...Kilimanjaro Summits...
With our private team summiting at 7:30am local time, congratulations Eugen and Ole - they are now making their way down to Mweka Camp and will come off the mountain tomorrow ready for their celebration safari!
That tops off a fantastic season on Kilimanjaro for CTSS with 100% success and everyone on top this year. With our youngest climber being and our eldest being a month shy of 80 - it's quite the achievement.
Come join the fun with us next year.
Cheers
Caroline
...Farewell Elbrus, CTSS 100% On The Season
As August comes to an end, a few last photos in from our Elbrus season this past month where CTSS had a 100% success rate. With a few of our team members even adding ski descents as well as others tagging both east and west summits. A big shout out to our outstanding guides' team as well as our climbers for getting it done!
And it's not always pain and suffering - as Ashley Austin's recent photos attest. Home and enjoying the spoils of not only summits but the chance to stop and smell the roses along the way. This time in the form of sweeping views across the Caucasus range including Mt Ushba, known as the Matterhorn of the range. Our 2020 trips are already booking fast so get in touch with us soon if you're eyeing a spot for next summer!
And from Russia, our attention turns this week towards the Himalaya. Our Manaslu team are finishing the final gear pack and readying to head out this weekend. Last-minute battery resupply, fitting all the essentials around the 8000m boots, and getting ready for the Kathmandu circus on arrival. Here we go!
...Positioned for the Summit...
Our Kilimanjaro private team spent the night at Karanga Camp and should be arriving to High Camp as we write, positioned for their summit bid.
They will leave in the early hours of the morning, trekking through the sunrise and making their way up to the summit in the magic hour dawn light. The team is doing great!
Cheers
Caroline
...Sleeping Above 15,000 ft...
Our Kili team have now made their way through the Machame jungle lowlands, camping under the stars on the Shira plateau, and then up the mighty Barranco wall - 600 feet of rock scrambling just shy of 14,000 feet! And today they move into position at high camp - for a night above 15,000 feet. News to you as we get it. Summits aren't far away now....
...And They're Off....
Our last Kili trip of the month have made their way into the national park! Our private trip climbing with CTSS senior guide Fred have checked in from the trailhead. All systems go. Sending our best to the team for a stellar climb and classic sunrises from up high!
...Kili Team Waves Goodbye & Another Arrives...
Another successful expedition on Kilimanjaro wraps up with an incredible safari, whilst our private team arrive in Arusha today...
Guide Fred's checked in to say all the bags have arrived and they're making their way through gear checks to get their African Adventure underway.
...Elbrus 100% on Top...
Stoked for our second Elbrus team who have summited in the most perfect, bluebird, t-shirt weather!
Special shout out to Ashley who tagged both West & East Summits
Well done crew! They are back safely at the mountain hut and will descend to the valley to celebrate today.
Cheers
Caroline
...Elbrus Team Readies for the Summit...
Our second Elbrus team have woken up to perfect weather and will be departing on their summit bid in 20minutes.
They have a long night of climbing ahead of them but with great weather the sunrise over the Caucasus Mountains should be spectacular and a welcome sight in a few hours.
The route takes them up past Pastokov Rocks where they'll climb for another hour or so before beginning the traverse into the Col where they'll take a nice break before ascending up the steeper fixed lines to the summit plateau, one last quick break there before attaining the summit and descending.
Under Sasha's expert leadership, it's no doubt going to be a great day for our climbers. Good luck!
Cheers,
Caroline
...Kilimanjaro Team Off the Mtn...
The team are now off the mountain safely and heading out on safari today! They'll do game drives and tour Tarangire National Park and then head onto Ngorongoro Crater where they'll stay in a fabulous game lodge before returning to Arusha and home to you all.
Here's a few quick snaps of their trek - more to come.
Cheers
Caroline
...100% Summit Success on Kilimanjaro...
Thrilled to report that the whole team have all successfully summited and are now back at Millennium Camp resting up.
Special shout out to Mother & Daughter Duo the LaClairs & Father & Son team, Tammen Family both make the summit. What incredible family memories for them to create.
They'll make their way off the mountain today and start celebrating with a well deserved hot shower, a great meal and then off on Safari...
Cheers
Caroline