Today we left our lodge and drove through some of the Serengeti on the way to our first flight. It's amazing how bored you can get looking at Zebra's and Elephants
Flight 1 was from Seronera in the middle of the Serengeti to Arusha - 1 hour. From there we were picked up and taken to the Iboru Safari Lodge for lunch. We had Tomato soup, chicken tortilla's and rhubarb with ice cream. Very nice meal and goes in as my favourite in Africa.
They had a very nice pool so we had time for a bit of sunbathing and a dip
At 4:30 we got picked up and taken to Kilimanjaro airport
Flight 2 - Kilimanjaro to Nairobi - 1 hour
Flight 3 - Nairobi to London Heathrow - 8 hours
We have all had an amazing experience and time away - but we are really looking forward to being home
See you all soon - no more blogs from Africa
Jimmer x
Friday, February 10, 2012
Day 11
Another day on safari in the Serengeti.
This time we saw a Lion and her two cubs eating a Wildebeest, 11 Giraffe's all stood together, a big herd of Elephants and a Crocodile eat a Zebra. Charming!!!
Back at the Ikoma Safari Lodge we had a few beers around the open fire. We didn't need the fire to keep warm as it was 34 degrees but it was a lovely feature
For dinner they made us Nyama Choma and Ngali - which is a Tanzanian BBQ with cakes made of maize/corn. I think the chicken and beef may have been left out all day as the meal resulted in a round of bad poo's for most of us. Very charming!!!
This time we saw a Lion and her two cubs eating a Wildebeest, 11 Giraffe's all stood together, a big herd of Elephants and a Crocodile eat a Zebra. Charming!!!
Back at the Ikoma Safari Lodge we had a few beers around the open fire. We didn't need the fire to keep warm as it was 34 degrees but it was a lovely feature
For dinner they made us Nyama Choma and Ngali - which is a Tanzanian BBQ with cakes made of maize/corn. I think the chicken and beef may have been left out all day as the meal resulted in a round of bad poo's for most of us. Very charming!!!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Day 10 - extra
On the way through the Serengeti we stopped at a Masai village.
They did a traditional song and dance and then showed us around their village.
This involved a jumping competition, a tour of their houses and them trying to convince us to part with as much of our cash as possible.
As they all carry spears most of us bought something.
Their diet consists of only three things - meat, blood and goats milk. Bizarre!!!
They did a traditional song and dance and then showed us around their village.
This involved a jumping competition, a tour of their houses and them trying to convince us to part with as much of our cash as possible.
As they all carry spears most of us bought something.
Their diet consists of only three things - meat, blood and goats milk. Bizarre!!!
Day 10
Last night we stayed at the Octagon Lodge which was in a very rough area but was a really nice place. They had an Irish bar and the food was the best we've had in Africa.
Bryan had bought a travel version of Bao so we asked the barman how to play. Him and me ended up playing a full game which I won. As its a traditional East Africa game I am now know as a Fundi Bingwa for winning.
Today we had another game drive - this time through the Ngorongoron crater and out into the Serengeti.
It was a long hot day but we did get to see Leopards and lots of Hippo's
We are now sat by a fire pit outside the restaurant at the Ikoma tented lodge. It's 33 degrees at 7:45 in the evening
And yes we are drinking beer!
Bryan had bought a travel version of Bao so we asked the barman how to play. Him and me ended up playing a full game which I won. As its a traditional East Africa game I am now know as a Fundi Bingwa for winning.
Today we had another game drive - this time through the Ngorongoron crater and out into the Serengeti.
It was a long hot day but we did get to see Leopards and lots of Hippo's
We are now sat by a fire pit outside the restaurant at the Ikoma tented lodge. It's 33 degrees at 7:45 in the evening
And yes we are drinking beer!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Day 9
Last night was a bit of bad and a lot of good
Bad - mine and Wayne's shower in our room was rubbish. Which is not ideal after 8 days on a mountain getting covered in volcanic ash.
