Tag Archives: tanzania

Meet Our Local Guides: Tanzania

Together with our Team Leaders, our local guides play a fundamental role in the success of all our adventures.

They come from a myriad of backgrounds and experiences so with their expert knowledge we know our adventurers are in the right hands to complete their charity challenges and achieve something they never knew they could.

The Mount Kilimanjaro Trek is an immense physical and mental challenge but the sense of accomplishment when you reach the summit of the world’s highest free-standing mountain is completely unrivalled! As one of our most challenging treks, the role of the local guides cannot be underestimated!

Emmanuel

Mount Kilimanjaro won over his heart pretty early on – Emmanuel started hiking as a porter in 2011, and did 17 hikes before he decided he wanted to study to be a mountain guide.

He says he is very proud to be a guide in his home country – the natural scenery and mind-blowing cultural and historical attractions are what he loves.

Emmanuel thinks Mount Kilimanjaro is a beautiful place to work and what he likes about leading the trekking groups is ‘surprising and being surprised by others’.

Antipas

Similar to Emmanuel, Antipas started hiking Mount Kilimanjaro as a porter and after six years, he decided he wanted to become a guide and took a guiding course run by the Kilimanjaro National Park.

He says he loves his country because it is endowed with many attractions such as Kilimanjaro, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

What makes Antipas such a great guide, is his appreciation for the mountain – he believes it is among the most beautiful and peaceful places on earth.

Check out the upcoming adventures on our calendar!

Mount Kilimanjaro: A Photographic Journey

You’ll never forget the moment you first see it, soaring high above the farmlands of Tanzania, and you’ll never forget that moment when you reach the top. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience – and hard to describe until you’ve done it.

Following the lesser-travelled Rongai Route, you’ll trek for 7-days through five climatic zones, giving you a chance to acclimatise and make the most of the incredible scenery. You’ll pass through ice fields and alpine meadows – and you’ll see extraordinary wildlife in Tanzania’s rainforests. Our camp sites are pretty special too: you’ll sleep by mountain lakes and in the shadow of glaciers. It’s an incredible opportunity to share an adventure and camaraderie with your co-workers.

Climbing Kilimanjaro will challenge you on every level, but the rewards are immense.

 

Day 1: Simba Camp

 

Today’s walk begins in the village of Nale Moru (1,950m). We set off on a small path that winds its way through cornfields before entering pine forest, home to a variety of wildlife. A gradual ascent through amazing forests brings us to the edge of the moorland zone. Tonight is our first night camping on the mountain.

Elevation: 2,600m
Trekking distance: 3-4 hours

 

Day 2: Kikelewa Camp

day 2

In the morning, we start off on a steep climb to reach ‘Second Cave’ (3,450m). Here we are rewarded with superb views of Kibo and the eastern icefields of the crater rim. After lunch we continue on through the moorland towards Mawenzi peaks, before setting up camp near Kikelewa Caves.

Elevation: 3,800m
Trekking distance: 7-9 hours

 

Day 3: Mawenzi Tarn

day 3

Today’s walk is shorter than yesterday but involves some steep sections as we climb to Mawenzi Tarn, the only permanent mountain lake on Kilimanjaro. We begin with a short but steep climb through grassy fields that offer stunning views in every direction. We leave the vegetation zone behind us and arrive at our campsite at Mawenzi Tarn, nestled beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.

Elevation: 4,300m
Trekking distance: 3-4 hours

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn acclimatisation

day 4

This is our acclimatisation day. To maximise your chances of making it to the summit we will combine some brief walks with plenty of rest.

Elevation: None
Trekking distance: Varied 

Day 5: Kibo Camp

day 5

Today we will trek across the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo, a sparse moon-like landscape scattered with rocks. After arriving at Kibo, Kilimanjaro base camp, we have time to rest in preparation for the final summit ascent.

