Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro

I dedicated this climb to be a metaphor for Beagle Security’s next stage of growth. My goal? To unfurl the Beagle Security banner at Uhuru Peak, an awe-inspiring 19,341 feet above sea level.

This journey was more than a mere physical challenge; it represented the enduring spirit of teamwork and determination that fuels our company’s rise.

Join me as I recount my extraordinary climb and discover how it parallels Beagle Security’s ascent to new heights of success and innovation. This journey is a testament to the unyielding commitment and collective strength that define us as a company, and I am honored to share it with all of you.

TREK DAY 1: MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME CAMP

Wed 27 Sep 2023

Location: Machame Camp, Tanzania

The first section of the route climbs steadily and involves real jungle-bashing through magnificent forest. This path is less well-trodden and is often wet and muddy underfoot. Machame Hut camp is Camp 1.

Trekking Time: 4-6 hours | Distance: 10.75 km / 6.7 mi | Altitude Change: +1210 m / +3,969 ft

TREK DAY 2: MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAVES

Thu 28 Sep 2023

Location: Shira Cave, Tanzania

The route continues on up through the forest until reaching the steep ascent on the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you see Mt. Meru rising high above Arusha town.

Trekking Time: 4-6 hours | Distance: 5 km / 3.1 mi | Altitude Change: +818 m / +2,684 ft

TREK DAY 3: SHIRA CAVES TO LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO CAMP

Fri 29 Sep 2023

Location: Barranco Camp, Tanzania

Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. Traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach to reach Barranco camp.

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours | Distance: 10.2 km / 6.3 mi | Altitude Change: +788 m / +2,585 ft; -641 m / -2,103 ft

TREK DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA VALLEY

Sat 30 Sep 2023

Location: Karanga Camp, Mweka Trail, Tanzania

Start the day by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. Then exit steeply, up what has been termed the Breakfast Wall, which divides you from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It is a climb over rocks, although not technical. This was my personal favorite!! Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, head towards the Karanga Valley for overnight.

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours | Distance: 5 km / 3.1 mi | Altitude Change: +48 m / +158 ft

TREK DAY 5: KARANGA VALLEY TO BARAFU CAMP

Sun 1 Oct 2023

Location: Barafu Camp, Tanzania

The day is characterized by a short hike on terrain formed by scree. Walk through arid, lunar land towards Barafu Camp where we rested before the assault on the summit begins at midnight.

Trekking Time: 2-4 hours | Distance: 3.5 km / 2.2 mi | Altitude Change: +628 m / +2,060 ft

TREK DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK

Mon 2 Oct 2023

Location: Uhuru Peak, Tanzania

We started around 10 PM, walking steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. You will be free climbing for 5 to 6 hours, but you gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. You should be on the crater rim at Stella Point as the first rays of the sun emerge. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround you and the views to Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walk takes you to your goal, the summit of Uhuru, the highest point in Africa.

Trekking Time: 6-8 hours | Distance: 5 km / 3.1 mi | Altitude Change: +1233 m / +4,046 ft

Overall, it was an adventure of epic proportions!! Loved every difficult step. The hardest physical challenge I have ever undertaken, and this was my fifth trek in the high altitudes. Not something one should take on casually, prepare well, get physically and mentally strong. But there’s always the wildcard of altitude – one just doesn’t know how one’s body will respond to high altitude.

But I am super thrilled that our company banner made it to Uhuru peak!