Good - we had beer, bottled water and the swimming pool. Enough said!!!
Today we got picked up at 8am and driven to the Ngorongoron Crater which is a Conservation area. We saw Wildebeests, Zebra's, Water Buffalo, Gizalle's, Elephants, Storks, Cori Bustards, Wart Hogs, Rhino's, Baboons, Hippo's and Ostriches.
Amongst other wild animals
We also saw a baby Wildebeest get attack, killed and eaten by a Hyena!!!
A bit of a rarity to actually see the whole thing.
On a lighter note we also saw two Lions making love - twice
The actual crater itself is quite unbelievable. It's 12km across and filled with wild animals. It's a bit like driving into Jurassic Park or another world altogether.
We are now at our hotel enjoying a beer or two before dinner
Bad - mine and Wayne's shower in our room was rubbish. Which is not ideal after 8 days on a mountain getting covered in volcanic ash.
Good - we had beer, bottled water and the swimming pool. Enough said!!!
Today we got picked up at 8am and driven to the Ngorongoron Crater which is a Conservation area. We saw Wildebeests, Zebra's, Water Buffalo, Gizalle's, Elephants, Storks, Cori Bustards, Wart Hogs, Rhino's, Baboons, Hippo's and Ostriches.
Amongst other wild animals
We also saw a baby Wildebeest get attack, killed and eaten by a Hyena!!!
A bit of a rarity to actually see the whole thing.
On a lighter note we also saw two Lions making love - twice
The actual crater itself is quite unbelievable. It's 12km across and filled with wild animals. It's a bit like driving into Jurassic Park or another world altogether.
We are now at our hotel enjoying a beer or two before dinner
Monday, February 6, 2012
Day 8
We woke up at 6:30 in Millenium Camp at 3800 metres.
Tea, wash wash, packing and breakfast
Then we had clothes bingo. This involved us donating anything we wanted to give to our support team of 28. All the team (porters, cook, guides) then pull a number out and win the gifts. We made sure we had 28 so everyone was a winner.
After bingo Wayne did a speech for the tipping ceremony and Charles (our guide) translated it. They were all very appreciative of the amount of our tips.
This was followed by the Africa Walking Company (our support team) singing a celebration song. This was a very emotional moment which brought a tear to a few eyes.
Then we walked for 4 hours to Mweka Gate. We signed out and had a 3 hour trip back to the Moivaro Coffee Plantation.
Quick shower and then beers by the pool to celebrate.
By the way - its 42 degrees C here
Don't bother checking for anymore blogs as we will be too drunk to use a phone from now on
And after 8 days, 55 hours and 50 miles of walking we deserve it!!!
Jimmer x
Tea, wash wash, packing and breakfast
Then we had clothes bingo. This involved us donating anything we wanted to give to our support team of 28. All the team (porters, cook, guides) then pull a number out and win the gifts. We made sure we had 28 so everyone was a winner.
After bingo Wayne did a speech for the tipping ceremony and Charles (our guide) translated it. They were all very appreciative of the amount of our tips.
This was followed by the Africa Walking Company (our support team) singing a celebration song. This was a very emotional moment which brought a tear to a few eyes.
Then we walked for 4 hours to Mweka Gate. We signed out and had a 3 hour trip back to the Moivaro Coffee Plantation.
Quick shower and then beers by the pool to celebrate.
By the way - its 42 degrees C here
Don't bother checking for anymore blogs as we will be too drunk to use a phone from now on
And after 8 days, 55 hours and 50 miles of walking we deserve it!!!
