Nat Geo Follows the Trail of the Illegal Ivory Trade

Last week I posted a video that gave us an inside look at the efforts of poachers in Africa to get their hands on elephant tusks which are then sold on the black market. This trade has risen to such heights in recent years, that it now threatens the wild elephant population, which could go extinct in our lifetimes. Now, National Geographic has followed that video up with an interactive online article that takes us through how the ivory trade works, and how the value of those tusks increases as it makes its way through the supply chain.

To tell this story, Nat Geo created fake elephant tusks that contain GPS trackers and sensors that are capable of registering no only their location, but surrounding conditions as well. They then planted those fake tusks with poachers, and followed their progress across Africa starting in the Central African Republic, a country that has seen its elephant population intensely targeted.

The tusks then traveled along a known smuggling route that also happens to follow a region where the Lord's Resistance Army – led by Joseph Kony – operates almost with impunity. At one point, the GPS-enabled tusks are transferred into South Sudan, before entering Kafia Kingi, a disputed region that is currently controlled by Sudan. At this point, they have traveled 483 km (300 miles) to be a part of the poacher's inventory.


But the journey is far from over. After spending three weeks in Kafia Kingi, the tusks go back on the move heading north before reaching Ed Daein in Sudan. At this point, they have traveled more than 900 km (560 miles), and are currently either sitting in a building or are buried under ground. Researchers are waiting for the GPS signal to go active again so they can discover the next stage of the journey toward buyers most likely in Asia.

The article then goes on to explain how the price of poached ivory rises as it passes through the supply chain, starting out at a value as low as $66/pound and rising to as much as $4630/pound as it makes its way out to the Asian markets.

This eye-opening report does a good job of showing the flow of ivory through Africa, and then out to the rest of the world. It is a sobering look at what has become a major problem that could ultimately lead to the demise of wild elephants in Africa. Poaching accounts for the death of more than 30,000 of those creatures in a given year, and it is a practice that simply has to end. How we get to the point where it doesn't happen any longer is the real challenge, but it involves shutting down the demand for ivory in places across the world, including the U.S. and China.

As someone who has seen elephants in the wild throughout Africa, it is unfathomable that they are killed in such high numbers just to claim their tusks. Hopefully we can reverse this trend in the years ahead, and we'll see the end of poaching in our lifetime, rather than the extinction of these animals.

Video: Why Elephants May Go Extinct in Our Lifetime

I have another video today from Nat Geo, but this time it isn't quite so fun. It is a short clip about the dangers that elephants now face as a species with the continued poaching of the animals for their ivory. According to this video, an average of 100 elephants are killed each day by poachers. Their tusks are then turned into good that are sold in Asia and the U.S. where ivory is still seen as an acceptable thing to own or give as a gift. At this rate, these amazing animals could be wiped out in our lifetimes, never to be seen again. That would be a tragedy of epic proportions.

Warning: there are a couple of graphic shots in this video. They may be hard for some people to see, but this is a topic that is near and dear to me, and I wanted to share this none the less.

Video: GoPro Elephant Encounter

One of the best things about GoPro cameras is that they are small and tough, and can be placed just about anywhere. Take this short clip for instance. It was created after one of the action cams was placed on the edge of a field where a herd of elephants comes to play. Elephants being curious creatures knew that the camera was something new in their environment, and proceeded to check it out. The footage that was captured from that encounter is enough to put a smile on your face.

Video: An Awesome Kilimanjaro Montage Video

My friends at Tusker Trail – who I climbed Kilimanjaro with back in February – shared this great video on their social media outlets. It is a montage of clips and photos of a climb up the tallest peak in Africa, with some fantastic shots from about every stage of the journey. If you've ever wanted to give Kili a go, this is four-minute look at what to expect. And if you've been there before, it'll bring back some powerful memories.

2015 Expedition Africa Adventure Race Begins This Weekend!

One of the toughest adventure races in the world will get underway this weekend when 23 coed teams of four take to the starting line on Sunday to begin the 2015 edition of Expedition Africa. The race is the premiere AR event on the African continent, and a qualifier for the Adventure Racing World Championships to be held in Brazil this November.

As usual, Expedition Africa will be held in the remote and wild regions of Swaziland, a sovereign state found inside South Africa. This year's course will cover 450 km (280 miles) as the competitors run, ride, and paddle their way across the harsh, and unforgiving landscape. It is estimated that it will take the winning team approximately 72 hours of non-stop racing to reach the finish line, with the final teams taking as much as six days to complete the course.

There are 11 countries represented in this year's race, including teams from Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Israel, New Caledonia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States. They'll be competing in a wide variety of disciplines that range from trekking and mountain biking, to climbing and white water rafting. As usual, navigation will play a key role as well. This year, the race has unfettered access to all regions within Swaziland, which means the racers can choose any route that they can find in order to reach Checkpoints and Transition Areas.

