December 30, 2019

After the work, the reward. We are not saying that the summit of Kilimanjaro isn’t a reward but oh is it nice to be on safari in the middle of the Serengeti after standing on the top of Africa. The team flew out to the Serengeti and has been enjoying the thrill of game viewing in East Africa and the comforts of the Serengeti Sopa Lodge.

They’re going to be spending New Year’s Eve game viewing in East Africa!

How amazing is that?

Phil Ershler

December 29, 2019

The Kili team is down. They’ve returned to the hotel and showers have been had. The team had a celebration dinner with Phunuru and their Chagga guides, including lead Chagga, Kassim. Kassim has been with IMG on many Kilimanjaro summits. What’s next — tomorrow’s flight to the Serengeti!

Congrats, to all. Now is the time to get a good night’s sleep. Safari isn’t work, but it’s 3 fun-filled days. Lots to see when you’re game-viewing in East Africa. They’ve earned it.

Phil Ershler

December 28, 2019

Wow! So much for all the snow melting on Kilimanjaro. Phunuru and team did it. A little snowy, as you can see. This is certainly more the exception than the rule these days.

Climbing into the New Year (Phunuru)

The team got the job done safely and are now down at the lower camp for the night. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe and a shame to miss. They will sleep like babies tonight. The summit of Kilimanjaro in 2019 and a game-viewing safari in east Africa in 2020 is not a bad holiday. Our congratulations to everyone!

Phil Ershler

December 27, 2019

One Foot in Front of the Other (Phunuru)

News is still positive from Tanzania! The team did their thing again and pulled into Barafu, high camp, in good form. They’re over 15,000’ now and everyone is feeling the altitude a bit. TBE – to be expected. All are prepping/packing/eating/drinking/resting and ‘psyching’ up for summit day. Way to go, gang!

Team at Barafu (Phunuru)

Phunuru is planning a 12:30 am (as in tonight) departure. We’re sending all good wishes. Stay strong, stay healthy and stay smart… just like you’ve been doing. And good luck!

Phil Ershler

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