Jimmer x
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Sponsor Us
By the way it's not too late to reward us for our achievement
Go to Virgin Money Giving and look up Wayne Lewis
Then sponsor us
All the money goes to The Rainbow Centre - a local charity that Wayne is a Director of
Go to Virgin Money Giving and look up Wayne Lewis
Then sponsor us
All the money goes to The Rainbow Centre - a local charity that Wayne is a Director of
Day 7
We were woken at 11pm and started our ascent at midnight
It took us seven and a half hours to get to Stella Point to watch the sunrise over Africa
Then another hour to get to Uhuru - the summit at 5895 metres
In case you haven't worked it out - WE MADE IT - all six of us
We then had to walk back to our camp which took us until midday. So 12 hours of walking. No ordinary walking - 8.5 up a very big steep mountain and 3.5 hours down a very big steep mountain
Did I mention that the mountain was big and steep?
We are all very exhausted and now have two hours to rest before we have to pack and walk to another camp.
We are all very pleased with the whole team making it to the summit
It took us seven and a half hours to get to Stella Point to watch the sunrise over Africa
Then another hour to get to Uhuru - the summit at 5895 metres
In case you haven't worked it out - WE MADE IT - all six of us
We then had to walk back to our camp which took us until midday. So 12 hours of walking. No ordinary walking - 8.5 up a very big steep mountain and 3.5 hours down a very big steep mountain
Did I mention that the mountain was big and steep?
We are all very exhausted and now have two hours to rest before we have to pack and walk to another camp.
We are all very pleased with the whole team making it to the summit
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Day 6
Today started a bit later and it was nice and warm at camp as the sun got to us early.
We walked upwards from camp for 1.5 hours which everyone seemed to handle really well
From there we went across a small plateau and towards our ascent to our camp - Barafu at 4600 metres
This is the highest we've been and it will interesting to see if we can sleep at this height
We were at camp by 12 so we had a hot lunch and our briefing for tonight
We are having dinner at 5
Then bed at 6
Waking up at 11 for our final ascent to the summit at 5895 metres
The ascent will take about 8 hours and then 3 to 4 hours to descend
So to everyone at home - we will start walking 9pm UK time - send us all your love and best wishes
Jimmer x
We walked upwards from camp for 1.5 hours which everyone seemed to handle really well
From there we went across a small plateau and towards our ascent to our camp - Barafu at 4600 metres
This is the highest we've been and it will interesting to see if we can sleep at this height
We were at camp by 12 so we had a hot lunch and our briefing for tonight
We are having dinner at 5
Then bed at 6
Waking up at 11 for our final ascent to the summit at 5895 metres
The ascent will take about 8 hours and then 3 to 4 hours to descend
So to everyone at home - we will start walking 9pm UK time - send us all your love and best wishes
Jimmer x
Friday, February 3, 2012
A preview of day 6
Tomorrow is a bit of a strange one
By day we only have to walk for about 3 hours. However we will be walking up to 4600 metres which is the same altitude we did at Lava Tower. This is the highest we've been and we will be camping at this height
By night we go to bed at 6 and then wake up at 11 for our summit walk
The summit walk is about 7 hours from camp (4600m) to the peak (5895m)
From there it's another 7 or 8 hours back down.
They have told us that we will be allowed to carry on to the peak as long as we have been sick less than 6 times!!! Scary
By day we only have to walk for about 3 hours. However we will be walking up to 4600 metres which is the same altitude we did at Lava Tower. This is the highest we've been and we will be camping at this height
By night we go to bed at 6 and then wake up at 11 for our summit walk
The summit walk is about 7 hours from camp (4600m) to the peak (5895m)
From there it's another 7 or 8 hours back down.
They have told us that we will be allowed to carry on to the peak as long as we have been sick less than 6 times!!! Scary
Day 5
We started half an hour later today. Tea - wash wash - pack - breakfast.
We started walking at 8:40 with an uphill climb up Barranco Wall which took two hours. 4200 metres.
From there we had several descents and ascents - some of which were on fairly dodgy mountain sides with big drops.
Got to our camp - Karanga - at 1:30. So five hours of walking. Tonight we camp at 4100m
The whole group is feeling much better today and we have the afternoon to relax
We started walking at 8:40 with an uphill climb up Barranco Wall which took two hours. 4200 metres.
