July 5, 2015
Sunset on Kili and Mawenzi (Eric Simonson)
Our June 2015 Kilimanjaro trip has come to a close. This was a unique trip, with three families, with a total of 4 kids of the ages 12-14 signed on. The kids were all used to travel and a certain level of austerity and hardship prior to this trip. From that foundation, the youth managed the increased stresses in fine form. Kilimanjaro is a big, cold mountain for folks that young.  The lesson here, for any age: the thinner and lighter one is, the more clothing they should likely consider having along with them. Most of the team made the highest point, Uhuru, after trekking around the crater from Stella Point, where we hit the rim.
After the hard charging climb of Kili, the mixed accommodations of the safari was a luxurious treat. We found ourselves under the full moon, on the Serengeti, enjoying drinks around the campfire looking up at the Southern Cross, said to be the most beautiful constellation in the sky. The game watching was spectacular and full, as usual, as we worked into various environments within the region. Our final night was in a spectacular lodge virtually on the rim of the Norongoro Crater. Everyone headed for home feeling that they have very likely just completed a trip of a lifetime. I always do.
Andy Politz