The Trip Itself Day by Day Pictures and video (and maps!) are currently being worked on.  Here's what we have so far! Day 1 -  The Hains Point Giant "The Awakening" and DC Metro       Pictures/stories    No Video Day 2 -  Our First Official "Tourist Day!"                                     Pictures/stories    Summary Video   Day 3 -  National Museum of Art, Constitution, and Carrie's Bday    Pictures/stories    Summary Video Day 4 -  Arlington, Iwo Jima, FDR, Jefferson, Holocaust Museum     Pictures/stories    Summary Video Day 5 -  Washington D.C. Museums and the Hope Diamond            Pictures/stories    Summary Video Day 6 -  Mellow relax and Catch-up day with our friends Misty and Yvette Day 7 -  Delaware, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania       Pictures/stories    Summary Video Day 8 -  Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Mamma Mia! on Broadway    Pictures/stories    Summary Video Day 9 -  New York City, The Empire State Building, Long Island       Pictures/stories    Summary Video Day 10 - Catch-up/prep day with our friends Viliam and Julie, as well as the New Jersey PPL Briefing Day 11/12 - Travel to Africa  (Arriving in Africa the evening of Day 12, which was June 22nd) Day 13 - Safari in Arusha National Park and touring the lodge         Pictures/stories    Summary Video(s) Day 14 - Traveling to Mount Kilimanjaro and beginning our climb      Pictures/stories    Summary Video Day 15 - Second Climb Day on Mt Kilimanjaro                               Pictures/stories    Summary Video Day 16 - Third Climb Day on Mt Kilimanjaro                                  Pictures/stories    Summary Video Day 17 - Fourth Climb Day on Mt Kilimanjaro                                Pictures/stories    Summary Video Day 18 - Fifth Climb Day on Mt Kilimanjaro                                   Pictures/stories    Summary Video Day 19 - Sixth Climb Day on Mt Kilimanjaro                                  Pictures/stories    Summary Video Day 20 - Seventh Climb Day on Mt Kilimanjaro                             Pictures/stories    Summary Video   MORE PICTURES AND VIDEO ARE COMING SOON!!! The Africa portion of our trip was actually organized by Kevin Cherilla, and our good friend Dee Ann Dummett.  Kevin also organized the trip the first time Dee Ann climbed Kilimanjaro.  Some of the text on this web site that talks about generalities of a Kilimanjaro climb actually came from Kevin Cherilla.

                    

 

Here's our itinerary
(From our trip Organizer)

Our entrance into the African wild begins as we climb Kilimanjaro via the less traveled Machame route. This route has been designated as a "low use hiking" zone and "camping only" zone.  Climbing the Machame route is of great importance for those wishing to fully experience Africa's vast wilderness.  Being one of the most scenic and beautiful routes up Mt. Kilimanjaro, it is a gradual ascent through forest and provides wide views of the moorlands.

The Kilimanjaro climb is both physically and mentally demanding.  To promote full exploration of the region, we use porters to carry gear and food. We overnight in high-quality tents, while healthy meals including chicken, rice, fruits, and vegetables are prepared by our cook staff. (Options are available for vegetarians or those with specific dietary needs/preferences). 

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - 2 June 21^st and 22^nd  – Fly out of Phoenix and/or other cities on the morning of Wednesday, June 21^st, into Amsterdam, and finally into Kilimanjaro International on the evening of June 22^nd.

Our African leader/guide will meet us at the airport and we will take a bus to our hotel at the Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge.  (www.thengurdotomountainlodge.com)

Day 3 June 23^rd – We will have the option of several activities on this day.  You can  spend the day in Arusha, shopping, eating, and hanging out at the lodge resting for the climb.  Or, we can spend the afternoon on a safari in the Arusha National Park located only 15 minutes from our lodge.  Later in the day we will have gear check, a team meeting, and a team dinner. 

Day 4 June 24^th – Depart the lodge at 9:00 a.m. after breakfast and drive to the Machame Gate for registration, last minute organizing, and final team meeting. We begin our trek through shambas and montane rain forest arriving at the Machame Campsite (9,840 ft. / 2998 m) in about 5-7 hours. Dinner and overnight at the campsite.  Lunch and Dinner will be provided.

Day 5 June 25^th - After breakfast, leave the forest on a path following a steep ridge, passing through heather and open moorlands, and crossing a large gorge to reach the Shira Campsite (12,450 ft. / 3800 m) in 5-7 hours, arriving late afternoon with dinner and overnight at the campsite.  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be provided.

Day 6 June 26^th - After breakfast, continue ascending through the dry landscape, crossing a broad valley and climbing a ridge crest to 14,800 feet before dropping again to reach Barranco Campsite (13,000 ft. / 3950 m). After 5-7 hours reach the campsite late afternoon for dinner and overnight.  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be provided.

Day 7 June 27^th - After breakfast, cross the floor of the great Barranco Valley, up the Barranco wall to the Karanga River valley.  After 3-5 hours we arrive at the Karanga Campsite at (13,400 ft. / 4100 m) in the early afternoon.  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be provided. 

Day 8 June 28^th - After breakfast we will travel up a ridge, reaching Barafu Campsite (15,100 ft. / 4600 m) in about 2-3 hours.  After reaching high camp we get prepared physically and mentally for a midnight summit push.  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be provided.

Day 9 June 29^th - Getting a start around midnight, begin the final ascent to the peak reaching the crater rim at Stella Point (18,700 ft. / 5700 m) in 5-6 hours. In another hour, arrival at the 'Roof of Africa', Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft. / 5895 m). Descend via Barafu Campsite through the forest to Mweka Campsite (10,000 ft. / 3100 m) in the giant heather zone on the forest edge for dinner, party, and overnight. An easy 2-3 hour hike.  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be provided.

Day 10 June 30^th – After breakfast, descend through the rain forest, with lunch en route, to the Mweka Park Gate taking 3-4 hours. There will be a team lunch at the gate.  Late afternoon return to the Ngorduto Mountain Lodge for a swim and relaxation!  A team dinner will be provided at the hotel.  This will be an overnight stay for everyone staying for a longer safari in the Serengeti, Lake Manyara National Park, or Ngrongoro Crater.

Day 11 July 1^st – Arrive home in the afternoon or begin our safari!

 

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