Philmont Staff Association and Friends Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari Dispatch

June 14, 2011 – Day One on the Mountain: Climb to Big Tree Camp

We are on Kilimanjaro! Today was all about big transitions and the beginning of real adventure as we left our comfortable beds at the Mount Meru Hotel and tonight will crawl into our sleeping bags here at Big Tree Camp at 9200ft on Kilimanjaro. There is always a lot to do and see on the trail. We had a big breakfast at the hotel restaurant and then got checked out of our rooms and did all of the final paperwork. We stored extra bags with the hotel and then everyone loaded into 3 Landcruisers for the 3.5 hour drive to the mountain.

Along the way, the scene through the windshield gave us a real glimpse into Tanzanian life with small villages, farm land, farmers with goats, and many people cultivating fields – digging potatoes and harvesting carrots. We reached the Lemosho Park Gate and then continued on our way to the trailhead where we would start our climb.

We drove along a heavily rutted dirt road. At the end of the road, the Berg Adventures Staff of more than 100 greeted us with song and dancing that made us feel very welcomed. We had lunch, put on our packs and started up the trail. By the time we reached Big Tree Camp, our tents were set up and we were greeted with refreshments and snacks. A bit later, we sat down around the tables in the dining tent with friends and staff to share stories and enjoy a gourmet dinner. We are all heading to our tents to get a goodnight’s rest before we climb higher on Kilimanjaro.

– Bob