Mount Kilimanjaro – July 2015
Mount Kilimanjaro
It stands majestically at 19,341′ and has enticed climbers for centuries. Kilimanjaro, or Kili, is the highest peak on the continent of Africa and is therefore one of the “seven summits” of the world (7 continents, 7 highest peaks). This huge, snow-capped mountain rises dramatically above the vast plains of East Africa. In East Africa, there is a country called Tanzania and in Tanzania is a city called Arusha and near Arusha is where my trek to Kili will happen.
Climbing Kilimanjaro, experiencing the many ecological zones, suffering through the high altitude and overcoming the physical and mental challenges are all part of the legendary adventure of Kili. Climbing one the 7 summits is on my top 10 this year, so I’m totally stoked to be trying/making this happen. Who knows, maybe McKinley is next year.
I’ve emailed, talked to, read about and heard from a variety of different Kilimanjaro trekkers. Some summited, some did not, some enjoyed, some did not, but the underlying theme in all the stories was that it was a legendary adventure and that it was DAMN HARD or “The hardest thing I’ve ever done” or “I almost didn’t make it!”. Intimidating and scary to hear, but I’m excited and confident about doing this. In the variety of descriptions of experiences, were also a variety of people, personalities, physical conditions, motivations and motives for climbing. All contributed to the experience of each individual.
Why the $#%* am I doing this?!
It’s irresistible, it’s there and it’s a perfect gateway to bigger things. I have a special place in my heart for Africa + I love to climb and hike. Climbing the highest peak in Africa just makes sense to me. The world is a playground, so you should play in the best, highest, weirdest and craziest there is.
Plus, this is one of my top 10 of 2015 – Top 10, 2015, here.
What have I done to prepare? (In short…)
Logistically I have a really great lil team of people that have helped me plan thus far. Dennis Stolen, Itael Maeda and his crew in Tanzania have helped with route planning, gear planning and what to expect etc. There’s more about them below.
Physically I have an active life where I rock climb at least 2-3 times a week, I gym twice a week and I run every other day. I just started Krav Maga as well, so I’ll have a couple of months of that before I leave. I’ll probably still barf and cry as I crawl up the mountain…. as long as I’m making progress.
Gear and money and stuff Uhhhh…help? Nah, just kidding…sort of. I have some money! I have a plane ticket! I also have a couple of sponsors and I’m still bugging some lucky people for key items.
Trekking Route, Itinerary & Map
Climbing Kilimanjaro, experiencing the many ecological zones, suffering through the high altitude and overcoming the physical and mental challenges are all part of the legendary adventure of Kili. Climbing one the 7 summits is on my top 10 this year, so I’m totally stoked to be trying/making this happen. Who knows, maybe McKinley is next year.
I’ve emailed, talked to, read about and heard from a variety of different Kilimanjaro trekkers. Some summited, some did not, some enjoyed, some did not, but the underlying theme in all the stories was that it was a legendary adventure and that it was DAMN HARD or “The hardest thing I’ve ever done” or “I almost didn’t make it!”. Intimidating and scary to hear, but I’m excited and confident about doing this. In the variety of descriptions of experiences, were also a variety of people, personalities, physical conditions, motivations and motives for climbing. All contributed to the experience of each individual.
Why the $#%* am I doing this?!
It’s irresistible, it’s there and it’s a perfect gateway to bigger things. I have a special place in my heart for Africa + I love to climb and hike. Climbing the highest peak in Africa just makes sense to me. The world is a playground, so you should play in the best, highest, weirdest and craziest there is.
Plus, this is one of my top 10 of 2015 – Top 10, 2015, here.
What have I done to prepare? (In short…)
Logistically I have a really great lil team of people that have helped me plan thus far. Dennis Stolen, Itael Maeda and his crew in Tanzania have helped with route planning, gear planning and what to expect etc. There’s more about them below.
Physically I have an active life where I rock climb at least 2-3 times a week, I gym twice a week and I run every other day. I just started Krav Maga as well, so I’ll have a couple of months of that before I leave. I’ll probably still barf and cry as I crawl up the mountain…. as long as I’m making progress.
Gear and money and stuff Uhhhh…help? Nah, just kidding…sort of. I have some money! I have a plane ticket! I also have a couple of sponsors and I’m still bugging some lucky people for key items.
Trekking Route, Itinerary & Map
Lemosho / Western Breach Map
Route
There are about 15 combinations of routes to summit Kili. After doing extensive reading, harassing Kili guides and also thinking about what I wanted out of this, I honed in on a few guidelines to help pick my route:
1) Difficult, technical and direct. Kili doesn’t get very technical, but this is probably the most technical route, one of the most difficult and one of the most direct (Western Breach).
