March 2, 2017

The Kilimanjaro Team had a fantastic first day on safari over in Tanzania. Guide Emily Johnston checked in and this is what she had to say, “Great flight to Seronera (the central region of the Serengeti) this afternoon. We saw about 15 lions eating a wildebeest, hippos, topis, antelope, baboons, and a leopard napping in a tree. Not bad for day one! Oh yeah, we also saw jackals, hyenas, gazelles, antelope, buffaloes, a tawny eagle, goshawk and lots of other cool birds!”

Wow! I can’t think of a better way to cap off a climb of Mt Kilimanjaro than with that! Now the team is settled into the Serengeti Wilderness Camp, probably sitting around the dinner table eating excellent food, or perhaps sitting out around the fire drinking Safari Beer and sharing stories. To call this place a ‘camp’ is misleading. The super comfortable ‘tents’ sit out in the grasslands of the Serengeti completely surrounded by wildlife but totally safe. These ‘tents’ are fully kitted out with comfortable beds and each has its own attached bathroom. They are pretty nice! There is also a huge open air dining tent and a lounge tent with a bar! Its all very posh and civilized for being in the middle of the Serengeti. Tomorrow the team can look forward to a full day of wildlife viewing on the Serengeti.

Dustin Balderach

February 28, 2017

We heard from IMG senior guide Emily Johnston over on Kili and everyone is now back at the hotel in Moshi, Tanzania. They made the short hike out to the Mweka Gate this morning and got all loaded up for the half-hour drive to the hotel. Then their afternoon went like this: lunch, showers, clean clothes, rest, repack for the safari, rest, finish off with our traditional celebratory dinner with the Chagga guides. They are now soundly sleeping and when they wake up the fun will continue. This time, very little work will be required of the group as they spot wildlife from the pop-top Land Cruisers! Its really a neat way to explore the Serengeti. Sit when you please and stand when you please – which is usually when your driver/guide points out some interesting animal.

After breakfast, they will head to the city of Arusha where they will catch a short flight to the Serengeti in the early afternoon. Once they touch down on the runway in the Serengeti they will immediately jump into the safari vehicles and start seeing wildlife. It really all happens so quickly. One minute you are sitting in the airport, waiting to get on the plane. Literally an hour later you are looking at zebras and warthogs. It amazes me every time. This group will have a blast the next 3 days on safari and they deserve every minute of it. Congrats again to the team on the huge accomplishment of summiting Kilimanjaro. Happy game viewing!

Dustin Balderach

February 27, 2017

IMG senior guide Emily Johnston just called from the sat phone from the summit of Kilimanjaro with the news we’ve been waiting for. The Kili Team summited early Monday morning (Tanzanian time) in fine form. Everyone at IMG sends our congratulations to the team on their summit. Now, they are descending back down from the summit to high camp where they will have a well deserved hot lunch, finish packing up and take a little break. Then they’ll continue further down the mountain to their camp for the night. That camp, Mweka Camp, is at around 10,000 feet down in the forest. Down at Mweka Camp the air is thicker and there is some welcome humidity in the air. This – along with a big dinner – makes for a great night sleep after their long summit day. Tomorrow, the team will have a short hike out down to the Mweka Gate where they will load up in our private vehicles and make the short drive back to the hotel in Moshi. Showers and fresh clothes are calling, along with our traditional celebratory dinner with the Chagga Guides to celebrate the climb!

Dustin Balderach

February 26, 2017

Team dinner at Barafu (photo: Emily Johnston)

It’s game day (almost) in Tanzania.  Emily reported in to let us know the team is packed, fed and watered, and anxious to make their summit attempt on Kilimanjaro.  They’re all tucked in at high camp, Barafu, and ready to give it their all.  Midnight, Tanzania time, is their ETD.  This team has done just great, and we’ll continue to wish them luck on this all important summit push.

Phil Ershler