A Day Hike to Mount Kilimanjaro from Chantry Flats via Sturtevant Camp

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/6/f/e/event_22375038.jpeg

Hike Leader: Paul Kemp
Location: Mount Kilimanjaro, East Africa
Hike Difficulty: Moderate, 5/10 (not for beginners)
Distance: 20,257 miles round trip (approx.)
Elevation Gain: 19,242 feet (approx.)
Time: 6 hours

INTRODUCTION: Kilimanjaro. The name itself is a mystery wreathed in clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans. Or it might not. The local people, the Wachagga, don't even have a name for the whole massif, only Kipoo (now known as Kibo) for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious, overseer of the continent, the summit of Africa.

Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa. When you see it, you understand why. Not only is this the highest peak on the African continent; it is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding coastal scrubland – elevation around 900 metres – to an imperious 5,895 metres (19,336 feet).

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Join me on a brisk day hike from Los Angeles to the dizzying heights of Mount Kilimanjaro located in tantalizing Tanzania. We set out from Chantry Flats and follow the Sturtevant Trail past Mount Zion to Sturtevant Camp. From there we hike along the little-known East Africa Trail to Tanzania. Along the way we will experience, among other things, crocodile-infested rivers, insect-plagued jungles, drought-ravaged deserts, man-eating lions, ferocious leopards, crazed hippopotami, stampeding elephants, bad-tempered warthogs, deranged monkeys, baboons with big, red arses, venomous snakes, poisonous spiders, yellow fever, that disease that makes your testicles swell to the size of a basketball (men only), and herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically across the plains. If we leave Chantry Flats by 8 a.m. we should be back by tea-time.

When we reach the summit of Kilimanjaro the views are quite spectacular, and, it has to be said, all-encompassing. You will be able to see South Africa to the south and the Eiffel Tower to the north. Far away in the west, you are able to make out the famous Bob’s Big Boy sign in the heart of Hollywood. But most unbelievably spectacular of all is the view to the east from Palin’s Point – on a clear day you can see Russia in all its splendor and glory.

This is a fairly strenuous hike definitely NOT for beginners. Flip-flops are not recommended. The high altitude may cause problems for some - if you have not hiked above 9,000 feet before you are encouraged to bring your own emergency oxygen supply. This can be purchased at most fine outdoor/adventure retailers. Make sure that you bring plenty of water (3 liters minimum) and copious amounts of sweet, calorie-rich snacks to munch along the way. Oh, and some insect repellant, a machete, and a high-velocity rifle if you have one.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/7/1/8/event_22375064.jpeg

Any questions, call Charlie Sheen @ (310) 555-7766