2) Beautiful and diverse. The routes vary in this way and I really wanted something I could photograph and video well. Something different every day. There are 6 ecological zones and a cray cray crater on the summit. Kili is a dormant volcano.
3) No tourists!! I’m a tourist, but you know what I’m talking about. I was pretty sure, that (1) (above) would take care of that problem. You’re a tourist when you visit a place you’re not from, no doubt, but it’s better when travel is sacred. For me, that can only happen when you’re IN IT, ya know?! You have to be just out there doing it on your own. Getting dragged up a mountain with a million porters with tents, mattresses, waffle makers and artisan coffee isn’t doing much for me. To each their own, but I wanted a small crew of dudes that were IN IT on a route that we’re inspired to do.
Lemosho & Western Breach Route
Lemosho
The Lemosho Route is considered to be one of the most scenic routes on Kili. Starting in lush rainforest on its western side, we’ll hike through Kili’s six ecological zones. We traverse the Shira Plateau and the Southern Circuit, taking in views of Kibo and its incredible glaciers. This is an unspoilt, remote, less-used, and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. I will use this route to ascend to the start of my ascent show, the Western Breach.
Western Breach
The Western Breach is a gap, formed by lava flow, on the western outer rim of Mount Kilimanjaro’s main summit. It’s scenery is pretty amazing and unique and is one of the main reasons I decided to take this path . It was reopened a few years ago after an accident, so it’s a bit less travelled than some of the other options. The route is very direct to the summit, so it’s a bit of a challenge with acclimatization, but manageable.
This route starts in Arusha, Tanzania and this is how I’ll get there..
Itinerary – June/July 2015
The Travel:
June 25th – Flight from Toronto, Canada
June 25th – Flight from Dubai, UAE
June 26th – Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya
June 26th – Nairobi, Kenya to Arusha, Tanzania (Bus? Find a friend on the flight? Hitchhike?)
June 27th – Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania.
June 27th – Meet with Itael and his family. Itael is a guide I have been planning my trek with. (more info below on Itael). His family lives in Arushu and I’ll be staying with his brother and his family. Psyched!!
June 28th – July 1st (ish) – Getting the ‘dudes’ together and figuring out the particulars of the climb; going over our route, gear packs and picking a good start day.
CLIMB TIME!
Day 1: Rainforest Zone
We enter the western gate of the park at approximately 7,700 feet and climb to approximately 9000 feet and camp overnight at Big Three Camp in a tropical rainforest.
Day 2: Heather Zone
We climb from 9,000 feet to approximately 11,520 feet and camp overnight at Shira 1 Camp in the Heather Zone. We travel through the Heather and Moorland Zones, consisting of more lush vegetation.
Day 3: Moorland Zone
We climb from 11,520 feet to approximately 13,700 feet and camp overnight at Moir Camp in the Moorland Zone. The landscape will begin to change to smaller plants and you we’ll start to travel through a more desert-like landscape.
Day 4: Lava Tower
We climb from 13.700 feet to approximately 14,940 feet and camp overnight at Lava Tower Camp in the Moorland Zone. Acclimatize.
Day 5: Lava Tower
We remain at the same camp and properly acclimatize. Probably have to climb Lava Tower for fantastic views and pictures.
Day 6: Arrow Glacier Camp
We climb from 14,940 feet to approximately 15,900 feet and camp overnight at Arrow Glaciers Camp in the Alpine Desert Zone. We only climb about 1,000 feet, but the terrain is steep, with a few scramble sections to get over the Great Barranco Wall. Hopefully sleeping well happens tonight, because tomorrow is the brutal and the feared, Western Breach.
Day 7: Western Breach
We climb from 15,900 feet to 18,500 feet. We wake up just before sunrise and cross the Western Breach while the ground is still frozen and into the crater rim. We then walk past the Northern Ice Field and Furtwangler Glacier. You can walk to the actual crater, which is that big hole in the above pic. We camp at Crater Camp.
Day 8: SUMMIT DAY
We climb from 18,500 feet to 19,365 feet. We wake up early, have breakfast and climb approximately 865 feet to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa. We’ll probably crack some beers and high five for awhile. We then start making our way down via Stella Point, all the way down to Mweka Camp (approximately 10,000 feet) in a Tropical Rainforest Zone.
