Kuznetsova Anastasia

Kilimanjaro News, Tanzania. Summit Climb Day. The day began quite early, as internet access was nonexistent due to the country's elections. Everyone went to bed early and woke up early. We had breakfast at 7 a.m., and by 8 a.m., our group had already set out for Kibo Camp.

It's truly amazing how well the national park has managed to provide all the amenities along the route, right down to comfortable restrooms and tables. You instantly lose the feeling that you're far from civilization.

 After about four hours of gradual ascent, crossing desert terrain that sometimes feels like a walk on Mars, you reach Kibo Camp at 4,700 meters. There, cozy cabins and the thoughtful faces of climbers await you, anticipating the night of the summit. And also the carefree faces of the local guys, for whom this has long been a routine and part of their lives.

We set off for lunch, dinner, and rest at 10:00 PM. Soon, it's time to get up and make final preparations. Breakfast, which often requires forcing yourself to eat. The realization that you literally have to force yourself to eat. A final check of gear and clothing, and then "off you go!" The hardest day of our tour lies ahead. Just eight hours of climbing up a switchback road in the night over dusty, loose earth. After six hours, you reach the first point, called Gilmans Point. This is the first long rest stop, and dawn is already breaking.

 Nighttime shots of Kilimanjaro's crater in the light of the full moon, tea, and your favorite songs to help you fight off the drowsiness that rolls in like waves. And then, off you go again. Two more hours of work lie ahead, now at altitude. An hour and a half later, as soon as you pass Stella Point, the magic of sunrise begins. And you see with your own eyes how the valleys of golden Africa are bathed in the rays of the sun. This is something that can't be described in words, videos, or photos; you have to see it with your own eyes!

After the shock therapy, another half-hour of walking in the sun's rays, and there in the distance is the coveted sign for Uhuru Peak 5895.

And you say, "Hakuna Matata poli poli tutafika" (No problem! Quietly, quietly, we'll get there soon).

Guides: Alexander Dorojukov, Leuan Atabiyev.

Days 3 and 4. Greetings from sunny Tanzania! Yes, the weather was great, and the sun shone above us, even though early November is the transitional season and the sky is usually covered by clouds at this time! We moved on to the next camp, Horombo, at 3,800 meters, gaining another kilometer of vertical climb. We left the forest and were greeted by views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mawenzi. The weather was fine. The sunsets and views of the savannah at night were stunning. This alone is worth the trip to Kilimanjaro.

The group is in good condition. We are working according to plan. After spending the night in Horombo, we hiked to the Zebra Rocks to acclimatize, and the next day we are preparing to move on to the Kibo summit camp at 4,600 meters. Guides: Alexander Dorozhukov and Leuan Atabiev.

Greetings from Tanzania! We continue publishing our Kilimanjaro expedition diary.
Day 2. We arrived at the gate, completed all the paperwork, ate, and set out on a trek through the beautiful jungle. Today was one of the most beautiful treks on the entire route, although each day was unique, beautiful in its own way.
The trail ran through equatorial forest with giant trees, vines, lichens, and tree ferns for almost the entire day. Closer to camp, the forest gave way to thickets of giant heather. Along the way, we were accompanied by monkeys, bridges, and waterfalls.
We rose above the clouds. We arrived at Mandara Camp at 2800 meters, at the upper tree line. We settled in, discussed our plans for the next day, and settled in for a well-deserved rest.
7 Summits Club guides Alexander Dorojukov and Leuan Atabiyev.

 Greetings from the slopes of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania! Everything is on schedule; our group is descending to the gates of the national park and should be back at the hotel today for a celebratory dinner and party celebrating the end of the program.

While we wait for details and photos from the group, we are publishing the travel diary of Sergey Sedov, who reached the summit of Kilimanjaro in three days.

 Sergey Sedov:

Arriving a day late, I decided to catch up with the group immediately. The expedition organizers were understanding and provided me with a local guide, porter, and transportation, for which I am eternally grateful. My physical condition allows me to undertake long treks upward, and in the end, Francis and I ran from the entrance to the national park to Horombo Hut in one day—or more precisely, six hours—covering 19 km and gaining 2,300 meters in altitude (from 1,450 to 3,750 meters).