This year's field is a deep one, with talented teams from all over the world. Early favorites include Team Peak Performance from Sweden and home-town favorites Team Cyanosis and Merrell Adventure Addicts. Last year's winner – and eventual world champs – Team Seagate, aren't competing in Expedition Africa this year.

Once the race begins on Sunday you'll be ale to follow all the action at the Expedition Africa website, with news, race reports, and updates being posted regularly to ar.co.za as well.

Good luck to all the teams!

Video: The Kilimanjaro Experience

Thinking about climbing Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa? Than have a look at this video, which not only serves as a good introduction to the mountain, but also provides some excellent insights into what to expect on the trek as well. It features some fantastic shots of Kili, and the surrounding landscapes, while showing what to expect with your days on the climb. The video was put together by an outfitter named Kilimanjaro Experience, but it does a good job of sharing the Kili adventure no matter who you climb with. This is a trek that should be on every adventurer's bucket list, and this video will show you why.

Kilimanjaro-Experience from Biggestleaf Media on Vimeo.

Archaeologists Discover 3 Million Year Old Tools that Pre-Date Man

I love stories that show us that we don't know as much about our planet as we think we do. Earlier this week it was revealed that archaeologists have discovered ancient tools in Kenya that date back more than 3.3 million years. That's amazing of course, but what is even more mind blowing is the fact that these artifacts actually pre-date man, indicating that another species once inhabited the Earth that possessed the knowledge and ability to create and use tools too.

This discovery turns some preconceived notions about early man on its ear. While we have seen apes and monkeys use tools to solve problems and acquire food, it has been widely assumed that one of the things that separated humans – those species designated as Homo Sapiens and Homo Erectus for instance – is our ability to make and use crude tools to our advantage. These latest findings date back to a time before and of those early humans walked the Earth, making us expand our thoughts on what other species were capable of, and change some theories as to why Homo Sapiens grew to be the dominant species on the planet.

Until now, the oldest stone tools found have dated back about 2.6 million years. Those artifacts were also found in Kenya, and included axes made out of volcanic stone that were used for hunting. But this new find predates those instruments by as much as 700,000 years.

Just who made these tools remains a bit of a mystery. There are some researchers who believe that they were made by an as-yet unknown species that we haven't discovered yet. Others are attributing them to a species early man known as Kenyanthropus. Back in 1999, a skull belonging to this species was discovered not far from the site where these tools were uncovered. It too dated back 3.3 million years.

The Live Science article that I linked to above has more information about how these tools were discovered, and what the region of Kenya was like back when those who made them still lived there. The instruments were found in the badlands located in the northeast section of the country, which is now very dry and arid. That helps to preserve the artifacts found there. But when those tools were being used, it was a forested area with plenty of shrub plants, making it a good place for animals to live and graze too.

This is fascinating stuff, and I love that we're still continuing to uncover these discoveries.

Video: Mountain Biking the Spitzkoppe in Namibia

The Spitzkoppe is a group of rocky mountain peaks located in the African country of Namibia. The name actually means "pointed dome" in German, and the location is sometimes referred to as the "Matterhorn of Namibia" as well. In this video, a group of mountain bikers travel to the Spitzkoppe where they are faced with some challenging rock climbing up its granite face, as well as some incredibly daring riding back down the mountain. It all makes for a fantastic short film that is fascinating to watch as they tackle some unbelievable lines that seem unrideable. That is, until they actually do ride them.

Video: Down Hill Mountain Biking in the Wilds of Africa

One of the great things about mountain biking is that it can take you to some amazingly remote places. Take this video for instance which follows a team of pro mountain bikers as they travel to Africa to explore some of the more wild areas there by mountain bike. They find some surprisingly good downhill to test their skills on along the way, as they barrel across the open landscapes. It looks like a fun place to go for a ride, and I certainly know I'd love to do some mountain biking in Africa.

Video: Exploring Africa in a Kayak

This video is the first in a new series from the U.S. National Whitewater Center which will focus on the very human need to explore the world around us and uncover the unknown. In this first chapter professional paddlers Cooper Lambla and Tyler Allen travel to Africa to paddle some of the wild rivers there. There journey took them across Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, producing this wonderful six-minute clip of the adventure. It is a whitewater excursion like no other, in places where much of the landscape remains largely untamed and unexplored.  

EXPLORE. Chapter One from USNWC on Vimeo.

Trail Run Takes Athletes Around Kilimanjaro on Foot

National Geographic Adventure has posted an interesting article about the Kilimanjaro Stage Run, an 11-day epic trail running event that circumnavigates the famous African mountain. This non-competitive event is undertaken by runners from around the world each year as a challenging adventure that gives them a different perspective on the mountain and the people that live at its base.

The run is the brainchild of Simon Mtuy, a Tanzanian who has earned world-wide respect for his trail running skills. Back in 2006 Simon set a record for running to the summit of the mountain, reaching the top in just 9 hours and 21 minutes. That record was broken in 2013 when Simon helped Kilian Jornet beat his mark. Jornet managed to make the trip just 7 hours and 14 minutes. The current record, held by Ecuadorian mountain runner Karl Egloff stands at 6 hours, 56 minutes, and 24 seconds by the way. To put that in perspective, on my recent climb up Kili, we spent the better part of seven days reaching the summit.

