Kilimanjaro Expedition News 7th January 2011

The Team

Leader : Dave Fisher

Cameron Down, Michelle Ellis, Simon Lloyd, Dewi Jones, Mark Dixon

14th Jan – 100% SUCCESS – The team set off for the summit at 12am on the morning of the 13th. Making strong progress they all made it to Gilman’s point by 5am. They continued up to Uhuru peak reaching the summit at 6.45am. After experiencing a fantastic sunrise on a clear morning and spending a short time taking photos at the top they headed back down to Kibo hut, arriving at 9am. A short while later after some rest and a bite to eat they descended to Horombo hut camp in 3 hours where they earned a good nights sleep, helped along by some celebratory alcohol. On the 14th the group trekked down to the park gate and traveled back to the hotel.

12th Jan – The team are now at Kibo hut (4700m) resting in preparation for making the summit bid tonight. They plan to get up at 11pm and be away by 12am. The weather has not been too kind with some cloud a spot of rain in the afternoon.

11th Jan – The team are now back at Mawenzi tarn after their acclimatization walk up to Mawenzi Hut at 4600m. They pushed up to 4700m for an extra bit of height gain. They will leave for Kibo hut (4700m) tomorrow at 8am and aim to arrive at the hut for lunch time. They will then attempt the summit that night.

9th Jan – The team have arrived at Kikelewa camp (3600m). Everyone is going well.

8th Jan – The team arrived late last night. A puncture on the minibus delayed things slightly. The team have now reached Simba camp at 2600m. Everyone is fit and well, the weather started out hot and sunny, but clouded over in the late afternoon and they’ve just had a spot of light rain. They spending the evening listening to the distant sounds of elephants calling.

19th Dec – The team will depart the UK on the 7th December and meet Dave in Moshi.