Day 9: Mweka Gate & Official Certificate
We continue to climb down to Mweka Gate, at 5,400 feet, where we sign the official register…which makes things official! That’s it.. Then a grimy shower at Itael’s families place, an email home and Bob’s your uncle!!
There are about 15 combinations of routes to summit Kili. After doing extensive reading, harassing Kili guides and also thinking about what I wanted out of this, I honed in on a few guidelines to help pick my route:
1) Difficult, technical and direct. Kili doesn’t get very technical, but this is probably the most technical route, one of the most difficult and one of the most direct (Western Breach).
2) Beautiful and diverse. The routes vary in this way and I really wanted something I could photograph and video well. Something different every day. There are 6 ecological zones and a cray cray crater on the summit. Kili is a dormant volcano.
3) No tourists!! I’m a tourist, but you know what I’m talking about. I was pretty sure, that (1) (above) would take care of that problem. You’re a tourist when you visit a place you’re not from, no doubt, but it’s better when travel is sacred. For me, that can only happen when you’re IN IT, ya know?! You have to be just out there doing it on your own. Getting dragged up a mountain with a million porters with tents, mattresses, waffle makers and artisan coffee isn’t doing much for me. To each their own, but I wanted a small crew of dudes that were IN IT on a route that we’re inspired to do.
Lemosho & Western Breach Route
Lemosho
The Lemosho Route is considered to be one of the most scenic routes on Kili. Starting in lush rainforest on its western side, we’ll hike through Kili’s six ecological zones. We traverse the Shira Plateau and the Southern Circuit, taking in views of Kibo and its incredible glaciers. This is an unspoilt, remote, less-used, and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. I will use this route to ascend to the start of my ascent show, the Western Breach.
Western Breach
The Western Breach is a gap, formed by lava flow, on the western outer rim of Mount Kilimanjaro’s main summit. It’s scenery is pretty amazing and unique and is one of the main reasons I decided to take this path . It was reopened a few years ago after an accident, so it’s a bit less travelled than some of the other options. The route is very direct to the summit, so it’s a bit of a challenge with acclimatization, but manageable.
This route starts in Arusha, Tanzania and this is how I’ll get there..
Itinerary – June/July 2015
The Travel:
June 25th – Flight from Toronto, Canada
June 25th – Flight from Dubai, UAE
June 26th – Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya
June 26th – Nairobi, Kenya to Arusha, Tanzania (Bus? Find a friend on the flight? Hitchhike?)
June 27th – Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania.
June 27th – Meet with Itael and his family. Itael is a guide I have been planning my trek with. (more info below on Itael). His family lives in Arushu and I’ll be staying with his brother and his family. Psyched!!
June 28th – July 1st (ish) – Getting the ‘dudes’ together and figuring out the particulars of the climb; going over our route, gear packs and picking a good start day.
CLIMB TIME!
Day 1: Rainforest Zone
We enter the western gate of the park at approximately 7,700 feet and climb to approximately 9000 feet and camp overnight at Big Three Camp in a tropical rainforest.
Day 2: Heather Zone
We climb from 9,000 feet to approximately 11,520 feet and camp overnight at Shira 1 Camp in the Heather Zone. We travel through the Heather and Moorland Zones, consisting of more lush vegetation.
Day 3: Moorland Zone
We climb from 11,520 feet to approximately 13,700 feet and camp overnight at Moir Camp in the Moorland Zone. The landscape will begin to change to smaller plants and you we’ll start to travel through a more desert-like landscape.
Day 4: Lava Tower
We climb from 13.700 feet to approximately 14,940 feet and camp overnight at Lava Tower Camp in the Moorland Zone. Acclimatize.
Day 5: Lava Tower
We remain at the same camp and properly acclimatize. Probably have to climb Lava Tower for fantastic views and pictures.
Day 6: Arrow Glacier Camp
We climb from 14,940 feet to approximately 15,900 feet and camp overnight at Arrow Glaciers Camp in the Alpine Desert Zone. We only climb about 1,000 feet, but the terrain is steep, with a few scramble sections to get over the Great Barranco Wall. Hopefully sleeping well happens tonight, because tomorrow is the brutal and the feared, Western Breach.
Day 7: Western Breach
We climb from 15,900 feet to 18,500 feet. We wake up just before sunrise and cross the Western Breach while the ground is still frozen and into the crater rim. We then walk past the Northern Ice Field and Furtwangler Glacier. You can walk to the actual crater, which is that big hole in the above pic. We camp at Crater Camp.