But they Kilimanjaro Stage Run isn't about speed or setting records. Instead, it covers 260 km (161.5 miles) over 11 days as participants travel completely around the base of the iconic mountain. The runners stay on dirt tails and footpaths the entire way, at altitudes that range from 1400-2000 meters (4593-6561 ft). They pass through dense rainforests, pass beautiful waterfalls, and immerse themselves into Tanzanian culture in small villages along the way. All the while, the snowcapped peak of Kili looms tall overhead.

The Nat Geo article gives readers a good indication of what the run is all about, and provides excellent insights into the experience for intrepid trail runners who are considering attempting the run themselves. You can also check out the fantastic short film called Mountain of Greatness, which you'll find below. It follows a team of runners who completed the KSR back in 2012, and gives viewers an even better sense of what it is like out on the trail.

The 2015 edition of the Kilimanjaro Stage Race is set to take place from October 17-27 of this year. If you're interested in running it, you can find out more here. Sign up and get busy training. There is still plenty of time to prepare.


Mountain of Greatness from Andrew King on Vimeo.

Kilimanjaro Climb for Valor 2015: A Rescue On the Mountain

This article is the fourth in a new series about my recent Kilimanjaro climb. In the days ahead, I'll be sharing several articles about the experience to help readers prepare for a potential trek of their own in the future. If you'd like, you can read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 respectively.

Because Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb there is a common misconception amongst those who haven't visited the mountain that it is actually a very easy trek to the top. In fact, I've actually spoken with some people who have been downright dismissive of a Kili climb, saying that it offers little in the way of a challenge, and isn't particularly difficult. This shortsightedness can lead to a few surprises however, catching some climbers off guard. While it is true that Kilimanjaro doesn't require any special mountaineering skills to summit, it still presents some serious challenges due to its altitude. At 5895 meters (19,341 ft) in height Kilimanjaro is not to be taken lightly, something that my entire climbing team was reminded of in dramatic fashion on our recent visit to the mountain. 

The Climb for Valor team that went to Kilimanjaro last month with Tusker Trail was made up of a group of individuals who were about as healthy and physically fit as any group that you would find on the mountain. In fact, there were two Green Berets that were part of the team, as well as several widows of fallen U.S. special forces soldiers. The remainder of the team were also incredibly fit, and about as well prepared for a trek at high altitude as any group of travelers that I have ever been around. That high level of physical fitness would serve each of well in the days we would spend on the mountain, and would ultimately lead to a high level of success come Summit Day as well. 

But sadly not everyone on the team was able to join us at the summit. In fact, a few days into our adventure we all faced a sobering reality that was an indicator of just how serious a Kilimanjaro climb can truly be. On our second night spent above 3962 meters (13,000 ft) two members of the team became quite ill, and ultimately had to be evacuated by helicopter from the mountain. While we all knew that altitude sickness was a serious concern, none of us expected to face it in such a dramatic fashion.

That evening, one of the members of the team – an incredibly fit Green Beret no less – became ill and started to have a difficult time breathing. A quick check of his oxygen levels revealed that he was at just 60% saturation, and his lungs were beginning to fill up with fluids. Fortunately the Tusker guides are well trained to handle situations like this one and they were quickly able to diagnose the problem, and oversee the patient's medical care on the mountain. It didn't hurt that Tusker is one of the few guide service on Kilimanjaro that carries both bottled oxygen and a portable altitude chamber (PAC), with the Tusker team well versed in how to handle both the oxygen and the PAC. The ailing climber was quickly placed inside the PAC to help alleviate his symptoms, but because he had developed High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), the only way for his condition to improve compleltey was to get down off the mountain. Something that wouldn't be easy in his weakened state. 

As part of the Climb for Valor package every Tusker climber was issued adventure travel insurance coverage from a company called Ripcord Travel Protection. Ripcord provides all of the standard coverages you would expect, including trip cancellation and interruption, as well as lost baggage coverage, and so on. But unlike most other travel insurance policies, it also covers emergency evacuations for medical and security purposes as well. It was fortunate that we all had this protection from Ripcord, as it allowed us to call in a helicopter to evacuate our strike companion from the mountain, allowing him to get the medical attention he needed in a much more expedited fashion. 

The climber who was stricken with HAPE was placed inside the portable altitude chamber to help make him feel more comfortable until morning. By daybreak he was starting to feel a bit better, but it was still vitally important that he get off the mountain. By mid-morning a helicopter was sent to pick him up, and within a matter of minutes he was on his way to a local hospital where he was treated for his symptoms, and released that same day. Dropping in altitude had allowed him to recover quickly, but it was certainly a humbling reminder of just how serious climbing at altitude can be. 

