September 28, 2017

Sunrise at Shira Camp. (Dustin Balderach)

More good news from Dustin on Kilimanjaro. The team enjoyed a great night at Machame Camp soaking in the great views of the mountain before the afternoon clouds rolled in as they typically do. Today, they hiked up out of the forest up onto the Shira Plateau to Shira Camp (12,000ft). The hike ‘through the zone of weird plants’ took them about 5 hours. When they pulled into camp they were greeted by some soup and roasted vegetable sandwiches. This team is doing things right!

All continues to go well in Africa!

Tye Chapman

September 26, 2017

Kilimanjaro team out on the town. (Dustin Balderach)

Dustin called in to report that his team is set, ready and fired up to start their climb.

Today the team knocked out their gear checks, then set out on Moshi to run some errands, stretch the legs, and explore town a bit. They exchanged money, picked up some snacks at the grocery store, and strolled through the public market.  Lunch was had at the Kilimanjaro Cafe. They’ve finished packing for the climb, and as Dustin called, they were on their way to dinner.

Tomorrow morning, after their last shower for a week, they’ll load up and drive to the Machame Gate (6000ft.) to start their climb to Machame Camp (10,000ft.).  It’s a big day but they’re ready.

Tye Chapman

September 25, 2017

Kilimanjaro from Moshi (Photo: Dustin Balderach)

Dustin checked in today with some good news; his next Kilimanjaro Team has all arrived with all of their luggage.

Tomorrow, they’ll knock out some gear checks, take a stroll around Moshi and hit all of Dustin’s favorite spots (read pizza and milkshakes for lunch). It’s an important day to get repacked and adjusted to the new time zone!

Tye Chapman

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