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| Climb with Macon Dunnagan |
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You can now join a very special Kilimanjaro climb with Kilimanjaro specialist and book author Macon Dunnagan. Macon, 47, is author of the novel "Sons of Kilimanjaro", a captivating tale of four men who climb Kilimanjaro, an endeavour which helps them to overcome their personal struggles. Without being moralising or preaching, in his book, Macon gives inspiration to those who want to learn about unusal experiences and life beyond the limited knowledge. He has climbed Kilimanjaro 10 times and is one of
the few individuals who have ever climbed Kilimanjaro twice within one
month. As his wife Michelle battled ovarian cancer, it is Macon's aim to raise awareness for this disease. From the August climb, 250 US$ of the fees paid by each fellow climber will be given to the American National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC). Macon wants to share his mountain and life experiences with everyone and invites you to join him to the top of his favourite mountain. The dates of Macon's next climb are:
Itinerary in Brief DAY 1 -- To Simba Camp (First Cave) 1950m to 2880m (6400ft to 9450ft); about 3-4 hours / 4 miles; temperatures: high 70's to mid 80's F Transfer by Land Rover (about 4-5 hours) to the attractive wooden village of Nale Muru. After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. DAY 2 -- To the Second Cave 2880m to 3450m (9450ft to 11,320ft); about 3-4 hours / 4 miles; temperatures: low 40's to high 60's F The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim. DAY 3 -- To the Third Cave 3450m to 3870m (11,319ft to 12,700ft), about 4 hours A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m.), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. Overnight at Mawenzi Turn Hut Campsite or 3rd Cave Campsite. DAY 4 -- To Kibo Camp 3870m to 4750m (12,713ft to 15,600ft), about 5 hours Hike to Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night! DAY 5 -- To Summit and Horombo Hut 4750m to 5895m (15,600ft to 19,340ft), about 11-13 hours / 5 miles, temperatures: mid tens to mid 20's F; then down to 3720m (12,200ft), about 3-4 hours / 6 miles, temperatures: low 50's to high 60's F Begin the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. Proceed very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point (5685m,18,650ft). Rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak, passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descents to Kibo are surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, continue the descent to reach the final campsite at Horombo. DAY 6 -- To Moshi 3720m to 1700m (12,200ft to 5500ft), about 5-6 hours / 11 miles, temperatures: high 40's to mid 70's F After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2700m / 8858 ft), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. Continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Don't forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration! PRICE: US$ 1,320 per person Price includes: *Two night’s accommodation in Moshi bed and breakfast at the Springlands Hotel, this is the night before and after the kili climb *Transfer from Moshi to the starting point on the mountain and return to Moshi *Transfer to / from airport *National Park Gate fee *Camping fee *Rescue fee *Equipment like tent *Guide salary *Porters and cook salaries *All meals on the mountain Price excludes: *Tips for your guide, porters, cook and other staff *Lunch, dinner and drinks at the Springlands Hotel *Any personal expenses Note: We can arrange extra nights at the Springlands Hotel if you are arriving early or staying longer and also we can arrange Zanzibar beach holidays & Tanzania safaris as an add-on to your Kilimanjaro climb.  |