Trip Reports

Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Glades - 14 to 23 Feb '15

14 February team on the summit of Kilimanjaro

Written by Leader Sam Benson, March 2015

All of the team with the exception of Anna met at Amsterdam airport and enjoyed a good flight to Kilimanjaro airport courtesy of KLM. We all had our visas pre-flight so quickly went through security, collected our bags and made our way to Moshi for drinks, snack and sleep.

The next morning we checked the tents, I checked summit jacket, gloves and boots for all and we loaded the bus and made our way to the park gate. After checking in at the gate and ensuring all the porters and staff were OK we started the steady and enjoyable first few hours of trekking to Big Tree Camp.

After a nights rest we left camp and trekked through more forest to a break and drink before making our way out of the forest and up into the next zone of vegetation. The sun was out and all enjoyed opening views of the mountains before lunch. The afternoon saw a heavy rain shower before we reached signal point (phones work here) and traversed into Shira 1 camp. Our first views of Kilimanjaro in cloud and with snow showing, most exciting.

After a night of Welsh weather (constant rain) we awoke to more views and better weather. A nice easy walk to Shira 2 camp across the plateau and arrived just in time for a thunderstorm and hot lunch of chicken and chips.

All of the group were up early the next day for a glorious clear skies and great mountain views as we set off for Baranco camp via Lava Tower. All of the group enjoyed the trekking with great views and a gentle climb to our highpoint of 4600m at Lava Tower. The afternoon was spent going down to Baranco Camp with superb views all around and glimpses of Baranco Wall, a tired but happy group slept very well that night.

The next morning saw more sun and views of the days first objective Baranco Wall, this is great fun as all of the trekkers , porters and guides ascend the wall by a series of large ledges and short scrambling sections, think Tryfan North Ridge in Africa. Alex H was unwell after the first hour of climbing and had to descend with two guides. The rest of the group continued onto the top of the wall and great views of the next part of the trek. We all regrouped and after snacks and photos made our way to Karanja camp. The afternoon was spent in the sun, chatting with other groups and some of the group amused everyone by holding a yoga class in the open air. The evening saw a fantastic sunset and the lights of Moshi below, a great campsite.

The group all set off in good spirits the next day for the long and steady climb up to Barafu camp, good views , better weather and good health in the group made for an enjoyable trek. We arrived at a wonderful site to enjoy the views of Mawenzi peak (which somebody thought was our summit!!).

After a hot lunch we went through the summit briefing and I showed the group my clothing choices for summit night. An afternoon off before food, rest , breakfast at 11pm and a midnight departure for the summit. Kathryn quickly turned around as we left camp feeling unwell and unable to continue. The rest of the group made very good progress as Thomas set a ësummit paceí which we had practised that afternoon and I held the back of the group calling out times and height gains. The night quickly passed and the group kept a steady pace up and up and up, I explained to all that we just had to climb up to the sun. Sunrise greeted us just as we reached Stella Point and a well-deserved rest. The group left there packs here and we all enjoyed an incredible hour making our way to the summit for big hugs, smiles and a views unlike any other, a very emotional moment for all.

The group all made quick progress down and down and down via high camp to Maweka camp and food followed by lots of snoring.

The last day saw us all work out to the gate and signing out as the groups enjoyed a well- earned beer , singing , thanks and tips before a quick bus trip to Moshi.

We all enjoyed lunch with our guides and handed out the summit certificates before showers, a quick trip to Moshi for shopping and an overnight flight back to the UK.

Sam Benson, Trek Leader

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