September 22, 2017

All checked in at the Farm House after a third and final amazing day of game viewing. The Serengeti didn’t leave us wanting. As we drove out of the park we passed lions feasting on an overnight wildebeest kill. Then, a cheetah leisurely passed right by us in an unusual slow stroll. Finally, the King and Queen of the Serengeti (male and female lions) laid roadside as we drove out.

After the Serengeti, we then visited the Oldupai gorge to learn a little about our ancestors before making our way to Ngorongoro Crater where we witnessed — among countless other wonders — over a dozen hyenas kill a full grown male warthog right in front of our eyes.

Now as we get ready for our final dinner, two thoughts come to mind. The first is summed up nicely by Mary, a member of our team, “this has exceeded my wildest expectations”.  The second thought that comes to mind is that, I couldn’t think of a better way to reward ourselves for the hard, but successful, climb of Kilimanjaro.

After dropping off the team at the airport tomorrow evening, I’ll have a couple days to prepare to welcome my second team to do it all again. I can’t wait!

Dustin Balderach

September 21, 2017

Dustin called in again with more great news. The team was able to spot 4 of the Big 5 again today. If you’re counting, the Big 5 are the elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino. They saw all but the rhino on both days.  Dustin said they’re saving the rhino for the Ngorongoro Crater tomorrow.  They’ve also seen countless zebras, wildebeest, gazelles and giraffes. They’re having a blast!

They enjoyed another night around the campfire under the stars!

Tye Chapman

September 20, 2017

Dustin checked in reporting all is well on the Serengeti. He and his team caught their flight out of Arusha and enjoyed the scenic flight which flew them directly over Ngorongoro Crater, their destination in a couple days. Once back on terra firma they jumped into the 4wd vehicles and were immediately greeted by a pride of lions and countless zebras. After a couple hours of game viewing they enjoyed some beverages around the campfire.  That’s a pretty good day by anybody’s standards!

Tomorrow is a full day of game viewing with a picnic lunch at midday. Another night under the stars in our deluxe wildlife camp awaits!

Tye Chapman

September 19, 2017

IMG Guide Dustin Balderach checked in from the hotel in Moshi, reporting all is well.  He and his team finished up the descent of their climb in good form, took some celebratory photos at the Mweka Gate, then jumped in the awaiting 4WD vehicles and we’re back at the hotel in no time.

Showers were first on the agenda, beers and cokes were a close second.  They were heading to our traditional Celebration Dinner when Dustin called. It sounds like this team absolutely crushed the climb.

Tomorrow, they’ll head to Arusha to catch their flight to the Serengeti. It’s time to kick back, relax and soak in the wildlife. Next check in from Dustin will be from the Serengeti.

Tye Chapman

September 18, 2017

Kilimanjaro Summit Pyramid (Greg Vernovage)

Dustin called in late last night to report that he and 100% if his team summited Kilimanjaro! More importantly, Dustin called in just a few minutes ago to report that everybody made it safely down to Mweka Camp. The air continues to get thicker from here on out!

Tomorrow, they’ll continue down the Mweka route to the Mweka gate to their awaiting 4WD vehicles that will take them back to the hotel for showers and the celebration dinner. Woo hoo!

One more day then it’s time to go on safari!

Tye Chapman

September 17, 2017

The team at Karanga Camp. (Dustin Balderach)

Dustin checked in from Barafu Camp (aka High Camp) at 15,000ft. on Kilimanjaro. He reports that the team crushed the last leg of the climb and are set and ready for summit day. They’ll wake up around midnight, eat some breakfast, and hit the trail. It’ll be a long day, but sunrise on the summit awaits.

The next time we hear from Dustin should be from the highest point in Africa!

Tye Chapman