 Having met the group there, the guides and expedition organizers and I discussed the option of continuing the climb separately at our own pace. Francis supported my idea of going to Base Camp the next day and immediately attempting the summit. This was his first attempt, but he was confident in both himself and me. I had arrived on Kilimanjaro after the Nepalese mountains and was well acclimatized with plenty of altitude to spare.

 The next day, when the group set out on an acclimatization radial hike, we continued our trek and reached Kibo Base Camp in three and a half hours. There we had lunch, held a briefing, and headed off to prepare for the summit push.

 We set out for the summit push at precisely midnight. We walked at a steady, confident, and steady pace, taking our time. We took our first short break at 3:00 AM, rested at 4:00 AM at Gilmansa Point, and then leisurely trudged to the summit, reaching it precisely at 6:00 AM. A blistering gust of wind awaited us there, so after quickly snapping a couple of photos, we descended at 6:15 AM. We had plenty of energy, the sun was warm, and our legs ran naturally down. In the end, the descent took only 1:40.

 At Base Camp, we changed clothes, packed our things, and set about executing another daring plan: to descend to the very entrance of the national park not just in one day, but before 5:00 PM.

 On the way back, we met our guys and wished them a successful summit push. In Horombo, we took a quick lunch break, in Mandara we treated ourselves to another half-hour rest, and by 4:40 PM, Francis and I were hugging at the entrance to the national park.

 I won't lie, the last few kilometers were incredibly difficult. By this point, everything was aching, but we persevered, kept up the pace, and continued down. It's no joke, we covered 40 km that day, including the summit push.

 In total, the entire program took us just three days. In short:

44 hours from start to summit.

4,450 m – elevation gain during this time.

34 km – ascent.

40 km covered on summit push day.

Total time: 54 hours 40 minutes.

Total distance: 68 km.

 Also on the descent, halfway between Horombo and Mandara, we met a legend of our mountaineering, Uncle Vitya, whom we had recently seen in Namche Bazaar and Kathmandu.

 In conclusion, I want to say that I didn't initially plan to set any records or chase time. It just happened that way. Appetite comes with eating. I want to thank the 7 Summits Club team for their flexibility and prompt problem-solving. I especially appreciate the exceptional level of organization—I had access to exactly the same facilities as the rest of the group the entire time.

And Francis and I became very close during this time. It even felt like we spent much more time with him than just three days.

 To be continued!

Photos and videos by the author - Sergey Sedov

Hello everyone! Recently, there were reports online of unrest in Tanzania related to the presidential elections and the usual disgruntled opposition and unrest related to it.

To quell the unrest, the internet was shut down throughout the country, and our guides sent short updates on the expedition's progress only via text messages. The situation is now improving, and communication is being restored.

 Our group is fine, everything is according to plan. The team is currently summiting and descending.

 But first things first.

 Expedition Diary

 Day 1. Our guides arrived in Tanzania and are fully prepared to welcome the group. Our team was unable to depart as scheduled the following day due to flight cancellations and delays due to the situation in Tanzania. But we managed to overcome the situation, and the entire group assembled in Moshi, the meeting point before heading into the mountains.

 Only one member arrived a day later than the group and was catching up individually. Looking ahead, I'll say that, due to his excellent physical condition and acclimatization in the Himalayas, our Sergey caught up with the group in one day instead of the planned two. He gained such momentum and got into the swing of things that he couldn't stop, overtook the group, and climbed Kilimanjaro in three days instead of the planned six. Sergey is now back at the hotel with a new summit on his list of accomplishments and is waiting for the rest of the guys at the hotel tomorrow.

You can't imagine how much joy it was to see and meet everyone at Kilimanjaro Airport. After all, difficulties bring a team together and unite.

 All the formalities have been completed, the equipment has been selected and checked, the introduction stage has been completed, the first batch of photos for Instagram and Stories have been taken. Note: Friendship won the high jump competition with the Maasai. The Maasai have a tradition that the strongest man is the one who can jump the highest.

Guides: Alexander Dorojukov and Leuan Atabiev.

