to hearing from them tomorrow.

Eric Simonson

February 22, 2020

Today was one of my personal favorite days of the Kilimanjaro Climb. Phunuru Sherpa reports that the team had great weather for their ascent from the Barranco Camp to the top of the Barranco Wall. This is a steep trail, with one very short section where you must use your hands.

The steep spot on the ascent of the Barranco Wall (Eric Simonson)

From the highpoint the team were treated to close-up views of the Breach Wall and Southern Glaciers.

Great view from the top of the Barranco Wall (Phunuru Sherpa)

Continuing their eastward traverse around the south side of the mountain, they eventually reached the Karanga Camp which (like Barranco) is also at about 13,000 ft.

Karanga Camp (Eric Simonson)

This is a perfect acclimatization profile for the team, before their climb tomorrow up to the Barafu Camp (15,000 ft). It’s a short day up to Barafu Camp tomorrow, so the climbers will arrive before lunch with all afternoon to rest and prepare for climbing to the summit the next day. So far, so good!

Eric Simonson

February 21, 2020

Phunuru Sherpa checked in to say the team had another good day, with only 10 minutes of rain this afternoon as a cloud passed by. On the way to Barranco Camp, the team ascended to Lava Tower (about 15,000 ft) before dropping down to the Camp at about 13,000 feet. Spectacular views abound, with the huge Breach Wall of Kilimanjaro dominating the scene. Right smack in the middle of the Wall is the Breach Icicle, climbed by famous climber Reinhold Messner in 1978. So far the team is doing well and having fun!

Eric Simonson

February 20, 2020

Kili climbers at Shira Camp (Phunuru Sherpa)

Phunuru Sherpa reports that the team had another beautiful day today as they hiked up to the Shira Plateau at about 12,300 feet. They are now in the moorland zone, with giant heather plants and giant groundsel plants along the way.

Sounds like everyone is acclimatizing well and doing a good job. They had some clouds this afternoon but overall the weather is holding.

Eric Simonson

February 19, 2020

The Kilimanjaro summit is just barely visible from Machame Camp
(Phunuru Sherpa)

Phunuru reported that the Kili team had perfectly clear day for their hike up through the forest to Machame Camp at about 9500 ft.  This camp is situated right at the treeline, at the top of the forest, with the moorland zone above.  If there are no clouds, the team will get a “peekaboo” view of the summit of Kilimanjaro from Machame camp. While it is not a big deal in the forest zone to get a few sprinkles, even during the “dry” season, this team is enjoying the great weather so far.  Everyone is doing well, and they are looking forward to continuing their ascent up to Shira Camp tomorrow.

Eric Simonson