The helicopter also evacuated a second member of the team who had suffered a severe allergic reaction over night as well. She woke up that morning with severe swelling in her lips and face, and while it was unclear what caused the reaction, we knew it was best that she be evacuated as well. In an environment like Kilimanjaro even a seemingly small threat to your health can turn into a major issue, and we couldn't afford to wait to see what exactly the problem was. 

With our two companions gone from the group, the dynamic changed significantly. Not only did we miss those two personalities, we were all reminded about then serious nature of the climb. It was not a foregone conclusion that we would all reach the top, and altitude sickness is can be a real problem, even on a non-technical mountain like Kili. The rest of the team was eventually able to a make it to the top without any more serious threats to our health, but I think we were all a bit more cautious following the evacuation, as we all knew that it could have been anyone of us on that helicopter. 

Thankfully, the two people evacuated were back to full health in a just a day or two, and both welcomed the rest of the team after we descended from the mountain. With the whole team reunited once again, we celebrated a successful climb with dinner and cold beers back in Moshi, as we all began to reflect on what the experience had meant to each of us. 

On a personal note, I can't tell you how impressed I was with how the Tusker staff handled the evacuation process. The guides are well trained to handle emergency situations, and they saw to the health of our companions while making the necessary arrangements to get them safely off the mountain. 

Similarly, the folks who represented Ripcord – two of whom were on the climb with us – were extremely professional and on top of the situation as well. They facilitated the evacuation as efficiently as possible, and made alternate arrangements when the first airlift fell through. If you are a climber or adventure traveler who frequently finds yourself in remote places, they are certainly the insurance policy that you want covering your expeditions. Their policies go above an beyond what is typical for the industry, and it clear that they take their clients' health and security very seriously. 

As for anyone who intends to climb Kilimanjaro in the near future, hopefully this story will serve as a reminder. Don't take the mountain lightly. Sure, it is a high altitude trek without many technical challenges, but the altitude alone is enough to cause concerns, and it is a mountain that can take you by surprise if you go unprepared. 

Gear Closet: Rocky S2V Provision Pants

If you read my review of the Provision Jacket from Rocky S2V that I posted a few days back, you already know that I was highly impressed with its performance while on Kilimanjaro. That lightweight, but incredibly warm and protective shell, kept wind, rain, and snow away from my body while on the climb, and proved invaluable on Summit Day when I was most exposed to the elements. But the jacket was only half the story, as I was also wearing a pair of Provision Pants, which provided the same level of protection for the bottom half of my body.

Just like the jacket that bears the same name, the Provision Pants are made from the same high performance fabrics that are designed to repel moisture, while remaining very comfortable to wear, even while working hard at altitude. These pants incorporate the extremely thin and lightweight aerogel insulation, which completely shields the wearer against rain – and perhaps more importantly wind – without adding any kind of bulk or excess weight to the product. In fact, I was continually impressed with how thin and light these pants actually are, particularly when you consider the amount of protection from the elements that they provide.

Much like the Provision Jacket, these pants incorporate multiple zippered pockets, including a handy one on the thigh that is perfect for keeping important small items, such as a point and shoot camera, very close. The high quality zippers help to seal out excess moisture as well, but are also easy to operate even when wearing gloves.


Just like with Rocky S2V's fantastic jacket, these pants incorporate the Recco Advanced Rescue Technology right into the design. A built-in Recco transmitter gives off an electronic signal that makes it easier for wilderness first responders to locate you should you go missing in the backcountry. This is a handy piece of mind to have on your side for those "just in case" moments, and it is just another example of all of the great little touches that have been included with these pants as well.

The knees and seat of the Provision Pants also include reinforced fabrics and insulations to help keep you more comfortable when you sit or kneel on wet or cold ground. Two-way zippers run the length of each leg, giving you the option to vent excess heat as needed as well. These options go a long way towards keeping you comfortable on the trail, no matter what weather conditions Mother Nature throws your way.

Rocky has built these pants with internal waist adjustments so that in theory you wouldn't have to wear them with a belt. I found that the medium sized pants that I wore were still a bit too big however, so I was definitely glad I had a belt along to help keep them in place. It seems sizing runs a bit on the larger size, so keep that in mind when ordering a pair of these pants. I'm typically a medium in shell pants, but the Provisions were practically falling off of me prior to putting on a belt.

Other than that very small observation however, I found the pants to not only fit fine, but also move fluidly no matter what I was doing. The last thing you want when climbing a mountain like Kilimanjaro is for your clothing to restrict your movements, but that wasn't the case at all. In fact, I wore these pants all the way up to the summit, and was very glad I did. The amount of protection that they provided from the wind alone was enough to convince me of just how good they were, and the fact that I was able to climb all day in cold conditions, wearing just these pants and a thin thermal layer underneath, is a testament to how warm they are as well.

Tough and durable, the Provision Pant feels like it is the type of product that will accompany you on many adventures without showing any signs of abrasion or wear and tear. In fact, my pants, which were worn several days on Kilimanjaro, still look absolutely brand new, which is a testament to the quality of the fabrics used in their construction. Built for the harshest of weather conditions, these pants will certainly come in handy on many future trips as well.