Hello everyone! We mentioned earlier that our unique program, in addition to Orizaba in Mexico, included another ascent for acclimatization before Chimborazo (our main goal). It's time to reveal that the third planned summit was Antisana Volcano—a solitary beauty standing at the gateway to the Amazon jungle.

Antisana, also a five-thousander (one of 10 in Ecuador), at 5,704 meters, is the fourth highest in Ecuador, but it's wilder, less visited, and more technically challenging. There are no shelters there; you have to set out from a tent camp, and you need to bring everything you need with you.

The idea of climbing the technical Antisana (immediately after Orizaba and Chimborazo) arose as preparation for future projects, namely, as a preparatory stage for Alpamayo (a beautiful, technically challenging peak in Peru).

BUT! The thought of Chimborazo was nagging at me! Our friends Rustam and Franklin, continuing to monitor the weather and the slopes on Chimborazo out of habit, saw a weather window emerging. The slopes had thawed and frozen, the steps to the summit had been cut, and there was a chance of reaching the coveted summit.

Forgetting about Antisana, our friends rushed back from Quito to Chimborazo Base Camp at 5,300m and prepared for another summit attempt!

BUT! Once again, the weather turned nasty, and this time it was a complete disaster with thunderstorms and lightning. The downpour turned to snow, and the trail began to snow before our eyes again. We had to wait out the main squall in the shelter.

Then, several more attempts were made to ascend higher, and at the same altitude of 5,750m, we decided to turn around! And yes, this was already our fourth attempt at Chimborazo! But you can't say that any opportunity was wasted!

Everything that could be done, and even more, was done to achieve the goal! What can I say? In Rustam's opinion, everything was great, except the weather!

 Further goals have already been set! And when Rustam reaches Alpamayo, he'll still be keeping an eye on the weather in Chimborazo!

 To be continued!

Greetings to everyone from Rustam and Franklin, still from North America!

As a reminder, Rustam is returning for the third time to climb Chimborazo (6,310 m, Ecuador's highest peak and the farthest point from the center of the Earth), but decided to acclimatize in Mexico. The plan was to climb Mount Orizaba, North America's highest volcano. Rustam had already been to Ecuador twice and climbed all of the country's most interesting volcanoes. Don't go the same old route!

 Well, what can I say! After wonderful acclimatization trips in Mexico on smaller volcanoes, Orizaba herself decided to show what she's capable of when she's not in the mood! Before reaching the summit, there was sunshine, then storms began somewhere in the Pacific Ocean, and snow fell over Orizaba, and then it started raining. All the other teams turned around, but ours continued on!

When we reached the glacier, at 5,000 m, we finally decided that acclimatization was sufficient and that it was time to turn back. We returned to base in splendid isolation, alone with the mountain and the storm in the Pacific Ocean.

At the hotel, we finally wrung out all our belongings, dried off, rested actively, recharged, and before flying to Ecuador, we stopped to see the famous pyramids in Mexico City. But we didn't climb them because it was still raining!

 Goodbye, Mexico! Hola Ecuador! Chimborazo is still waiting!

Hello everyone! We have news. Our friend Rustam Makharramov is flying to America to make his third attempt at Chimborazo Volcano 6310. The one in Ecuador is the furthest peak from the center of the Earth and the highest peak in Ecuador. What can I say, the volcano has a truly unique, powerful, incomparable energy; it captivates and captivates.

Rustam was definitely captivated by it, and he says this time he won't leave Ecuador until he reaches the summit!

But this time, it's not that simple. To diversify his acclimatization and plan for the future, a unique program has been developed, the likes of which we've never seen before.

Orizaba and its associated volcanoes in Mexico (that's North America, mind you) were chosen for acclimatization!

For those who may have forgotten or don't know, Orizaba is the highest volcano in North America and is part of the "Seven Volcanoes" project. Many consider Orizaba to have one of the most beautiful craters among the many volcanoes.

And after Chimborazo, there's another peak planned, less well-known but very inviting and a wonderful preparation for new projects. We'll tell you more about it later!

