Entries from Kilimanjaro

We bit off another chunk.  The day started at 6:30 AM at Machame Camp, which was cool and shady before the sun came over the mountain.  We had breakfast and threw our packs on just before 8 AM. The trail today was a little steeper and a little more relentlessly uphill compared to yesterday.  But we made fine progress up through a forest of giant heather.  Eventually we could look out to see that we were above a sea of clouds, and we could look over to Meru, a neighboring 15,000 ft volcano on the western horizon. 

We began to identify Senecios and Lobelias -two of the distinctive plants endemic to Kilimanjaro.  We worked hard today, but nowhere near as hard as the many porters who passed by with loads balanced on their heads, somehow staying at ease on the difficult rock steps.  Eventually we took a left turn, traversing between old layers of lava to turn the corner onto the Shira Plateau.  We reached Shira Camp at about 12,600 ft at 12:30 PM.  This marks our westernmost point for the climb, and the next days will have us moving east on our wandering route to the summit. 
 

The team enjoyed a restful afternoon and evening in our comfortable new camp. 
 

Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn & Team

We woke to clear skies at the Rivertrees Inn. Previously it had been overcast and even drizzly in the mornings.  The team was done with breakfast and packed up right on schedule.  We boarded the bus just after 8 AM and got on the road to Kilimanjaro.  The mountain was visible from the highway but the view got better as we approached and had less smoke and haze.  The Machame Gate to the National Park was bustling and busy.  It was a relief to have all paperwork and permitting done and to finally get walking, which we did shortly after 11 AM.  It was a stair master day as we started at 6000 ft bound for 10,000 ft.  The trail was in fine condition and it was clear that the National Park had been taking on major improvement projects.  We were lucky to see several families of black and white Colobus monkeys playing in the big trees as we walked.  It was hot and sweaty at first, but eventually things clouded over and the air cooled as we approached 10,000 ft.  We managed the walk in 5.5 hours.  It was a true pleasure to come into a perfectly constructed and completed camp.  Our staff greeted us cheerfully and showed us our tent home. 

We moved in and then got together for tea time and a 6:30 PM sumptuous dinner in the dining tent. Judging by the laughter, the day hadn’t been so difficult for our team.  We went over plans for getting going to new heights tomorrow and headed for bed at 8 PM, pausing -of course- to see the southern cross and a few other unfamiliar southern hemisphere constellations. 

Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave & Team

Ten climbers drifted in to the Rivertrees Country Inn on the banks of the Usa River in Tanzania these last few days. We made it from various spots in the United States all the way to East Africa with our climbing gear intact and our excitement growing. Tomorrow morning we begin a climb of Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain on the continent. So today we got ready. We began the day with introductions and a discussion of itineraries and strategies for climbing high. We set our priorities and got acquainted with the challenges to come. All of this went on while monkeys jumped from tree to tree high above in the garden-like hotel compound. Then the team retreated to the hotel rooms where we conducted gear checks and began packing. The day concluded with a weigh-in, to ensure that our staff won’t be overburdened in portering. We gathered briefly in the outdoor bar to watch Olympic highlights before dinner. And finally we fought jet lag and gathered for a pleasant multi-course meal in the indoor/outdoor dining room. We’re all set now, targeting an 8 a.m. departure, but not before a good breakfast, of course.  

Best Regards, 
RMI Guide Dave Hahn

PC: Dave Hahn

Our last full day of our safari did not disappoint. After a morning of souvenir hunting we arrived at Tarangire National Park ready for more action, and got it within minutes of going through the gate. 

Warthogs, elephants and a bunch of other critters came our way in the first hour. A lot of close up encounters with giraffes and elephants stole the show, with the finale happening in the final minutes as we drove adjacent a huge and incredibly green swamp area and had a herd of elephants cross in front of us and proceed to cover themselves in mud and even dunk themselves in the water like kids at a pond. An amazing site! 

Our 'camp' in the middle of the Park is pretty cool too. Like all these camps in the bush, our living quarters are screened in canvas tents enclosing some high end furnishings. Kind of swank and kind of fun. 

One last morning of safari awaits us as sadly our trip comes to a close. 

Until tomorrow. 

Jambo!

RMI Guide Brent Okita

PC: Shout out to Jeff Tracy, on his 3rd Kilimanjaro climb, for the beautiful photos!

A spectacular day! But this doesn't even do justice to what we saw in the crater. Besides the thousands of animals we saw all day, we were especially lucky to see three black rhinos, which are exceptionally rare. And better yet, we got up close to a pride of lions.  Like 30 or so feet away!  Wildebeast, zebras, ostriches and a bunch of other critters also a close up show. 