Rocky S2V sells the Provision Pant for just $119.99, which I found to be quite a bargain considering the level of performance that they deliver. This is a high quality product that will keep you warm and dry in the worst of conditions, and allow you to continue your active outdoor pursuits even when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

I can't tell you how incredibly impressed I am with products from Rocky S2V. I know that they certainly made it easier for me to climb to the summit of the highest mountain in Africa, and I can't imagine how much more challenging my Kili climb would have been without them.

Video: Drones Over the Serengeti

While I was in Tanzania climbing Kilimanjaro I couldn't help but wonder what kind of awesome drone footage could be captured over the Serengeti – the premiere safari destination in the world as far as I'm concerned. It turns out I didn't have to wonder for long, as this video not only takes us to the savannah of Africa, it also stops at Lake Manyara and Ngorongro Crater too. As you can imagine, the scenery and wildlife are exceptional. Great footage from one of my favorite places on Earth.

DJI Inspire 1 // Tanzania from Electric Peak Creative on Vimeo.

Kilimanjaro Climb for Valor 2015: The Tusker Difference

This article is the third in a new series about my recent Kilimanjaro climb. In the days ahead, I'll be sharing several articles about the experience to help readers prepare for a potential trek of their own in the future. Read Part 1 and Part 2 respectively. 

As many of you know, my recent trip to Kilimanjaro was not my first visit to the mountain. I first visited the tallest peak in Africa back in 2007, climbing with a local guide service on what could best be described as an adequate, but no-frills, expedition. That operator – who shall remain nameless – was solid in every way, and I had few complaints than or now. But this time I went with Tusker Trail, the leading guide service on Kili, and the difference was like night and day. While both companies offer customers the opportunity to stand at the Roof of Africa, the journey to get there was a very different one. 

When I started working with Tusker on the Climb for Valor project I was immediately struck with how professional the company was at every stage of the process. Not only did the Tusker staff provide plenty of pre-trip information to have participants as prepared as possible for conditions on the mountain, they also gave us extensive gear packing lists and recommendations for medications and shots. They provide each of the members of the climbing team with contact information prior to departure, and went above and beyond to ensure that everyone was comfortable with what lie ahead. 

As you would expect, upon arrival representatives from Tusker were on hand to greet everyone at the airport and ensure that we all collected our bags and arrived safely at the lodge that served as home prior to the departure for the mountain. The staff that assisted us in Tanzania was just as friendly, helpful, and receptive as the those who had helped us back home prior to departure. In fact, the level of professionalism of every member of the Tusker crew was exceptional, ranging from customer service representatives to the guides and porters on the climb. It was truly impressive to see just how well trained each of these men and women were, and how dedicated they all are to making their customers happy and stratified. 

There were lots of other little nice touches that came through as well. For instance, the Tusker chefs receive annual training from the Culinary Institute of America, and it shows. The food that was served to us while on the mountain was nothing short of extraordinary, with surprisingly tasty and diverse meals being delivered to the mess tent each and every night. Loss of appetite is a common side effect of being at altitude, and often you have to force yourself to eat more than you would typically like. That is an easier process when the food is actually delicious and appetizing. 

Tusker takes the health of their climbers very seriously and twice a day we all had to submit to a medical check. During those sessions not only was our pulse and oxygen saturation levels checked, but we all answered a series of questions regarding how we were feeling. The guides also listened to our lungs to ensure there was no fluid build-up as well, which is a tell-tale sign of the early stages of pulmonary edema. Armed with excellent med training, the guides were also able to recommend some treatments to help keep us healthy on the trail, which in turn leads to a higher success rate for climbers. 

Speaking of success rate, despite what you might read elsewhere Kilimanjaro is quite a challenging climb. In fact, only about 60% of all climbers who attempt to reach the top actually do so. But Tusker's success rate is actually above 90%, which is due to a combination of preparation, extra days of acclimatization, and paying close attention to the health of their clients. Just about every stage of their climbing itinerary is built to give participants the best possible opportunity to reach the top, and it pays dividends in the long run. 

Tusker has been operating on Kilimanjaro for nearly 40 years, and that experience shines through in every portion of the climb. From the gear that they use to the routes that they climb on, everything is well planned and thought out. The organization runs like a well oiled machine, allowing travelers to simply worry about each day's hike, taking the climb in small segments until Summit Day arrives at last. The formula works incredibly well, and as a result the vast majority of our team was able to summit safely. We did have two members of the squad who had to be evacuated – a story that I'll share soon – but even that process was handled calmly, professionally, and in the best possible way imaginable. 

If a Kilimanjaro climb is in your future, I would certainly urge you to do a lot of research before deciding on a guide service. There are a lot of choices available, but they are definitely not all created equal. Personally, I can't recommend Tusker highly enough, and I think you'll find they are nearly impossible to beat in terms of service. 