Now our team, Rustam, and his friend, Ecuadorian guide Franklin, are already in Mexico. All documents have been verified (carefully check the required set of documents before leaving for Mexico; without them, entry into the country can be problematic), all formalities have been completed, and a gastronomic tour of the capital has already been completed. Our team is also acclimatizing on the volcanoes La Malinche (4461 m) and Sierra Negre (4580 m).

It was a beautiful day on La Malinche. The climb is relatively steep, but the guys made it without any problems. Sierra Negra is home to one of the world's largest telescopes. Our team reached the summit without any problems, enjoying every step.

Rustam is acclimatizing and gaining strength every day! And the team is ready to move on!

Kilimanjaro/Tanzania. This evening, over a cozy dinner in a restaurant, we celebrated an important event together - the successful ascent of the 7 Summits Club group to Kilimanjaro. Everyone went through a difficult path - a night climb, cold wind, altitude and fatigue. That evening, warm words of support, gratitude and ... tears of joy were heard. The medals on the neck became a symbol of a great victory and common work.

This moment is a time of pride, happiness and real team unity. We are very happy to share it with each of you. Our group, you are the real heroes of your path!

Guides Sergey Larin and Alexander Spirin.

Galymzhan Kuspanov from Iran: Tonight at 4:30 we were preparing to start the climb. We had breakfast and set off, and reached the summit at a good pace in 6 hours. The route is completely trekking. Along the way we saw an ice waterfall that never thaws, as well as sulfur emissions that look like steam from a giant boiling kettle. Hydrogen sulfide actively comes to the surface, it even burns your throat. Everyone puts on buffs over their mouth and nose, and tries to run past this place as quickly as possible.

The smell is about the same as a burnt match. But seeing a living volcano is very romantic.

We went down to the Base Camp in 2.5 hours, mostly on scree, flashlights were very useful, they protected us from small stones. The weather was windless and excellent all day!

The sixth volcano out of seven brings the dream of completing the entire "seven volcanoes" project closer.

Sometimes they say that the path is more important than the summit. But today, both the path and the summit were equally significant, real, and strong. Our group is on the top of Kilimanjaro. In full force! A long way up. A night climb in the dark, when you can only see the light of a flashlight in front of you.

A cold wind, height, rare air. Silence, in which you can only hear your own breathing and steps. We walked slowly, stubbornly, each in his own rhythm, but all together.

And here is the summit. The first rays of the sun, tears in the eyes, hugs and a feeling that cannot be described in words. This is a victory. Pure. Real.

We, the guides of the 7 Summits Club, are proud of each of you. Thank you for your trust, for your strength, for being a team until the very end.

Guides Sergey Larin, Alexander Spirin.

Iran/Damavand. News from the "Otkryvashka (Opener)" group, that is, from Galymzhan Kuspanov.

 Today we made an acclimatization rotation - preparation for the night ascent to the summit. The day after tomorrow I plan to make the ascent and then descend to Tehran. I'm a little worried, our guide Maryam promised to give me an exam on the history of Persia.

I feel good, my mood is cheerful. It's calm here.

DAY FOUR. Greetings from the Horombo camp (3780 m), where we had a truly festive atmosphere today! And not only because the views here are like a postcard, but because our wonderful Aigul has a BIRTHDAY!

The morning began with pleasant surprises: the team presented the birthday girl with gifts from the 7 Summits Club. Aigul was touched to the depths of her soul (or to the depths of her height, depending on how you look at it). But that's not all! We managed to organize a whole bouquet for presentation on the slope of Kilimanjaro! And yes, her husband Artur was the main presenter. Remember: romance is possible at any altitude if you travel with us!

But acclimatization will not wait! After breakfast, we went to an altitude of 4000 meters to the famous Zebra Rocks. The name of the rocks is not accidental - their color really resembles the skin of a zebra. Yesterday we walked through heather groves, and today we were surrounded by harsh lava fields and fantasy-style landscapes. The perfect place for a photo shoot and ... a dress rehearsal with our flags! We assure you, we have quite a collection of flags, and we unfurled them with a special flourish.

Returning to the camp, we discovered that the surprises did not end there! A luxurious lunch awaited us, and for dinner - a real festive cake and (drum roll!) non-alcoholic champagne! Yes, you heard right.