Following our safari we visited a Masai village which helped us understand better their culture and life. 

And tomorrow ... Tarangire!

All for now since I'm falling asleep. 

Cheers,

RMI Guide Brent Okita and Team

Tuesday, August 6, 2024 - 8:09 am PT

Today was the first day of our safari following a well-deserved night of sleep. Our drive to Lake Manyara offered up the sights of Arusha and the Masai land the lie between the Park and our hotel. Life and commerce is just so different from what we have at home. So much more personal and social. So much happens on the street. 

Our safari guides, Jafari and Comfort, are huge reservoirs of information and ready to speak on just about anything. But of course, they shine when they speak of the flora and fauna we're seeing. 

Jafari indicated up front that the rains and flooding of winter and spring have led some animals to leave Lake Manyara National Park, and have forced the closure of some roads elsewhere, but that didn't keep us from being entertained by baboons and elephants, up close and personal. (Have you ever heard an elephant pass gas? A first for me!). Monkeys, cool birds, more elephants and an excellent lunch followed. And now we're at our hotel, the Plantation Lodge. Check it out. It's wonderful!  So nice to be able to relax in perfect weather at this amazing lodge.

Truth be told, I'm writing this from a comfy chair poolside where Jeff, Alan and Kevin just stopped by after their run. 

Next up: an early start for the Ngorongoro Crater, which is truly a wonder of the world for the wildlife that calls the crater home. We're psyched!

RMI Guide Brent Okita

Monday, August 5, 2024 - 7:47 PM PT

After a slippery walk down from Mweka Camp we made it to the Mweka Gate in good shape. Legs were feeling the 13,000' descent of the past two days but smiles were broad as we knew we had done it.

A celebratory lunch and fun farewell festivities with our mountain crew closed out this wonderful climb. Riding back to the hotel thought of a shower was not the only thing on the team's mind as I know I wasn't the only one thinking back on our time on the mountain. 

After we exhausted the hotel of all its hot water washing off layers of dust from our bodies, we enjoyed a dinner celebration to recognize our huge accomplishment. Yes, we climbed a big mountain but more, we had an incredible experience where we made new friends, shared time with folks from a very different culture and maybe even learned a little something about ourselves too.

Then we headed to the soft, cushy bed our tired bodies craved after a week of sleeping on a 1" pad. What luxury!

And now... another beginning: the safari!

RMI Guide Brent Okita

Sunday, August 4, 2024 - 1:13 AM PT

The team reached the summit of Kilimanjaro this morning at around 7:00am in sunny but cold and windy conditions. We reached Point Stella as the sun was rising above the horizon, offering us a much needed lift from the toil of climbing in the dark since midnight. 

We just got back to camp and will be treated to a celebratory lunch before packing up and descending another 5,000' to the thick air of Mweka Camp. Then, finally, we'll be able to enjoy a much needed rest. 

Jambo from Barafu Camp, 15,200'

RMI Guide Brent Okita

PC: Brent Okita

Jambo from Barafu Camp, 15,200', where we're getting ready to go to the summit tonight! 

We enjoyed our shortest walk of the week this morning with the route being direct and quite enjoyable. Traversing around a significant bit of the mountain has allowed us to enjoy Kili from many aspects. And now we can finally see the route that will take us to crater rim, and from there, the summit! 

The team is feeling well and we're all primed for tonight's midnight start. The weather has been incredible and I don't see it changing any time soon. 

A hot lunch in half an hour will be followed by an early dinner then bed as we prepare ourselves for the big climb. 

Wish us luck tonight and we'll follow up tomorrow. 

RMI Guide Brent Okita

The team is getting good at getting packed up and being ready to climb after breakfast. We left camp early to avoid some of the crowds we encountered on Barranco Wall. Although many in the team were anxious about this climb, everyone crushed it this morning! Our local guides were on it too, helping me spot the more challenging parts and coach those who needed a little more guidance. Our wonderful camp staff were at the top to celebrate our ascent with tea, chips, popcorn and shortbread biscuits.

Arriving at Karanga Camp we were treated to a hot lunch: Breaded pork cutlets. German potato salad, hot cucumber soup was on the menu, with banana fritters and apple tarts for dessert. Mmmmm. Now, a siesta before teatime and dinner. Yeah, tough life here at 13,100'!

One day closer to the summit!!!

RMI Guide Brent Okita & Team