Scott - Aug 24, 2022 6:48 pm Date Climbed: May 27, 2022
Kilimanjaro
May 22
Today was our first day on the Rongai Route on Kilimanjaro. Because it was the wet season, the Rongai route was chosen as it was on the dry side of the mountain. We went with Gladys Adventures (a guide service is required to be allowed to climb the mountain).
It was a long drive over to the Rongai trailhead. Half way along the drive, we discovered that we forgot our sunscreen back in the hotel! Blacks seldom use sunscreen so we had to check several places in the small Chagga towns before we found some. Kim got a 40 cent (literally the price) haircut at one of the towns as well.
At the trailhead there were a lot of colobus monkeys. We ate lunch and then started up the trail. It took us just over two hours to get to Simba Camp, which apparently a faster than usual time. Along the way we saw lots of flowers of various colors and many birds.
At dinner time there were a lot of blue monkeys and birds around.
May 23
It was a noisy night last night! There were many blue monkeys, birds, colobus monkeys, and a jackal making a lot of noise! It was cool though.
Just after 7:30 AM we were on our way up the mountain. There were a lot of flowers along the way and the views of Kilimanjaro were very nice. We reached the camp at Second Cave before 11 AM. The ravens were after our food. Around camp we checked out the cave and we could poke our heads out of a hole.
In the afternoon we took an acclimatization hike towards the Third Cave since this would be off our planned route for tomorrow. We hiked up to Bread Rock before heading back down.
May 24
Today was our third day on the mountain. We took the alternate route to Kilimanjaro which passes by Kikelelwa Camp. We left at just over 7:30 AM and reached the camp at 10 AM. Along the way were great views of Mawenzi and we saw many flowers. From camp we joined in the porter singing and dancing. We were about half way up the mountain.
In the afternoon we took an acclimatization hike. We saw two chameleons and a black lizard. The vegetation has changed to mostly grasses, but with some groundsels.
At camp we saw some mice that were large and looked like chipmunks, as well as several birds. Of course the ravens were around too.
May 25
After packing up, we headed for Mawenzi Tarn. The trail was steeper than on previous days, but there were lots of nice views. We reached Mawenzi Tarn late morning and after a rest, we went on an acclimatization hike up to the ridge.
Mawenzi Tarn was a really spectacular place in a nice setting.
May 26
Today we hiked from Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut. It was cloudy much of the day and snow, hail, and rain fell. We did get a few views of Mawenzi though. We were worried a bit about the weather since tonight/tomorrow was our big summit day. We tried to sleep, but it was hard with the altitude, plus it was raining and snowing with a lot of wind. There were a lot of other people around too. They hiked up the Marangu Route and it was the first time we saw other hikers in several days.
May 27
We got up at 11 PM (previous day) and left at midnight for the summit. Luckily the skies had cleared and we had a lot of stars. It was a strenuous and cold, but non technical climb. Kim's hands got a little cold and my toes got a little cold, but other than that we wer pretty warm. The guides sang songs along the way to the summit. We made it to Gilmans Point just as traces of light could be seen on the horizon.
We made our way along the crater rim and inside the crater to Stella Point and saw the sunrise between Stella Point and Urhuru Point. We reached the summit at 6:55 AM. It was nice and clear at the summit and the sunrise was spectacular. We were well above the clouds. This was the forth highest I had ever been and Kim's highest.
After enjoying the summit, we descended to Kibo Camp. After getting to GiIlmans Point, the rest of the route went faster. We took a rest at Kibo Camp before heading down across The Saddle to Horombo Camp. The cook made us a cake for summitting and we shared it with the guides and porters. It was a long and tiring, but rewarding day. It rained pretty hard much of the afternoon and evening and some water got inside the tent.
May 28
Today we descended from Homboro Camp all the way to Marangu Gate. We woke up at 5:30 AM and headed down the mountain after breakfast. The vegetation was neat through the moorland and the rainforest was thick below this. We saw a tree hyrax and lots of blue monkeys. We also saw a few nice waterfalls.
We reached the gate at 1:00 PM and got some group photos. During lunch some local school girls wanted their photo taken with us.
It was a nice climb. I have climbed a lot of mountains harder than Kilimanjaro, but Kim hasn't climbed as many and said she was glad she did it, but that she wouldn't do it again.
Up the Rongai - nice, less traffic - and down the Marangu (more crowded). Guides are required of course, and they treat you like an English lord (or lady) on holiday... but that's the only way to do the mountain. Killer views and Mawenzi is beautiful too.
montanajames - Apr 6, 2022 10:33 am Date Climbed: Jan 4, 2022
Sunrise Summit
On top at sunrise with my brother!