Congratulations to our birthday girl Aigul and wish her an easy ascent to the very roof of Africa! Ahead is the key transition to the Kibo camp.

Keep your fingers crossed for us! Your team "Mitochondrial Rejuvenation" on Kilimanjaro!

Guides Sergey Larin and Alexander Spirin.

The "Opener" group, having experienced all the joys of living in hospitable and fabulous Tehran, enjoying Iranian cuisine, making acclimatization trips to Derbent and Tochal, receiving a beautiful permit for climbing in the office of the Mountaineering Federation, bathing in the pleasant health thermal baths of Rineh, set out for the Damavand Base Camp this morning. Having taken pictures against the backdrop of probably the highest mosque in the world 3100m, and having loaded their bags onto mules, they quickly reached the Base Camp 4200m lightly.

We settled in a cozy house (thanks to the 7 Summits Club) to the envy of numerous residents of the tent city.

His own Russian guide and participant Galymzhan Kuspanov from Kazakhstan.

Here our final program of this season on Ararat has begun. The whole group is assembled and the first stage of acquaintance has already been completed. A very interesting team has been assembled, each participant has his own story. For example, one participant with a very symbolic name Ararat decided to climb the cherished peak for the first time and dedicate the ascent to his grandfather.

The majority follow the spirit of adventure, and someone decided to climb five five-thousanders, in order to then move to a new level and go along the six-thousanders. We were glad to meet everyone and promised each other that we would do everything possible to take the next joint photo already at the top.

Your guide Sergey Avtomonov.

Hooray! There is a summit! On February 9, Olga and Alexander stood on the summit of Cotopaxi volcano (5897 m) - the most beautiful volcano in the world, included in the TOP-10 most popular ascents with guides. The active Cotopaxi volcano was reopened for ascents after another eruption about six months ago. After the eruption, the terrain changed significantly, became more technical, requiring more effort and special training.

The couple did it! And now they are waiting for a well-deserved rest at the thermal springs surrounded by blooming mountains.

Greetings from Ecuador from Olga and Alexander! Today was a rest day before heading out for high-altitude acclimatization on the Cotopaxi Glacier. Our team climbed by car to the wonderful Quilotoa Lake, located in the crater of a volcano at an altitude of 3900 meters. It was wonderful! Great views and great company!

Greetings from Ecuador from Olga and Alexander! We had a great day. We met the guide Diego and had a great acclimatization trip to the top of Pichincha. Now we have moved to La Cienega. This is an ancient hacienda in the Cotopaxi region with eucalyptus alleys surrounded by roses. We are resting in anticipation of further interesting activities and locations.

Hello to everyone from Ecuador, the country of volcanoes and flowers, from Olga and Alexander! The couple flew to Quito and began their acquaintance with this colorful country, located in the mountains in the equatorial region somewhere on the South American continent.

Yesterday, there was a deeper penetration into the history and culture of the colonial center of the capital and, of course, it was not without closing several gestalts: standing on the equator line simultaneously in different hemispheres and trying a local delicacy - kuya (guinea pig, in our language).

The guide of the 7 Summits Club Evgeny Fedyunin: 11/5-6/2024. Jambo Rafiki!

There was no connection, a hundred thousand sorry! During these two days, the "Chameleons" group of the 7 Summits Club climbed to the Kibo assault camp at 4730 m. On the way there, we had lunch in a beautiful gazebo located in the saddle between Mount Mawenzi at 5145 m and the main summit of the Kilimanjaro massif, Uhuru Peak at 5895 m.

On the night of 6.11, we set out to assault in two groups, an hour apart, and by 8.00 we reunited on the crater in the Gilmans point area at 5685 m.

And by 10 am, our entire friendly team stood at the highest point of Africa, Uhuru Peak at 5895 m in the Kilimanjaro massif! Unfortunately, one girl, due to health reasons, turned back from a height above 5000 m. By evening, tired but happy, we descended to the Horombo camp at 3720 m, where a varied and delicious dinner awaited us.

Happy everyone! Today we go down to the Marangu gate and leave for our favorite hotel Aishe Machame.

Good luck to everyone!

Your super-guides Alexander Abramov and Evgeny Fedyunin.