Expedition Info
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1999 Dates Aug 1-16 Aug 16-31 Aug 29-Sept 13 Dec 9-27 Dec 15-30 Dec 23-Jan 7 Millennium climb: $5500 Feb 19-Mar 6
Elevation
Guides
Climbing Level
Costs
Seven Summits by Rick Ridgeway Story of how two wealthy, middle-aged businessmen, with almost no climbing experience, became the first to reach the highest peaks on all the continents.
Ice World -- Techniques & Experiences Of Modern Ice Climbing
Beyond Everest
Isak Dinesen's Africa: Images of the Wild Continent.
From Cape to Cairo: One Man's Trek Across Africa.
African Lives.
Livingstone's Companions.
African Silences.
The Snows of Kilimanjaro. |
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Crowned by eternal snows, the mighty Kilimanjaro dominates the landscape
unlike any other mountain. Its peaks remain unchallenged across the continent,
rising high above the dusty East African plains. Located in Tanzania,
the extinct volcano looms over five ecosystems and large game reserves
and is certainly one of the world's most impressive sights. The terrain
is nothing short of dramatic. We believe we have arranged the finest climb available with outstanding guides and services.Route Selection
Our entrance into the African wilds begins immediately. We climb Kilimanjaro
through the much less traveled Machame route. Climbing the Machame route
is of great importance for those wishing to fully experience Africa's vast
wilderness. This highly unique and rarely utilized path affords climbers
excellent exposure to the area's remote and pristine nature. The climb will
take us through rapidly changing environments while unveiling stunning views
of east Africa's mountains and plains. Our success rate over the last three years has been about 90%.The journey is both physically and mentally demanding. Most organizations attempt to reach the summit in six days while, Alpine Ascents spends seven to eight days climbing Kilimanjaro. This allows climbers to properly acclimatize and meet our goals of maximizing chances to reach the summit. To promote full exploration of the region, we will use porters to carry gear and food. Nights will be spent in quality tents and huts along the trail, while fresh meats and vegetables will be prepared by our porters. (Additional courses are made available for vegetarians).
Safari
A journey through East Africa will prove to be a culturally rich experience. We continue our African expedition with a three-day safari to the spectacular game reserves of Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and the Tarangire River region.
We travel by land cruiser, traversing terrain to stalk elephants,
wildebeasts, lions and other indigenous wildlife. The Ngorongoro Crater
is the largest unbroken crater on earth and claims the highest density of
wildlife on the African continent. 
During this segment of the safari we
spend time in the local Masai village. Lake Manyara National Park provides
excellent game watching including such species as tree-climbing lions, baboons
and antelope. The Taringire River and National Park, south of Lake Manyara,
is a major wildlife retreat during the dry season. The river valley contains
stunning views of the savanna and great varieties of large mammals.Kilimanjaro with Alpine Ascents
Perhaps the most underestimated of the seven summits, Kilimanjaro at 19,339ft, is an extreme, high altitude climb. Your greatest chance of a successful summit is climbing with an experienced mountaineer and an organization who specializes in mountaineering. Our small team of guides rank among the world's best climbers and have assisted climbers in reaching technical and non-technical summits around the world. Not only do highly experienced guides increase your chances of standing on top, but of doing so in a healthy and strong manner. Alpine Ascents has an outstanding safety record. As Everest summiters and Himalayan veterans, our guides are familiar with the problems of altitude and are skilled at helping you maintain good physical health. Ascending Kilimanjaro with a mountain climbing organization will greatly improve your chances of success.
The climb will take us through rapidly changing environments while unveiling stunning views of east Africa's mountains and plains. Our success rate has been 90% since 1994.
Expedition Re-Cap
Our first expedition was led by Todd Burleson with 100% success. In August 1996 we ran a highly successful expedition, with 9 out of 11 climbers of varied experience and age reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro. Our December expedition, proved successful with all members completing the summit and having a great time on safari. Our 1997 expedition met with similar success. During the past four years we have had over 90% success on this climb. We encourage you to contact former expedition members.