Kilimanjaro Climb for Valor 2015: The Team

This article is the second in a new series about my recent Kilimanjaro climb. In the days ahead, I'll be sharing several articles about the experience to help readers prepare for a potential trek of their own in the future. Read Part 1 here. 

No matter what kind of trip you go on, the people that you travel with will have a huge influence on your overall experience. If you don't happen to enjoy the personalities of the people you are traveling with, you'll end up having a terrible time. Conversely if you are accompanied by a truly special group, even the most mundane of excursions can turn into a truly memorably one. Kilimanjaro is far from mundane however, and fortunately for me I was able to share it with an incredible group of people, making the climb all that more enjoyable. 

As mentioned previously, I traveled to Africa to climb Kilimanjaro as part of Tusker Trail's inaugural Climb for Valor. This very special trek was put together to raise funds for the Duskin & Stephen's Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to creating scholarships for the children of fallen U.S. special forces soldiers. Through the Climb for Valor, Tusker was able to raise more than $100,000 to contribute to this fund, kicking off this first effort in grand style. 

With such a highly focused theme to the climb it should come as no surprise that Tusker was able to attract a number of participants from within the U.S. special forces family. Not only did we have two active-duty Green Berets join us on the trip, but the widows of three fallen soldiers as well. For security purposes I won't mention any specific names, but these men and women came to Kili with a purpose. They not only wanted to summit for a good cause, they also had their own very personal reasons for wanting to climb the mountain as well. 

Spending nine days trekking up Kilimanjaro with someone gives you the opportunity to get to know one another very well. After all, you're gathering in a cramped mess tent for your meals, you're sharing primitive toilet facilities, and there is ample time to chat when you're on the trail for hours on end. It is safe to say that our team bonded very quickly, and by the second day of the trip we were already sharing inside jokes, memorable stories, and very personal information. 

Prior to the trip I already had a deep appreciation for the job that the U.S. special forces teams do, but in sharing time with these men and women that appreciation only grew stronger. Both of the soldiers on the trip had suffered wounds in combat in Afghanistan, and listening to their tales brought a personal edge to the story that just can't be acquired simply by watching the nightly news. Their experiences in the field range from comical to harrowing, with just about every kind emotion in-between. 

As for the widows that joined us on the trek it is impossible to overstate just how strong and courageous they are too. They lost their husbands in a war that has lingered on far too long, and while that is certainly the ultimate sacrifice, they continue to approach each day with renewed optimism, an indelible spirit, and sense of purpose that is incredibly admirable. Were our fortunes reversed, I'm not sure I could be quite so forgiving and generous. 

There were other members of the team of course too. Several us came along in a different capacity to help chronicle and support the Climb for Valor. Each played a key role in creating a fun, friendly, and accepting atmosphere that made the entire trek feel more communal. For instance, Dr. Avi regaled us with endless stories of some of the things he's seen in, and out, of the emergency room over the years, while Kiwi Edan kept us in stitches with his New Zealand accent. Together we formed a close knit group that by the time we reached the summit we had transcended being just traveling companions and has become very good friends. 

A Kilimanjaro climb will test your physical limits, and it helps to have a good supporting cast around you when you start to go up to altitude. I couldn't have asked for a better team to have around me on this journey, and I'm very proud to have summited with such an amazing, inspiring group of folks. I'm sure at least some of them will become lifelong friends, and I look forward to connecting with them again down the line.

If you plan to climb Kili in the future, I hope you are blessed with such a wonderful team as well. It makes all of the difference. 

Kilimanjaro Climb for Valor 2015: The Route

This article is the first in a new series about my recent Kilimanjaro climb. In the days ahead, I'll be sharing several articles about the experience to help readers prepare for a potential trek of their own in the future. 

As many of you already know, there are a number of routes that trekkers can use to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. Those routes include Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame. Each of them includes unique characteristics and features which makes them stand out from one another. For instance, the Marangu route is generally considered the easiest – relatively speaking – and features a series of huts for climbers to stay in along the way. As a result, it is often more crowded as well, which can certainly have an impact on the experience. On the other hand, the Machame route is widely regarded as the most scenic, although it is is also very challenging and steep. Each of the others have their own benefits and drawbacks, depending on the experience you most want to get out of the climb.

When selecting the route for the Climb for Valor, the team at Tusker Trail decided that they wanted to do something a little different. The idea was to give the climbers on our team a complete unique look at the mountain, along a route that is seldom hiked. We began by entering Kilimanjaro National Park at the Londorossi Gate and proceeding up the traditional Lemosho Route along the western flanks of the mountain. At that stage of the climb we were passing through rainforest, with the trail meandering up to our first campsite located at Mti Mkubwa at about 2795 meters (9170 ft).

The next day we continued upwards out of the forest and entered a new vegetation zone dominated by overgrown heather. At that point, we were still following the Lemosho Route up to Shira Plateau, which afforded us our first truly great look at the mountain. From that vantage point it appeared impossibly tall and still very far away, but Kilimanjaro now loomed over us, giving us a clear idea of what we had come to do. We camped that night at Shira Camp, which is located at 3505 meters (11,500 ft).