Day 8: SUMMIT DAY
We climb from 18,500 feet to 19,365 feet. We wake up early, have breakfast and climb approximately 865 feet to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa. We’ll probably crack some beers and high five for awhile. We then start making our way down via Stella Point, all the way down to Mweka Camp (approximately 10,000 feet) in a Tropical Rainforest Zone.
Day 9: Mweka Gate & Official Certificate
We continue to climb down to Mweka Gate, at 5,400 feet, where we sign the official register…which makes things official! That’s it.. Then a grimy shower at Itael’s families place, an email home and Bob’s your uncle!!
(I actually do have an uncle Bob. This is him. He reads my blog..Hi uncle Bob!)
If all goes well, Kili should be complete by July 10th, 2015.
Mentors & Guides
It’s possible to contact a Kilimanjaro tour outfitter and plan your trip that way. I really wanted to do The Western Breach route and hike/camp at the edge of the crater. It’s difficult to find an outfitter that will take this route on. I also wanted to follow my guidelines above and it’s pretty much impossible to do that with a tour group. So I had to find a different way to plan my trip and customize.
Dennis
Mentors & Guides
It’s possible to contact a Kilimanjaro tour outfitter and plan your trip that way. I really wanted to do The Western Breach route and hike/camp at the edge of the crater. It’s difficult to find an outfitter that will take this route on. I also wanted to follow my guidelines above and it’s pretty much impossible to do that with a tour group. So I had to find a different way to plan my trip and customize.
Dennis
Dennis, or Den as I think I can call him now (right Den?…Right? Ha). Dennis Stolen has become my mentor, guider of crazy ideas and Kilimanjaro ‘know it all’. He’s climbed Kili 3 times, written a book about it and has organized expeditions all over Africa and Asia. In short, he kinda knows his shit! From picking my routes to planning my pack and finding my guide, Den has been a legend of a resource for me. I’m so grateful.
Itael Maeda
Itael Maeda
Itael On the right in red
Itael is my main contact in Arusha, who is helping me with the specifics of my climb. He organizes the logistics like food, extra equipment, route specifics and itinerary. My head guide, Nagabona, (below) works for Itael. I have an embarrassingly long string of emails with Itael and he’s been nothing but happy about helping out (Maybe..I think…he says..) I’m staying with Itael’s brother and his family when I get to Arusha. I’m very grateful for this opportunity. Staying in a hostel, hotel, campsite etc doesn’t quite give you the same depth of culture. I’m looking forward to being IN IT.
Nagabona (Naga) – Head Guide
Nagabona (Naga) – Head Guide
Nagabono – Head Guide
This is Nagabona! I’ve never met Nagabona or communicated with him at all. To me, he’s am ethereal legend.. He comes highly recommended, so I’m going to leave it there for Nagabona and just look forward to our time together on the mountain.
My Pack & Gear List – From steamy jungle to blizzard snow fest…
I will post gear reviews, post climb, to all the regular channels as per the uge.
Kilimanjaro has a hot steamy jungle, a desert, a snowy summit cap and brutal sun exposure. It’s all the things, which can make it a bit of a nightmare to pack for. Here’s my plan so far, but I will post my actual pack w/video when it comes down to it.
Travel Docs:
Passport and visa
iphone digi docs
Immunization Card (Yellow fever)
2 extra Passport pics
High Altitude Gear:
Waterproof, breathable & windproof down jacket (outer wear like Ventex, GoreTex or Jeantex)
Waterproof, breathable & windproof pants (outer wear)
Polar fleece (middle layer)
Thermal underwear (wool/polyester/wick band)
Thermal Long Sleeved (wool/polyester)
Thermal Short Sleeved (wool/polyester)
Gortex Gloves
Thermal socks ((Hollofil®, Thermax®, Thermastat®)
Balaclava (face protector)
Gaiters
Hiking Gear:
Convertible Shorts/Pants
T-shirt (Capilene or polypropylene)
Raincoat (Laminates: Gore-Tex PacLite; Gore-Tex Pro; Gore-Tex Active; eVent; MemBrain etc)
Dirtbag hikin’ hat! (brim/bug and sun resistant)
Collapsible walking poles
Sunglasses, good quality dark lenses for the climb, with a securing strap.
Halogen Head lamp, good strong one with spare batteries and an extra light bulb
Water bladder 3L
Halogen Water bottle – 3-1L
Camping Gear:
Therm-A-Rest Pro Lite Mattress
Sleeping bag -15
Overbag -15
Tent – Itael and I will figure out when I arrive.