Vehicles and Food and Lodging
We use top-of-the-line four wheel drive land rovers or minibuses when on
safari and stay in high-standard hotels or lodges. All meals are carefully
prepared by cooks and we make every effort to integrate comfort without
losing contact with the true nature of safari.
Notes from Todd Burleson
"I still find the transition areas so remarkable. The ecosystems change
radically. It is not often we have such a long traverse allowing us to
view the plains for almost three days."
--Todd Burleson.
History
Given the stature and greatness of Kilimanjaro, there is relatively little recorded history of the peak. Even the origins of the name present somewhat of a dilemma, but most likely named by the Kishwahili tribe (Kilima meaning mountain). The local Wachagga people claim to have no name for Kilimanjaro, but did name the dual peaks Kipoo and Kimawenzi.
First mention of Kili by Westerners: John Rebmann, published account in 1849.
Guides
Your scheduled expedition leaders will be Wally Berg and Todd Burleson. Exuberant in his love for the
mountains, Wally is one of the most active climbers on 8,000-meter peaks and one of
America's premier mountain guides. Wally has summitted Mt. Cho-Oyu, Mt. Lhotse and recently, Mt.
Everest for the third time. Other noteworthy climbs include Antarctica's Mt. Vinson and an
outstanding track record on Kilimanjaro, with three successful guided attempts in the
past two years. Additionally, Wally has taught a number of courses at our
mountaineering school and led trips to Mt. Everest (95 & 97). Mt. McKinley, Mt. Elbrus,
Mt. Vinson and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Over them past three years Wally has developed
particular expertise in guiding Kilimanjaro. His rapidly growing knowledge of Tanzanian
culture, easy going style and overwhelming success establish him as one of the regions
most respected guides.
Todd Burleson has achieved unparalleled success in the mountain guiding industry and is one of the world's leading mountaineers. Todd spent most of his childhood in Alaska where his prowess and love for mountaineering were developed. In his fifteen years of guiding, he has led 8 expeditions to Mt. Everest, more than any other climber. He has guided successful expeditions on every continent, including all of the Seven Summits. In addition to instructing mountaineering training courses, Todd has recently led successful expeditions to Rainier, Carstensz Pyramid, Elbrus, Kilimanjaro, Vinson, Gunnbjornsfjeld and Everest.
Expedition Itinerary
The majority of climbers choose to travel via Nairobi. Please contact Alpine Ascents for those specific schedules.
Days 1-2: Flight: USA to Kilimanjaro (KJO). ( Those opting to fly via Nairobi will add a day on each side of the trip.)
Day 3: Prepare gear, discuss upcoming climb, partake in cultural events and rest.
Day 4: After registering with the park service, we will meet our porters. Porters are an integral part of our African journey. They become friends and provide insight into African culture and society. Their warm and energetic nature is a wonderful aspect of the expedition.
We travel by jeep to the Machame trail head. The drive winds through cultivated coffee fields and small forests of ferns and flowers. Our climb begins on the edge of a rain forest (elevation 6,000ft). Below the watchful eyes of the monkeys, we trek four-five hours to the Machame Hut (9,000ft) and set camp for the night.
Day 5-6: Leave the Machame Hut, cross a small valley and begin our ascent. The environment changes from heath forest to moor lands. These moor lands are littered with wild cactus plants called Senecios. Half-way up the trail we meet a river gorge and continue to the Shira Plateau (12,460ft). We will spend two nights at the Shira Hut, allowing plenty of time to properly acclimatize and explore the surrounding areas.
Day 7: Hike to Barranco Hut (13,500ft). From this vantage point, we will behold outstanding panoramic views. To our right stands the awesome Breach Wall, the largest ice and rock face in Africa. Breach Wall is famous for its climbing route, known as the icicle, first climbed in endless horizon of the African plains. Daytime temperatures are quite warm (80°F), while nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing.
