July 4, 2012

IMG guide Eben Reckord called from the Serengeti on the sat phone to report that the team made a good start to their safari.  After departing from the hotel in Moshi, they travelled to Arusha for a morning of shopping, then lunch, then on to the Arusha airport for the 45 minute afternon flight out to Seronera (in the middle of the Serengeti).  Upon landing (watch out for those antelope!) they were met by the safari drivers for the ride to their private safari camp, which is tucked up next to one of the famous kopjes (or rocky islands) that dot the Serengeti plain.  Eben reports they saw a lot of animals this afternoon on the drive, and tonight they are enjoying a barbeque under the stars, looking forward to a day of world class game viewing tomorrow.

Eric Simonson

July 3, 2012

IMG Climbers and the Chagga Crew at the end of the climb (photo: Eben Reckord)

IMG guide Eben Reckord reports from Moshi that the team had a nice final day coming off the mountain.   After a great sleep at Mweka Camp, they had a few hours of pleasant hiking down through the forest to the Mweka Gate, where they tipped their Chagga crew and said their thanks and goodbyes.

Then, after a picnic lunch, it was time for the team to head back to the hotel in Moshi for showers, beers, repacking and a celebration barbeque dinner in the evening.  Tomorrow morning the team will head to Arusha for shopping and touristing, before catching the afternoon flight to Serengeti.

Congrats to everyone for a job well done!

Eric Simonson

July 2, 2012

Kili team on the summit (photo: Eben Reckord)

IMG guide Eben Reckord reports that the team did a great job today.  They started from Barafu about midnight, with everyone reaching Uhuru Peak (the highest point on Kili).  The weather was good and the team had a nice trip.

He said there was some snow as they got up near the crater.  For the descent, they were able to make it all the way down to Mweka Camp, where they will all sleep like babies in the thick air at 11,000 feet.

Eric Simonson

July 1, 2012

IMG guide Eben Reckord reports that  the team had a nice night at Karanga, including a spectacular sunset.  Check out Mt Meru to the west (near Arusha) in the photo that Eben sent.

Today the team hiked from Karanga (at 13,000 ft) to Barafu (at 15,000 ft) and reached the camp in time for a nice rest this afternoon, a big early dinner and then an early bedtime.  They are planning to start for the summit about midnight.  If all goes well, they should be hitting Uhuru Peak shortly after sunrise.  We’ll be looking forward to hearing from them!

Eric Simonson

June 30, 2012

Eben Reckord reports that  the IMG Kili team had a good night at the 13,000 ft Barranco Camp.  Nice!  The next morning it was time to ascend the famous Barranco Wall, which involves a steep trail and a little scrambling in a few places.  The top of the Barranco Wall is one of the best views of the mountain, looking up at the glaciers!

The team’s hike to Karanga Valley, again at about 13,000 feet was perfect, with great views and the interesting vegetation along the way.   Everyone is feeling good and the acclimatization process of the ups and downs along the trail is making them stronger each day.

Eric Simonson

June 29, 2012

IMG guide Eben Reckord reports that the team had another spectacular day today, hiking from Shira Plateau to over 14,500 feet near Lava Tower, before dropping back down to the Barranco Camp.  Barranco camp is situated in a valley below the famous Breach Wall, with the glaciers hanging down.  Everyone is acclimatizing well and feeling good.  The acclimatization profile of our 7 day Kili climb via the Machame Route is perfect in this regard, with ample time to get well acclimatized before the summit day.