Footwear:
Water resistant, semi – stiff hiking boots. Looking at you Keen!
Shoes for overnight camps – Something airy and comfy. Keen!
Thermal Socks – (polypropylene and CoolMax®)
Liner socks – to keep your feet dry and limit the risk of blisters
Personal Items:
Bathroom kit (Hand Sany, tooth brush, wet wipes for showers. Yes, for showers)
Towel and Wash Cloth (quick dry)
Sun screen and lip protection, SPF 30+
Insect Repellent
Medical and First Aid Supplies:
Diamox – Altitude sickness
Imodium – Ahem..
Water purification tablets
Antiseptic cream
(I’ve decided not to take Malaria medication)
Digi Gear:
GoPro Hero 3
iphone (pics – Instagram etc, tunes, podcasts)
Nikon D40 (RAW, long exposure)
Mini tripod
Helmet Cam (Go pro)
Selfie Stick (not lame..frig off!)
Headphones
Batteries
SD Cards
Packs
Ibex 80L Expedition Pack
I’ll be in Tanzania and Kenya, or wherever I decide to go until August 4th, when I’m back in Terana (Toronto). Kalifi? Stone Town? Paje Beach? We’ll see where things take me after Kili, but I’m thinking kite surfing on Paje beach in Zanzibar..
My Pack & Gear List – From steamy jungle to blizzard snow fest…
I will post gear reviews, post climb, to all the regular channels as per the uge.
Kilimanjaro has a hot steamy jungle, a desert, a snowy summit cap and brutal sun exposure. It’s all the things, which can make it a bit of a nightmare to pack for. Here’s my plan so far, but I will post my actual pack w/video when it comes down to it.
Travel Docs:
Passport and visa
iphone digi docs
Immunization Card (Yellow fever)
2 extra Passport pics
High Altitude Gear:
Waterproof, breathable & windproof down jacket (outer wear like Ventex, GoreTex or Jeantex)
Waterproof, breathable & windproof pants (outer wear)
Polar fleece (middle layer)
Thermal underwear (wool/polyester/wick band)
Thermal Long Sleeved (wool/polyester)
Thermal Short Sleeved (wool/polyester)
Gortex Gloves
Thermal socks ((Hollofil®, Thermax®, Thermastat®)
Balaclava (face protector)
Gaiters
Hiking Gear:
Convertible Shorts/Pants
T-shirt (Capilene or polypropylene)
Raincoat (Laminates: Gore-Tex PacLite; Gore-Tex Pro; Gore-Tex Active; eVent; MemBrain etc)
Dirtbag hikin’ hat! (brim/bug and sun resistant)
Collapsible walking poles
Sunglasses, good quality dark lenses for the climb, with a securing strap.
Halogen Head lamp, good strong one with spare batteries and an extra light bulb
Water bladder 3L
Halogen Water bottle – 3-1L
Camping Gear:
Therm-A-Rest Pro Lite Mattress
Sleeping bag -15
Overbag -15
Tent – Itael and I will figure out when I arrive.
Footwear:
Water resistant, semi – stiff hiking boots. Looking at you Keen!
Shoes for overnight camps – Something airy and comfy. Keen!
Thermal Socks – (polypropylene and CoolMax®)
Liner socks – to keep your feet dry and limit the risk of blisters
Personal Items:
Bathroom kit (Hand Sany, tooth brush, wet wipes for showers. Yes, for showers)
Towel and Wash Cloth (quick dry)
Sun screen and lip protection, SPF 30+
Insect Repellent
Medical and First Aid Supplies:
Diamox – Altitude sickness
Imodium – Ahem..
Water purification tablets
Antiseptic cream
(I’ve decided not to take Malaria medication)
Digi Gear:
GoPro Hero 3
iphone (pics – Instagram etc, tunes, podcasts)
Nikon D40 (RAW, long exposure)
Mini tripod
Helmet Cam (Go pro)
Selfie Stick (not lame..frig off!)
Headphones
Batteries
SD Cards
Packs
Ibex 80L Expedition Pack
I’ll be in Tanzania and Kenya, or wherever I decide to go until August 4th, when I’m back in Terana (Toronto). Kalifi? Stone Town? Paje Beach? We’ll see where things take me after Kili, but I’m thinking kite surfing on Paje beach in Zanzibar..
Paje Beach – Zanzibar
That’s all for now kids.
Drain your bank accounts, fill your hearts up and get way, way out there.
Love,
Matt
Drain your bank accounts, fill your hearts up and get way, way out there.
Love,
Matt
