December 26, 2019

Remember, it’s about a 12 hour time difference between the US and Tanzania so the Kili team has already put in a good day hiking already. Rain keeps annoying them a bit during the day but drying out doesn’t take too long when you’re sitting on the equator. They’re settled in now at the Karanga Camp, around 13,000 ft. This is the “extra” night we give ourselves when you do the climb in 7 days and 6 nights, which IMG thinks is the only way to go. Makes the move tomorrow relatively short, relatively easy and they arrive at high camp, Barafu, relatively early. Lunch and dinner will sort of meld into one and they’ll have plenty of time for packing, prepping and relaxing. Plus, tonight at Karanga gives everyone another acclimatization night at 13,000′. Can’t do a lot better than that.

Phunuru says all is good and that everyone will be ready for the move to high camp in the morning. Almost show time now.

Phil Ershler

December 25, 2019

Phunuru and team called in today, Christmas Day. First, they wanted to let us know that everyone had made it to Barranco Camp at about 13,000’. They dealt with some rain this afternoon but skies were clearing as they moved later into the afternoon and early evening.

Merry Christmas to everyone back home from the team at Barranco Camp on Kilimanjaro! (Phunuru)

But I think more important to the team was this comment:

“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2020 to all the IMG family. All is well here in Barranco Camp”

It was signed Phunuru and team. Ditto.

Phil Ershler

December 24, 2019

Phunuru and team send holiday greetings from Shira Camp in Tanzania, on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. A little mist today but who cares? Everyone is doing well.

Tomorrow is Baranco Camp, one of the most scenic on the mountain and a pretty amazing place to spend Christmas. Remember, they’re about 12 hours later so Christmas day is just around the corner. What an amazing experience for everyone. Happy Holidays to and from all!

Phil Ershler

December 23, 2019

Machame Camp (Phunuru Sherpa)

Phunuru is working his magic again as lead guide on our Holiday season Kilimanjaro trip. Great photo, Phunuru!  They’re all smiling – no need to say more.

Phil Ershler

December 23, 2019

December 2019 Kilimanjaro Holiday Team at the hotel, ready to start (Phunuru Sherpa)

IMG senior guide, Phunuru Sherpa, reports from Moshi, Tanzania that our annual Holiday Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari trip is on the launch pad, ready to start. Yesterday the team did their equipment checks, packed and weighed their duffel bags, and also took a side trip into town to visit the local market and stroll around. The weather is good and everyone is excited to hit the trail.

Next up for the Team is the ride from Moshi (about 2800 ft) up to the Machame Gate (about 5900 ft) where they will do the National Park formalities (signing in, check permits, etc).  Then, it’s time to start hiking! With our Chagga porters and cooks joining them, they will be completely self-sufficient for the next 7 days, as they ascend the Machame Route and descend the Mweka Route.   Destination for Day 1 of the climb is the Machame Camp (about 9900 ft). The hike will take them up through the dense forest zone that encircles the lower mountain. Machame Campsite is right at the treeline, with peekaboo views of the summit emerging through the trees. Have fun up there!

Eric Simonson