Sushil Dawka - Apr 6, 2022 7:37 am Date Climbed: Jul 21, 2012
Rongai Route: Rimli and Sushil
To the summit of Africa...
ASliceOfLife - Oct 29, 2021 9:00 am Date Climbed: Aug 23, 2021
Lomosho Route in summer of 2021
A phenomenal first climb above 4300 meters. What a trip. My full trip writeup via about 30 journal entries can be seen on Instagram on the account @jasonsummits
Larry Laverty - Aug 27, 2021 1:11 pm Date Climbed: Aug 16, 2021
Northern Circuit Route
Following months of my life out surveying and photographing elephants in surrounding countries, this year I finally committed to visiting the summit of this iconic mountain, including a good look at a few of the surviving glaciers.
Neufy - May 1, 2021 8:29 am Date Climbed: Aug 1, 2003
A dream - this is only the start
Perfect weather, great company, and our guide, James Lyimo was energy unmatched. Though more of a trek than a climb, this trip was a big goal for me and a catalyst into mountaineering.
Tracy - Aug 27, 2020 11:27 pm Date Climbed: Aug 18, 2020
with Frankie & Godfrey from Zara Tours & Adventures
summitted before Sunrise and then met some fun climbers still coming up on our way down. We would later cross paths with them at dinner at the hotel and again on safari.
I am proof that someone with Parkinson's Disease (8 years now) approaching age 60 (next year) can still do this if paired up with the right guides. Thank you Cathy at Zara Tours & Adventures! and "asante san a" to Frankie and Godfrey
berlindx - Jul 23, 2020 10:54 am Date Climbed: Jan 29, 2020
Successful summit but lot of rain
8 Days on the Lemosho Route. We got tons of rain, but thankfully not on Summit day. Lots of clouds so limited views but it was still an amazing trip. Full trip report here: https://flagtails.com/2020/06/25/lemosho-route/
jboldt1971 - Jun 24, 2020 12:29 pm Date Climbed: Jun 10, 2018
Machame route
What a day!
Wandering Yooper - Jan 16, 2020 10:58 am Date Climbed: Feb 1, 2012
Western Breach, self-supported
Hired a guide to make it legal (no porters), but didn't let him do anything but point out the way. Carried all of my own food, gear, medical etc. on climb. Took long Lemosho route and took extended trail via Moir Hut, Lava Tower and Arrow Glacier camps in route to climbing the Western Breach, spending the night on top at Crater Camp. Awesome way to climb the mountain. Actually made it feel like real mountaineering, unlike the standard experience on the mountain.
Great trip and I was lucky not to be hit by the altitude too badly. Summit day is a long one but worth it once you reach the roof of Africa. We climbed with Kilimanjaro Brothers, a local company.
Smokieshiker - Aug 6, 2019 1:49 pm Date Climbed: Jul 14, 2019
Kili via Lemosho
Go with Baraka Trails for the best possible experience on this mountain. I have used many services across the globe and they are the very best and super affordable. I have posted a complete trip report here. http://southernhighlanders.com/new/2019/07/29/mt-kilimanjaro/
english1969 - Jun 4, 2019 3:41 pm Date Climbed: Jun 16, 2018
Needed Crampons!
Made it to the top in the one of the deepest snows on Kilimanjaro in the last ten years. Needed crampons to get up the last bit to stella point and then down again. Did the lemosho route with Zara Tours.
mgriffis - Feb 12, 2019 3:01 pm Date Climbed: Jan 14, 2019
8 Day Lemosho Route
Great climb with Summits Africa
jzheng18 - Jan 27, 2019 1:52 pm Date Climbed: Feb 10, 2018
Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Ascent (5 days)
Short and steep ascent via the Western Breach
mzelasko - Jan 13, 2019 3:27 pm Date Climbed: Dec 31, 2016
Lemosho 8-day with Ultimate Kilimanjaro
8 day supported push up Lemosho Route.
Confeta - Jan 10, 2019 5:41 am Date Climbed: Jan 4, 2019
Lemosho 7 days
Great trek! But a lot of climbers and porters each day.
melchior - Jan 8, 2019 9:10 pm Date Climbed: Jan 7, 2019
8 days Lemosho route
Very nice and scenic route. Also the best option for acclamation as it takes 7 days to reach the summit.
shanebuzz - Sep 27, 2018 11:25 pm Date Climbed: Oct 3, 2016
Kilimanjaro
Awesome climb for a good cause. Onex, Gideon, Arbitwa and Saladene - Legendary guides.