Day 8: We continue up the mountain, heading almost due east and rising just about 1,500ft. Our goal is to reach the Barafu hut at 15,700ft, which takes approximately five hours. As we wind through beautiful and rarely traveled regions, we enter a high desert plateau, littered with volcanic boulders. Looking south we view the desert plains as the pinnacles of Mowenzi peak tower before us. At Barafu hut we make preparations for the summit attempt. While our porters prepare the food, we spend our time packing and preparing for the next day's 2:00am departure.
Day 9: Summit day! Awake at midnight and prepare gear for the ascent. We begin the climb wearing head lamps until the pre-dawn light is reflected off the African plains. Following a distinct ridge we approach the crater's rim, then traverse northwest along the rim to the main summit, Uhuru Peak (19,339ft). From here we can view the Bismarck Towers, rock pinnacles along the crater's rim and the hanging Rebman Glaciers.
As the sun rises over Africa, we are privy to a panorama of incredible views. To the north stands Mt. Kenya (17,000ft) with its unique twin summits. This is the second highest mountain on the continent. The southern exposure reveals the sprawling plains of Tanzania and East Africa and Mowenzi Peak.
After enjoying the view from the top, we begin our descent down the Marangu route on the southeast side of the mountain, setting camp at Horombo Hut. The sunrises are exquisite as we awake below the towering mountain.
Day 10: We descend through the lush green landscape of the Marangu route and the festivities begin.. The trail gate is marked with stores and huts where we spend time with our porters, celebrating the success of the climb. Continuing our descent we enter thick jungle lands. After reaching Marangu gate we drive to Arusha.
Day 11: Begin the safari to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the worlds most incredible natural wonders. Here we will encounter herds of zebra, antelope, buffalo, elephant, rhino, cheetah and hippo. As we drive through the crater we pass members of the Masai tribe, (The Masai travel in pairs or solo, carrying long spears for protection.), nomadic herders of the region. We will have the opportunity to visit the Masai village in which we observe tribal dance and local lifestyles.
Day 12: We continue to explore the nature and wildlife of the crater. In the early afternoon we travel to Tarangire National Park via Lake Manyara. We safari through Lake Manyara and observe the land of antelopes, baboons and gazelles as they are stalked by lions, cheetahs and hyenas. Lake Manyara is world renown for its ornithology and vast game reserves. From Lake Manyara we travel to the Tarangire River. This beautiful valley overlooks African grassland, sprinkled with acacia and baobab trees. This area is known for its variety of large mammals.
Day 13: We continue a full day of safari in Taringire, then return to our hotel for last minute shopping and a farewell dinner before departure to Europe and the US.
Day 14: Arrival in USA/Europe
Our 1997 itinerary utilizes seven days for climbing as well as ample time
for safari. This expedition allows you to fly directly to Kilimanjaro and
is well coordinated with international flights.
About Climbing the Seven Summits
Throughout the years Alpine Ascents has assisted climbers in reaching the highest point on each continent. As of July 1997, 6 of the 18 Americans to complete the seven summits have done a substantial portion of their climbs with Alpine Ascents International. Click here for the reflections of a seven summiter.
For those with Seven Summit aspirations, there is a logical progression which enables climbers to build on previously developed skills. This suggested program is economically prudent and considers technical skill level, acclimatization and summit success rates.
-- Gordon Janow, Alpine Ascents Program Coordinator
Land Costs Include:
Land Costs Do Not Include:
Payments: $700 deposit, due with application.
$3,095 balance, due 45 days prior to start of expedition.
Note: Alpine Ascents offers discounts for those partaking in back-to-back climbs of Mt. Elbrus and Kilimanjaro, two of the seven summits. This combination offers an excellent opportunity to save money and experience two extremely different climbs, while completing two of the seven summits.
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