News from our guides in the field

18 March, 2011

Epic Kilimanjaro Climb - February 2011

By Brad Horn: Epic Private Journeys led another successful climb up Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame route.  Led by Kevin Jackson the team of six experienced a variety of weather throughout the climb including periods of rain, snow, wind and sun as they progressed through the various ecosystems. The team consisted of 5 Australians from the beautiful town of Townsville on the northeast coast of Queensland.

The group was assisted by 44 local porters and guides who created an amazing experience on the mountain for the team. As we climbed through the various camps we were welcomed with an unusually low snow level that made for fantastic views. Each camp offered a different vantage point of all three volcanoes as we slowly made our approach to Barafu Camp.


Once we made it to Barafu Camp, our final camp before the summit, we were provided with unobstructed views of the summit and Mt. Mwenzi.  Our team prepared for the summit with a hearty meal and an early night.

We set off for the summit at 11.50 pm with a team rally as we embarked on our long tourney into the dark. As we progressed through the night our team pushed through the urge to make stops and slowly plodded along until we all made it to Stella Point just before 5.30 am.

We spent 20 minutes sharing hot tea before continuing onto the summit. Only as short 45 minutes away, the views of the glaciers and deep into the crater are enough to keep everyone moving slowly as the sun begins to break through the clouds. As we reached 5,895 meters, and Uhuru peak, the tallest point in Africa, we were rewarded with a sunrise that rivaled any other. Our entire team made the summit and after a few images and video clips we made our way back down to the mountain to Mweka Camp for a final night on the mountain.

This was a spectacular climb with a great family, crew and team. Epic is proud of everyone and is excited to be able to share stories with those involved.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.





11 March, 2011

Community project - Gibaso Village, Tanzania

By Rob Barbour: Bill and Vonnie Wavish came on an Epic Safari which I guided to the Ngorongoro Crater, the northern Serengeti and the Maasai Mara in August of 2010. They came with a group of friends to celebrate Vonnie's 50th Birthday.  Whilst at Serengeti Mara Camp in the Lamai Wedge (in the far north Serengeti) Raymond Teekishe - Conservation and Community Development Manager for AfrikaAfrika - and I gave a presentation on the efforts that AfrikaAfrika and Epic were doing in terms of conservation and community development.  As a result of this discussion Vonnie and Bill made an on the spot commitment to fund the building of a teacher's house in Gibaso Village.  This project was high on the development agenda of the Gibaso Village Government.  The house will be in honour of Vonnie's mother and so will be known as the Colleen Bayliss School Teacher's House.

A building plan was acquired with the help of Tanzanian National Parks and the project commenced in January 2011, ably managed by Raymond Teekishe himself.  Ray has been very conscious to ensure all the contracts are allocated to local village members whilst building.

We expect the project to be completed some time in late March or early April.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.