From there we had several descents and ascents - some of which were on fairly dodgy mountain sides with big drops.
Got to our camp - Karanga - at 1:30. So five hours of walking. Tonight we camp at 4100m
The whole group is feeling much better today and we have the afternoon to relax
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Day 4
This is very very hard!!
Today started with a 5 hour up hill trek to Lava Tower at 4600m
The altitude sickness has kicked in for everyone except Phil who we all now hate. Although he has started to regain our friendship by becoming official photographer. We will reserve judgement until we see the pictures
After a half hour stop at the top we walked down for 3 hours to Barranco Camp at 3900m
Halfway down I got very light headed and nearly passed out
At the camp now and all is well
Some of the guys tummies are not great
Humour levels remain reasonable given the circumstances
Today started with a 5 hour up hill trek to Lava Tower at 4600m
The altitude sickness has kicked in for everyone except Phil who we all now hate. Although he has started to regain our friendship by becoming official photographer. We will reserve judgement until we see the pictures
After a half hour stop at the top we walked down for 3 hours to Barranco Camp at 3900m
Halfway down I got very light headed and nearly passed out
At the camp now and all is well
Some of the guys tummies are not great
Humour levels remain reasonable given the circumstances
Day 3 - A picture
Some of our many fans have been requesting pictures. Here is one of Shira Cathedral - part of our trek today.
Pictures are not easy to send due to weak signal
Much love x
Pictures are not easy to send due to weak signal
Much love x
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Day 3 - Two hours later
Some thank you's to:
1. Rab for my amazing down jacket
2. For goodness shakes - saved me again
3. Drug companies. I've had two Anadin Extra and two Ibuprofen and now feel amazing
Getting cold now but I'm ready for it
1. Rab for my amazing down jacket
2. For goodness shakes - saved me again
3. Drug companies. I've had two Anadin Extra and two Ibuprofen and now feel amazing
Getting cold now but I'm ready for it
Day 3
This is the hardest thing I've ever done!!!
Woke up at 6:30 and it was minus 2 (yes that's right minus 2) - not recommended for camping in.
They said today was gonna be much easier. They are liars.
Another 7.5 hours of walking from Shira One to Shira Two. We went via Shira Cathedral to help acclimatise as its at 3750 metres. It was stunning. Look it up on Google.
Everyone has except Phil has really bad headaches and are really knackered.
Tonight we camp at 3800 metres
Woke up at 6:30 and it was minus 2 (yes that's right minus 2) - not recommended for camping in.
They said today was gonna be much easier. They are liars.
Another 7.5 hours of walking from Shira One to Shira Two. We went via Shira Cathedral to help acclimatise as its at 3750 metres. It was stunning. Look it up on Google.
Everyone has except Phil has really bad headaches and are really knackered.
Tonight we camp at 3800 metres
Day 2
A trek from 2750m to 3700m. Bloody knackered - been walking for 6 hours and still got over an hour to go.
Group in good form with no major issues with altitude sickness yet.
The food is outstanding and we get loads of it
Total of 7.5 hours of walking today. Everyone is really exhausted and lots of aching joints and muscles
By day it was 33c but at night it was -2c. Not good temperature for camping
Group in good form with no major issues with altitude sickness yet.
The food is outstanding and we get loads of it
Total of 7.5 hours of walking today. Everyone is really exhausted and lots of aching joints and muscles
By day it was 33c but at night it was -2c. Not good temperature for camping
Day 1
Started by checking it at Landarossi gate which took 2 hours. Then quite a steep walk for 4 hours which took us from 2200m to 2750m. I suffered from small bouts of dizziness from 2500m onwards. Others in the group have mild headaches. All part of the acclimatisation process. Quite cold after the sun went down - maybe 5 C
We had soup, fish and fruit salad for dinner
We had soup, fish and fruit salad for dinner
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