On Day three we began to divert from the Lemosho Route at last and ventured out onto the all-but abandoned Northern Circuit of the mountain. At this point, we left all other teams behind and had the trail completely to ourselves. While we weren't exactly overwhelmed with crowds along the trail, it was refreshing to have the place to ourselves. After a full day of hiking to the Moir Camp (4164 meters/13,660 ft), Kili seemed much closer. It became abundantly clear that the summit was indeed an obtainable objective, and soon we would start to head up in ernest.


But before our summit push would begin, we had two days of acclimatization ahead. We wandered along the Northern Circuit staying at relatively the same altitude to allow our bodies time to adjust to the thin air. On our first night we stopped at the Pofu Camp (4017 meters/13,180 ft) before proceeding on to Third Cave (3963 meters/13,000 ft). These extra days were certainly crucial for getting ready for to move up higher, and I think everyone on the team was happy to have the extra time.

I'd be remiss in my report if I didn't mention the scenery along the Northern Circuit. Not only did it allow us to keep an eye on Kilimanjaro at all times, it also provided fantastic views of the countryside far below. Since Kili is a stand alone mountain, there aren't other peaks to block your view. In fact, the land around Kilimanjaro is mostly flat, which means you can see for miles in all directions. Much of the time we were actually hiking above the cloud cover, which alone made for some breathtaking scenery, but when the clouds parted you truly got a sense of just how high up we were. It was awe inspiring to the say the least.

After spending the night at Third Cave, it was time to start heading up once again. On day 6 of the climb we gained more than 760 meters (2500 ft) in altitude has we moved up to Kibo Hut at 4730 meters (15,520 ft). This would be our launching pad for the summit push the following day, and the thin air was certainly evident. At that altitude, moving too quickly could leave you out of breath, and while we were all well acclimated, everyone was feeling the effects of the thinner air none the less.

Day 7 was Summit Day at last, and while we al knew it would be a difficult challenge, the entire climbing team was ready to proceed up. Unlike most of the other squads, we set out just before dawn proceeding up and up and up. At times it felt like we would never stop climbing, as the narrow trailed wandered back and fourth towards the crater rim above us. But around noon we finally popped over the edge and arrived at Gilman's Point. This is a major milestone for any Kili climb, as it means that you've reached the crater rim, and put the majority of the ascent behind you. But you're also still two hours away from the summit as well, so the work isn't quite done just yet.

Proceeding on from there, we hiked another hour to reach Stella Point, another important spot on Kilimanjaro. It is at that point that several routes to the summit converge as the final push to the top begins. From there, you can actually see the summit itself, even though it is still some distance off. The trek upwards transitioned onto snow at that point, which made it a bit tougher to walk, but not unbearably so.

The final approach to Uhuru Peak is a satisfying one. The final section of the climb allows you to see the famous sign on top of Kili from a long way off, although it slowly and steadily gets closer as you go. Before you know it, you're standing on the Roof of Africa, with amazing views spread out all around you. We topped out at a little after 2 in the afternoon, and had the summit to ourselves for the entire time. This gave us the opportunity to take plenty of photos and savor the moment, despite the fact that it was a cold and blustery day on top of Kili.

At long last we were ready to proceed down. But unlike most other teams, we were not descending very far. One of the other highlights of the Climb for Valor route was that we actually spent a night camping in the crater of the volcano. Crater Camp is located at 5700 meters (18,700 ft) on field of snow and ice. It was definitely a chilly spot to rest, but it was also a beautiful one that included some amazing views of the increasingly shrinking Kilimanjaro glaciers. There was just one other small team in the crater that night, although it truly did feel like we had the place all to ourselves.

The following day we awoke to temperatures of 15ºF/-9ºC in our tent. It had been a cold night, and while we were all warm in our sleeping bags, it was tough to climb out and face the weather. But, it was also time to start heading down, and I think it is safe to say that everyone on the team was ready to begin that process. Over the next day and a half we would descend along the Mweka Route, which is used by almost every team on the mountain. As we went down, the air became thicker, the temperature became warmer, and we all started to feel much stronger. But the descent is not one to be taken lightly. It can be very demanding on legs that are already strained from the climb up to the summit. If your legs weren't particularly sore from the previous days of trekking, chances are they will be by the time you reach the bottom.

All told, we spent nine days on the mountain, which seems like a perfect schedule. Not only did it give us a chance to truly enjoy the beautiful scenery, but it was also ample time to acclimatize to the altitude as well. By the time we reached Mweka Gate, we were all ready for a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and a few simple amenities that we had missed out on while on the mountain. But we were also filled with a great sense of pride and accomplishment at having reached the summit as well. Tired, dirty, and immensely satisfied, we returned to Moshi to start thinking about our return home.

More to come soon!

