Climb up Kilimanjaro – BE ON TOP OF THE WORLD!

EXPLORE organized a fabulous climb up Kilimanjaro, Gorilla Trekking and a bit of relaxation in Zanzibar at the end of the trip for repeat clients, Olivia Song & Scott Rofey.  For most clients, climbing Kilimanjaro is a life changing experience.  Let us know when you are ready to tackle this amazing mountain, the highest on the continent of Africa…

“The hardest thing I’ve ever done (and probably one of the most amazing)!   My husband and I were married earlier this year in a quiet small ceremony.  Foresaking a big party, we splurged on the adventure of all adventures — gorilla-tracking in Rwanda followed by an incredible and memorable climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro and finishing with a few days of relaxation in Zanzibar.   We chose the steepest route, called Umbwe.  The Umbwe route was a mixture of hiking and scrambling starting at 5,000 feet elevation. There were times when you could stand on the trail and kiss it simultaneously!  The landscape was just phenomenal with ghost-like heather trees dripping with bearded lichen; moorlands with elephant grass and giant senecia; and alpine desert filled with bush-like plants bursting with compact flowers.    Summit Day: We woke up at 4:30am, left camp at 6:20am and made it to Uhuru Peak at 1:15pm.  Uhuru Peak is the highest point on the tallest freestanding mountain in the world.  I was exhausted by 18,500ft but pulled through with support from my husband and the team.  It was well worth it to come over the crater’s edge and be at the top of the world.  The glaciers are incredible: blue, green, brown, and white, with 10,000 year old frozen lakes.  And you can see the atmosphere on the horizon in all directions.  

  We hiked with two guides (Prosper Kamil and Edward Kutingala), a cook, two waiters (!), a personal porter to carry our daypacks, and an unmentionable number of general porters.  Nature Discovery, the reputable outfitter EXPLORE, Inc. / Elizabeth Rand chose for us, pampered us with delicious food, sturdy equipment, great staff, and above all our own private magically-clean tented flush toilet.   Kilimanjaro has left us with many great memories and new friends.  We frequently email with members of our team and are looking forward to our next adventure!”

Olivia Song & Scott Rofey