IMG Aconcagua Team 1 Reaches Camp 1, Team 2 Reaches Basecamp

January 4th, 2023–

IMG Guide Tyler Nachand (Team 1) let us know the team successfully reached Camp 1 (16,372′) after a long yet strong day of climbing. Climbers are doing well and look forward to another night higher on the mountain.

IMG Guide Stu Johnson (Team 2) finished out their climb to Plaza Argentina Basecamp (13,800′) today and were welcomed with fresh lemonade and warm meals. The team is enjoying the space and amenities at Basecamp as they look to use tonight and tomorrow to rest.

IMG Aconcagua Team

Aconcagua Teams Continue On

January 3rd, 2024–

Stunning views of Aconcagua on the way to Plaza Argentina Basecamp (Stu Johnson)

IMG Aconcagua Team 1 spent their rest day at Plaza Argentina Basecamp enjoying fresh fruits, delicious meals, fantastic views, and recovering after a long trek. Climbers embrace the luxuries of basecamp today while excitedly preparing to climb to Camp 1 (16,372′) tomorrow.

IMG Aconcagua Team 2 spent the day making their way towards Casa de Piedras (10,629′) from Pampa de Leñas. Climbers are moving well and are enjoying their night on the trail and look forward to arriving to Plaza Argentina Basecamp tomorrow.

All is well in Argentina!

Entrance into the Aconcagua National Park (Stu Johnson)

IMG Climbers enjoying a lovely meal with fresh fruit at Plaza Argentina basecamp (Tyler Nachand)

IMG Team moving into their spacious tents (Tyler Nachand)

Moon on a blue bird day (Stu Johnson)

Happy New Year from the Serengeti!

December 31, 2023

Visiting the Maasai Village (Phunuru)

Happy new year IMG family and friends. I hope this year is full of happiness new experiences and joy for you. Hope we have an amazing year ahead.

Together, we had a fantastic Safari seeing more than 100 species including 4 of the Big 5, only missing the leopard. We did have the fortune of seeing a record 7 rhinos in the Crater!

The crew is having a blast! We will continue to have fun and celebrate the New Year!!

2023 has ended in a fantastic fashion. Cheers to an even better 2024!

Phunuru Sherpa

Aconcagua Team 1 On The Move, Team 2 Doing Final Prep

December 31, 2023

The Vacas River along the hike to Pampa de Leñas (Tincho Lucero)

Fresh meat on the grill for dinner! (Tincho Lucero)

The team on their way to Pampa de Leñas (Tincho Lucero)

Team 1 rounded out 2023 with a lovely hike to Pampa de Leñas (9,678′)! Tonight, they are planning a small NYE dinner celebration before carrying on in the AM to Casa de Piedras (10,629′) where they will spend the night.

Team 2 is poised in Mendoza doing their final preparations before departure to Penitentes tomorrow.

Audrey Simonson

Aconcagua Team 1 ready to go!

December 30, 2023

The team all packed up and ready to go! (Tincho)

Aconcagua Team 1 led by Tincho & Tyler is off! The team is all packed up and is out the door from Mendoza. Team 2, led by Stu, is just a couple days behind.

All is good in Argentina!

IMG Kilimanjaro Climbers arrive to Serengeti

December 29th, 2023–

Giraffe spotted on Safari (Phunuru)

IMG Senior Guide Phunuru let us know the team arrived excitedly to the Serengeti National Park, the second largest National Park in Africa. Climbers spent the evening viewing all big 5 animals and relaxing while watching the sunset. The team looks for a restful night at their deluxe wildlife camp before another day in the Safari.

Elephants grazing during sunset (Phunuru)

Large hippos in nearby lake (Phunuru)

Elephant in Serengeti National Park (Phunuru)

Colorful and peaceful sunset while on Safari (Phunuru)

IMG Kilimanjaro Team Celebrates in Moshi

December 28th, 2023–

IMG Kilimanjaro Team with summit certificates (Phunuru)

IMG Guide Phunuru let us know the team has safely and excitedly arrived back to Moshi in celebratory spirits. Climbers received summit certificates and enjoyed showers and a filling dinner before a restful night at a nearby hotel. Tomorrow the team will have lunch in Arusha before flying to Serengeti for the Safari. Congrats, again, to our Kilimanjaro team for an 100% success!

IMG Kilimanjaro Climbers, Guides, and Staff on a bright day (Phunuru)

100% Kilimanjaro Summits!

December 27, 2023

Phunuru reports the Kilimanjaro team had a gorgeous summit climb with nice weather and a spectacular sunrise from the Crater Rim on the way to Uhuru Peak (the true summit).

: On the crater rim between Stella Point and Uhuru Peak (Phunuru)

: Looking out over the summit of Mawenzi Peak at dawn (Phunuru)

: Ice cap on the summit of Kilimanjaro with Mt Meru behind (Phunuru)

Now the team has completed their descent back to Barafu Camp. After some lunch and a rest break, they will continue their descent to the thick air down at Mweka Camp (about 10,000 ft). Well done team!

Eric Simonson

Kilimanjaro team is ready to climb!

December 26, 2023

Phunuru reports that the team had a nice hike today from Karanga Camp up to the Barafu Camp (about 15,000 ft), which they reached in time for lunch. Then, they spent the afternoon resting, hydrating, and getting ready to climb tonight. After an early dinner everyone headed to the tents for some more rest before their planned departure at midnight.

: On the way to Barafu with Mt Meru in the background (Phunuru)

: At Barafu Camp (Phunuru)

The weather report is good and we’ll be looking forward to hearing news of their climb. Best wishes to the team!

Eric Simonson

Merry Christmas from Karanga Camp!

December 25, 2023

Phunuru dressed up as Santa at Karanga Camp (Phunuru)

This morning our Kilimanjaro team wished us all a Merry Christmas from Karanga Camp! The team had a lovely hike up and over the Barranco Wall and pulled into camp before lunch so the team was able to have a restful afternoon. Tomorrow the team will have a shorter day travelling to Barafu Camp where they will go to sleep early to be prepared for their summit attempt!

Audrey Simonson