Elevation: 4,730m
Trekking distance: 4-5 hours

Day 6: Summit day and Horombo Camp

day 6

We wake at midnight and begin our summit trek under the stars, navigating the narrow switchback trail by torchlight. Be prepared for a challenge – the climb to Gilman’s Point is slow-going and the most difficult of the entire journey. From here we continue to the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak (5,895m), a three-hour round trip along the crater rim affording views of the crater, ice cliffs, and the plains of East Africa beyond. We will then descend to Kibo for lunch, then commence your trek to your final campsite at Horombo.

Elevation: 5,985m
Trekking distance: 7-9
Descent to Horombo: elevation at 3,720m and another 5-6 hours.

Day 7: National Park, Marangu

day 7

On this final day, we continue our descent through alpine meadows to Mandara Hut before making our way through lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu.

Feeling inspired?

  • Ready to trek Mount Kilimanjaro? Find our available departures here

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Fundraiser of the Month – Mercedes Carrion

Mercedes Carrion

Cause: UNICEF
Adventure: UNICEF Kilimanjaro Climb for Kids

As our Fundraiser of the Month, Mercedes has scored herself a $50 donation to her fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What inspired you to take on your adventure challenge with UNICEF Australia?

I have been lucky enough to travel to many countries in my life so far, but never have I encountered such generosity of spirit, and just a sense of pleasure for life than within the African people. I fell utterly in love with the continent and its people and vowed to one day go back to Tanzania and summit Mount Kilimanjaro.

My trekking buddy, Jihan Rome, who is also coming on this hike has a passion for helping people (although I think it’s less “passion” and just that she’s a genuinely kind human!), and together with our enjoyment of hiking, we paired all our ideas together and climbing Kilimanjaro for UNICEF with Inspired was the result!

How are you feeling about the challenge ahead? Have you ever been to Africa before? Or done any similar mountain treks?

In short, terrified but elated!

My previous trip to Africa was a one month camping safari from Johannesburg to Nairobi with one of my best friends. We saw the big 5 in Kruger, I jumped into the devils pool at Victoria Falls, snorkelled off Zanzibar island and spent some incredible days volunteering at a school in Zambia with kids who just adored cricket! The continent is filled with such kind people and stunning scenery – it was magic!

I’ve done some significant multi-day hikes throughout Nepal and Peru, and whilst wonderful, none sit as close to my heart as climbing Kili.

What have been some of the highlights of your fundraising experience so far?

The people! People are just magnificent aren’t they?! Jihan and I have held multiple cake stalls and Bunnings sausage sizzles, and we’ve had literally hundreds of strangers give us additional cash donations, provide words of encouragement, or share stories of similar feats of accomplishment. Both Jihan and I have gotten to the end of a long day fundraising, and thought “faith in humanity restored”, and what more could you hope for?

"I read a great quote by Nelson Mandela recently – “It always seems impossible until it’s done”. I feel that way now about both our fundraising efforts and the physical challenge of the climb ahead."

What have been your biggest challenges in taking on an Inspired Adventure? How did you overcome this?

As a team, Jihan and I set ourselves the goal of raising $10,000. I was worried this was unachievable and didn’t want to set ourselves up for failure. I read a great quote by Nelson Mandela recently – “It always seems impossible until it’s done”. I feel that way now about both our fundraising efforts and the physical challenge of the climb ahead.

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since signing up for the challenge?

Since joining Inspired Adventures it’s been incredible to meet other like minded people who are just kicking goals and achieving great things in life. It’s empowering and inspiring to be around positive, motivated, compassionate people. I’m also super proud of my fundraising buddy Jihan, who has been an absolute trooper with organising fundraising activities, training hikes, rallying support for our cause, and being generally awesome – so much love to her!

What are you most looking forward to about your upcoming challenge?

Being back in one of my favourite places, with some wonderful people who share a common desire to make the world a better place – and have some great adventures along the way!

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

Just sign up. Making the decision to partake is the most challenging part. Everything since has been so much fun. I’ve made some great friends, gotten fitter along the way, and enjoyed being part of something that can help facilitate a real change in people’s lives.

