Fluge Global Adventures

The group traversed the Machame trailhead, winding through coffee fields and small forests of ferns and flowers. After registering with the park service, they met their porters from the Chagga Tribe, indigenous to the slopes of Kilimanjaro. They are an integral part of the African journey and quickly became friends, providing insight into their culture and society. The ‘true’ climb began on the edge of a rain forest (elevation 5,800’). Below the watchful eyes of the monkeys, the climbers trekked seven hours to the Machame Camp (10,000’) and set camp for the night.

The next day, the group left the Machame Huts, crossed a small valley and began the arduous ascent. The environment changed from heath forest to moor lands. These moor lands are littered with two species of giant groundsel, Senecios and Lobelia. Halfway up the trail they met a river gorge and ascended across the Shira Plateau (12,300’). They slept at the Shira Camp.

FGA Team Arrives In Africa

Fluge, King, and Carter (FGA Team) arrived in Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania, Northern Africa after 30 long hours, 3 planes, and many stops in between.  They met their Alpine Ascents counterparts (guides) in Arusha, Tanzania and immediately began strategy discussions to claim the victory over Kilimanjaro – the largest free standing volcano in the world.

While immersed in details about the climb, the team also took in some sightseeing at the Cultural Heritage Center.  They concluded their several day introductions to Tanzania with an equipment check and an orientation to the principles of "Leave No Trace" environmental ethics.