Scott - Aug 24, 2022 6:48 pm Date Climbed: May 27, 2022
KilimanjaroMay 22
Today was our first day on the Rongai Route on Kilimanjaro. Because it was the wet season, the Rongai route was chosen as it was on the dry side of the mountain. We went with Gladys Adventures (a guide service is required to be allowed to climb the mountain).
It was a long drive over to the Rongai trailhead. Half way along the drive, we discovered that we forgot our sunscreen back in the hotel! Blacks seldom use sunscreen so we had to check several places in the small Chagga towns before we found some. Kim got a 40 cent (literally the price) haircut at one of the towns as well.
At the trailhead there were a lot of colobus monkeys. We ate lunch and then started up the trail. It took us just over two hours to get to Simba Camp, which apparently a faster than usual time. Along the way we saw lots of flowers of various colors and many birds.
At dinner time there were a lot of blue monkeys and birds around.
May 23
It was a noisy night last night! There were many blue monkeys, birds, colobus monkeys, and a jackal making a lot of noise! It was cool though.
Just after 7:30 AM we were on our way up the mountain. There were a lot of flowers along the way and the views of Kilimanjaro were very nice. We reached the camp at Second Cave before 11 AM. The ravens were after our food. Around camp we checked out the cave and we could poke our heads out of a hole.
In the afternoon we took an acclimatization hike towards the Third Cave since this would be off our planned route for tomorrow. We hiked up to Bread Rock before heading back down.
May 24
Today was our third day on the mountain. We took the alternate route to Kilimanjaro which passes by Kikelelwa Camp. We left at just over 7:30 AM and reached the camp at 10 AM. Along the way were great views of Mawenzi and we saw many flowers. From camp we joined in the porter singing and dancing. We were about half way up the mountain.
In the afternoon we took an acclimatization hike. We saw two chameleons and a black lizard. The vegetation has changed to mostly grasses, but with some groundsels.
At camp we saw some mice that were large and looked like chipmunks, as well as several birds. Of course the ravens were around too.
May 25
After packing up, we headed for Mawenzi Tarn. The trail was steeper than on previous days, but there were lots of nice views. We reached Mawenzi Tarn late morning and after a rest, we went on an acclimatization hike up to the ridge.
Mawenzi Tarn was a really spectacular place in a nice setting.
May 26
Today we hiked from Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut. It was cloudy much of the day and snow, hail, and rain fell. We did get a few views of Mawenzi though. We were worried a bit about the weather since tonight/tomorrow was our big summit day. We tried to sleep, but it was hard with the altitude, plus it was raining and snowing with a lot of wind. There were a lot of other people around too. They hiked up the Marangu Route and it was the first time we saw other hikers in several days.
May 27
We got up at 11 PM (previous day) and left at midnight for the summit. Luckily the skies had cleared and we had a lot of stars. It was a strenuous and cold, but non technical climb. Kim's hands got a little cold and my toes got a little cold, but other than that we wer pretty warm. The guides sang songs along the way to the summit. We made it to Gilmans Point just as traces of light could be seen on the horizon.
We made our way along the crater rim and inside the crater to Stella Point and saw the sunrise between Stella Point and Urhuru Point. We reached the summit at 6:55 AM. It was nice and clear at the summit and the sunrise was spectacular. We were well above the clouds. This was the forth highest I had ever been and Kim's highest.
After enjoying the summit, we descended to Kibo Camp. After getting to GiIlmans Point, the rest of the route went faster. We took a rest at Kibo Camp before heading down across The Saddle to Horombo Camp. The cook made us a cake for summitting and we shared it with the guides and porters. It was a long and tiring, but rewarding day. It rained pretty hard much of the afternoon and evening and some water got inside the tent.
May 28
Today we descended from Homboro Camp all the way to Marangu Gate. We woke up at 5:30 AM and headed down the mountain after breakfast. The vegetation was neat through the moorland and the rainforest was thick below this. We saw a tree hyrax and lots of blue monkeys. We also saw a few nice waterfalls.
We reached the gate at 1:00 PM and got some group photos. During lunch some local school girls wanted their photo taken with us.
It was a nice climb. I have climbed a lot of mountains harder than Kilimanjaro, but Kim hasn't climbed as many and said she was glad she did it, but that she wouldn't do it again.
Andinistaloco - Jul 15, 2022 8:34 am
Long slog but great viewsUp the Rongai - nice, less traffic - and down the Marangu (more crowded). Guides are required of course, and they treat you like an English lord (or lady) on holiday... but that's the only way to do the mountain. Killer views and Mawenzi is beautiful too.
montanajames - Apr 6, 2022 10:33 am Date Climbed: Jan 4, 2022
Sunrise SummitOn top at sunrise with my brother!