Video: Wingsuit Flight Over Kilimanjaro

In keeping with our Kilimanjaro theme today, we have this video which features wingsuit pilot and BASE jumper Valery Rozov flying off the top of Africa's highest peak. As you can imagine, the views are spectacular, and the flight is an impressive one. Hard to believe I was just on this mountain a few days ago. Enjoy!

Back From Kilimanjaro!

After a two-week absence, I returned home from Africa this past weekend, and have been trying desperately to shake both a nasty cough and persistent jet lag. That said, the trip was an excellent one,  that culminated with a successful summit of the Kilimanjaro a week ago. You'll be hearing a lot more about this trip in the days ahead, but for now just know that it was an amazing experience in large part because of my friends at Tusker Trail, the biggest operator on Kili that clearly demonstrated why they are the best option for climbing the mountain.

It should be noted that this was my second go around on Kilimanjaro, and while I have nothing bad to say about the previous company I climbed with, Tusker was head and shoulders above the competition. There were a number of small touches that set Tusker apart from the crowd, including twice-daily medical checks to ensure that the team was in top form, and some of the best food you could ever ask for while on a high-altitude trek. It's no secret that loss of appetite is one of the major side effects of hiking in the mountains, but thanks to consistently delicious, and surprisingly complex, meals, it was definitely a lot easier to take in the calories you need to push your way up to the summit.

I was fortunate enough to be a part of Tusker's first ever Climb for Valor, which was used as a fundraising effort for the Duskin & Stephens Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to creating scholarships for the children of fallen U.S. servicemen that have served in the special forces. On the climb I joined two active-duty soldiers who suffered wounds while serving their country, as well as three widows who lost their husbands in the line of duty as well. Hearing their individual stories only magnified my perception of these very brave men and women, realizing that each of them has sacrificed a great deal for their country.


The climb itself was a magnificent one. We began along the Lemosho Route, but veered along the seldom visited Northern Circuit, giving us some spectacular views of Kilimanjaro, while acclimatizing for attitude. We also spent a night camping in the volcano's crater at 18,500 feet (5638 meters), another spot that isn't visited all too often. Before proceeding down, we also made a quick visit to the Kili Ash Pits, a place that very few climbers ever see at all.

The climb wasn't without incident. We had two members become sick due to attitude and had to be helicoptered off the mountain. I'll fill in more details on that story as well, but suffice as to say don't believe everything you read about Kili being an "easy" mountain to climb. Any time you go up to high altitude you run the risk of acquiring altitude sickness, and in this case it was dangerous enough that we had to evacuated these two individuals as quickly as possible. Thankfully, every member of the team was given evacuation insurance from Ripcord Travel Protection, which ended up coming in very handy.

In the days ahead, I'll be sharing more stories from the climb, offering tips for those considering a visit to Kilimanjaro themselves, while giving personal insights from my two expeditions to the mountain. Kill was also a testing ground for plenty of great gear as well, so I'll also have some new products to review too. For now though, I'll be settling back into the routine and getting back to regular updates from the world of adventure. Hopefully every one of you had a few adventures of their own while I was away.

The Adventure Blog on Hiatus, Heading to Kilimanjaro!

Just a quick note to round out the week to let everyone know that The Adventure Blog will be going on hiatus for a couple of weeks. Tomorrow I'll catch a flight to Tanzania, where I'll be returning to Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa at 5895 meters (19,341 ft). As you can probably imagine, I'm looking forward to being back in Africa – always one of my favorite places to visit – and taking a hike up Kili. It should be an amazing trip to an amazing part of the world.

This time out, I'll be climbing the mountain with Tusker Trail as part of their Climb for Valor. This very special climb is being conducted to raise funds and awareness of the Duskin & Stephens Foundation, an organization dedicated to support the families of fallen members of the U.S. special forces. The team that I'll be trekking with has worked hard to raise more than $100,000 for this cause,    and now they'll celebrate by going on one of the toughest, yet very rewarding, hikes in the entire world.

I am very fortunate to be a part of this group, and when I return I'll be sharing stories from the climb, as well my own personal experiences on Kili. I am familiar with the mountain from a previous visit, but I am looking forward to going back and taking on the challenge once again.

For those not familiar with Tusker, they are one of the trekking companies in the world, and have been leading groups up Kilimanjaro for nearly 40 years. I'll actually be climbing with Tusker's founder, Eddie Frank, who has more than 50 Kili summits on his resume. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to climb to the Roof of Africa, and I can't wait to share the experience with readers once I get back. You can be assured that I'll have plenty to say about the trip upon my return.

In the meantime, I hope everyone gets outside and has a few adventures of their own in my absence. I'll be back before you know it, and with plenty of stories to tell I'm sure.

While I'm gone, I'll be turning off comments on this blog. It never fails that while I'm away someone ends up posting hundreds of spam comments that I have a difficult time tracking down when I return. To avoid that, I'll switch off the ability to comment on posts for the time being, but will turn them back on once I'm home.

Take care, and talk to you all soon!