Fundraiser of the Month

Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!

Take a picture whilst fundraising for your adventure and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!

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Adventurer of the Month – Nick Sautner

Nick Sautner

Cause: Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
Adventure: Save A Man – Kilimanjaro Challenge
Social: @nicksautner

As our Adventurer of the Month, Nick has scored himself a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher! To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

@pcfa1 @InspiredAdventures #IveBeenInspired #Tanzania #africa #adventure #livethedream

A photo posted by Nicholas (Nick) Sautner (@nicksautner) on

What inspired you to take on your Inspired Adventure with PCFA?

I had the privilege of being introduced to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) team through a community partnership in Western Australia. I was encouraged by the passionate staff who in turn inspired my participation in this once in a lifetime experience whilst helping to raise awareness of prostate cancer. Having lost my father to cancer at 3 years of age, I am passionate about raising awareness of serious men’s health issues and promoting regular health checks. Early intervention is the best form of prevention, we all know that. However, the best analogy I have heard for encouraging men to have regular checks with their doctor is “when your car service light flashes, most men will take their car straight to the dealership for a service – yet we don’t take notice of our own warning lights when they start flashing”.

Had either of you ever been to Africa before?

After holidaying extensively through South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Namibia in 2013, my fiancée and I spent our 2014 New Year’s break volunteer teaching in Zanzibar.

The children we taught had nothing. For us to even reach our school, we had to trek through jungle until we reached a concrete box with no electricity, no windows, no chairs nor desks – and certainly no teaching provisions! The benefit of foresight had equipped us with teaching resources and AFL footballs, much to our students’ excitement.

After such an enriching experience, I always had a desire to return to Tanzania. I am grateful for the donations I received to assist me in raising funds for PCFA, a charity which I passionately support. I am also so grateful for the opportunity to climb Mt Kilimanjaro.

What had been some of the highlights of your fundraising and adventure experience?

I know it might sound a little cliché but the best thing about memories is making them and I will never forget the memories shared during our trip to Tanzania, whilst collectively raising over $60,000 for such a worthy cause.

Mount Kilimanjaro promised to take our breath away both figuratively and literally. The views during our climb towards the summit were incredible. The challenge of climbing to approximately 19,340 feet above sea level and crossing five ecological zones was tough.

If you believe, you will achieve!

What have been your biggest challenges in taking on an Inspired Adventure? How did you overcome this?

Convincing my mother and fiancé not to worry!

Tanzanian Rift Valley Tours were exceptional from the moment we arrived at Mt Kilimanjaro airport. This combined with having a medically trained Australian team leader with an interest in altitude sickness and rural and remote medicine, provided the perfect combination of local and specialist knowledge.

As a tourist and volunteer who has travelled to Tanzania previously, it is rare that the standards achieved in Africa replicate those delivered by western tour operators.

The diligence shown and relentless management of climbers during our preparation gave all team members the safest chance to reach the summit and should be acknowledged. This provided a level of comfort along with various risk mitigation strategies in the unlikely event of an accident or emergency.

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your adventure?

Many of the conversation topics during the trip are unlikely to feature during my working week, but I will certainly smile each time I look at the Mt Kilimanjaro certificate now proudly positioned in my office. By engaging in ‘personal social responsibility’ and trying to make the world a better place is extremely fulfilling – if you believe, you will achieve! My only question is what adventure will be next…

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

Commit to a challenge today! The experience will be memorable and deeply rewarding. The photos of the sunrise we witnessed as we neared the summit cannot do it justice. Viewing it from above the clouds as we approached Uhuru Peak in the early hours was an experience I’ll never forget.

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Become our Adventurer of the Month to win a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher

Take a picture whilst on your adventure or when you’re training and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with an adventure, and fitness focus will be our Adventurer of the Month – it’s that easy!

instagram@INSPIREDADVENTURES