Sushil Dawka - Apr 6, 2022 7:37 am Date Climbed: Jul 21, 2012
Rongai Route: Rimli and SushilTo the summit of Africa...
ASliceOfLife - Oct 29, 2021 9:00 am Date Climbed: Aug 23, 2021
Lomosho Route in summer of 2021A phenomenal first climb above 4300 meters. What a trip. My full trip writeup via about 30 journal entries can be seen on Instagram on the account @jasonsummits
Larry Laverty - Aug 27, 2021 1:11 pm Date Climbed: Aug 16, 2021
Northern Circuit RouteFollowing months of my life out surveying and photographing elephants in surrounding countries, this year I finally committed to visiting the summit of this iconic mountain, including a good look at a few of the surviving glaciers.
Neufy - May 1, 2021 8:29 am Date Climbed: Aug 1, 2003
A dream - this is only the startPerfect weather, great company, and our guide, James Lyimo was energy unmatched. Though more of a trek than a climb, this trip was a big goal for me and a catalyst into mountaineering.
Tracy - Aug 27, 2020 11:27 pm Date Climbed: Aug 18, 2020
with Frankie & Godfrey from Zara Tours & Adventuressummitted before Sunrise and then met some fun climbers still coming up on our way down. We would later cross paths with them at dinner at the hotel and again on safari.
I am proof that someone with Parkinson's Disease (8 years now) approaching age 60 (next year) can still do this if paired up with the right guides. Thank you Cathy at Zara Tours & Adventures! and "asante san a" to Frankie and Godfrey
berlindx - Jul 23, 2020 10:54 am Date Climbed: Jan 29, 2020
Successful summit but lot of rain8 Days on the Lemosho Route. We got tons of rain, but thankfully not on Summit day. Lots of clouds so limited views but it was still an amazing trip. Full trip report here: https://flagtails.com/2020/06/25/lemosho-route/
jboldt1971 - Jun 24, 2020 12:29 pm Date Climbed: Jun 10, 2018
Machame routeWhat a day!
Wandering Yooper - Jan 16, 2020 10:58 am Date Climbed: Feb 1, 2012
Western Breach, self-supportedHired a guide to make it legal (no porters), but didn't let him do anything but point out the way. Carried all of my own food, gear, medical etc. on climb. Took long Lemosho route and took extended trail via Moir Hut, Lava Tower and Arrow Glacier camps in route to climbing the Western Breach, spending the night on top at Crater Camp. Awesome way to climb the mountain. Actually made it feel like real mountaineering, unlike the standard experience on the mountain.
Rapparee - Dec 29, 2019 12:46 pm
MachameGreat trip and I was lucky not to be hit by the altitude too badly. Summit day is a long one but worth it once you reach the roof of Africa. We climbed with Kilimanjaro Brothers, a local company.
Smokieshiker - Aug 6, 2019 1:49 pm Date Climbed: Jul 14, 2019
Kili via LemoshoGo with Baraka Trails for the best possible experience on this mountain. I have used many services across the globe and they are the very best and super affordable. I have posted a complete trip report here. http://southernhighlanders.com/new/2019/07/29/mt-kilimanjaro/
english1969 - Jun 4, 2019 3:41 pm Date Climbed: Jun 16, 2018
Needed Crampons!Made it to the top in the one of the deepest snows on Kilimanjaro in the last ten years. Needed crampons to get up the last bit to stella point and then down again. Did the lemosho route with Zara Tours.
mgriffis - Feb 12, 2019 3:01 pm Date Climbed: Jan 14, 2019
8 Day Lemosho RouteGreat climb with Summits Africa
jzheng18 - Jan 27, 2019 1:52 pm Date Climbed: Feb 10, 2018
Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Ascent (5 days)Short and steep ascent via the Western Breach
mzelasko - Jan 13, 2019 3:27 pm Date Climbed: Dec 31, 2016
Lemosho 8-day with Ultimate Kilimanjaro8 day supported push up Lemosho Route.
Confeta - Jan 10, 2019 5:41 am Date Climbed: Jan 4, 2019
Lemosho 7 daysGreat trek! But a lot of climbers and porters each day.
melchior - Jan 8, 2019 9:10 pm Date Climbed: Jan 7, 2019
8 days Lemosho routeVery nice and scenic route. Also the best option for acclamation as it takes 7 days to reach the summit.
shanebuzz - Sep 27, 2018 11:25 pm Date Climbed: Oct 3, 2016
KilimanjaroAwesome climb for a good cause. Onex, Gideon, Arbitwa and Saladene - Legendary guides.