This summer we will be organizing 2 unique motivational climbs to the summit of Africa. Mt Kilimanjaro, 19,340 feet /5895m is the highest point of Africa and the largest freestanding volcano in the world (not active now). We will be climbing Mt Kilimanjaro using the wild and rugged Lemosho side, with a chance to meet wildlife on the way.

Kilimanjaro is a non-technical hiking peak that can be climbed by anybody with a basic physical shape as we will have full porter support and will only be carrying day packs. What is much more important is your mental strength: climbing Kilimanjaro is an experience that will require persistence, honesty and joy of life. 

Every night Motivational speaker and full-time adventurer Alison Levine will share her lessons learned while being a successful businesswoman and climbing the 7 summits at the same time. No listening to a speaker on a stage far away at a conference this time & no mental training in an expensive but standard education center. These will be active, personalized and interactive sessions in 5 different climatic zones as well as before and after the trip. 

This 2 week trip will change your life and your views of it forever. Are you up for the mental and physical challenge?

In 2005 we will plan 1 trip: 

Trip #1: 11-20th September 

These are local dates, so do not include flight time from the USA. The date is set around summiting during full moon night, adding more magic to the experience. Additional days and safari programs can be added before or after the climb on request. Private climbs and additional dates on request, for individuals as well as groups.

Who?

The expedition will be organized, guided & led by Alison Levine and Harry Kikstra. 

We will be supported by an excellent staff of local guides, porters and cooks.

Alison Levine (www.alisonlevine.com) began climbing mountains in 1998, 18 months after her second heart surgery to repair a life-threatening condition called Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. In between starting business school and starting a career with a top Wall Street firm, Alison “accidentally” climbed the highest peak on each of 6 continents. In the spring of 2002, she was invited to serve as the team captain of the first American Women’s Everest Expedition, an experience that would change her life forever. 

Alison currently works as a keynote speaker at corporate events and focuses on the topics of leadership, teamwork, overcoming odds, tackling fear, taking responsible risks and dealing with changing environments. She recently returned from an expedition to the Rwenzori Mountains in Africa where she and her climbing partner organized the first group of local Ugandan women to work as porters on Mt Stanley. Alison can be booked through 7summits.com, contact us for a quote at speakers@7summits.com. You can see her 10-minute showreel and an extensive bio here.

Harry Kikstra has combined business with adventure as well, climbing the highest peak of 5 continents while working as a business consultant. He combined his passions when he started the successful business & website 7summits.com, offering information, expeditions and much more to clients worldwide. He has written climbing guides, produced Adventure TV shows and has guided clients to many summits. Harry is a recognized outdoor photographer and will also document our trips.

Alison and Harry will share many of their amazing stories while guiding you through the most amazing scenery on earth. Now is your chance to climb with these 2 professional Adventurers to the roof of Africa, an unforgettable experience! 

"Alison's speech was, without question, the most inspiring presentation I have ever attended."

"She did an amazing job and held us on the edge of our seats. Unbelievably inspirational and funny."

 (More testimonials here)

Itinerary

Following is the climbing and general traveling program. Additionally we will organize many group and private sessions.

• Day 1: you will arrive at Kilimanjaro International airport, Tanzania where you will be picked up by our staff and taken to our very nice and safe Springlands hotel in Moshi. You can take a shower, take a dip in the pool or send an email home letting relatives know you arrived safely. With our assistance you can organize your gear for tomorrow and safely lock away anything you do not need on the climb. You will enjoy our tasty dinner and cold Kilimanjaro beers.
• Day 2: The first day of the Kilimanjaro climb; after a nice breakfast with much tasty fruit, we will leave the hotel in the morning and go to our Moshi office to pick up the last supplies. We will continue to the Kilimanjaro Park gate where we have to sign in. An armed ranger will accompany us for the first part as there is a chance of wildlife.
  We start hiking at about 2100m, the hike to the next camp (Mti Mkubwa campsite 2750m) will take about 3 hours of walking.
• Day 3: the next day we continue the hike; now above the rainforest we hike over beautiful moorland towards Shira Hut/cave. (2750m to 3800m about 4 hours). The terrain is easy, but you will start to feel the effects of altitude now
• Day 4: We spend the day acclimatizing at the Shira plateau, if you feel good you can take a hike towards the Lava tower. a natural outcrop from the active days of the volcano. Else you will just relax and enjoy the magnificent views over the African plains.
• Day 5: Today we continue towards the Arrow Glacier (3840m to 4850m, About 3-4 hours), a long day where you will feel the altitude! You are now starting to rise above the clouds and your views will get better every step. Your mental strength will be just as important as your physical strength.
• Day 6: We spend another acclimatization day at 4850, this is necessary to make sure you can sleep in the crater the next night.
• Day 7: Today we climb to the crater, and sleep there! (4850- 5750m. 6-8 hrs). This is a steep hike, with maybe some scrambling; we cross the only part of the crater rim that is directly accessible, the Western Breach. This will be a tough day and you will be glad for the rest day yesterday! We put up our camp next to one of the last remaining glaciers in Africa and get ready for summit day!
• Day 8: We leave before the dawn and climb the last 1-2 hours to the summit, so we can see the sunrise from the highest point of Africa! After our congratulations, we descend the mountain on the other side and go a long way down, a long day! (To Summit and Mweka Hut 5750m to 5895m (and down to 3100m) About 11 hours).
• Day 9: We hike down the remaining stretch and return to park gate and Moshi, where we will enjoy a Kilimanjaro beer and a well-deserved meal Dinner in our Springlands hotel. Together we will celebrate and we will look back at an amazing week which will have affected you in many ways.
• Day 10: After a last healthy breakfast with lots of fresh fruit we take you back to the airport for the flight home.

It is no problem if you want to arrive a few days early and additional safari packages will be arranged on request if you have more time to spare in this wonderful country.

Included: 

all ground costs: Motivational speeches, all transportation in Tanzania, drivers, hotels, all meals & drinks, all park fees, all guides, porters and cooks, use of new expedition tents & sleeping bag.

Not included: 

international airfare, (will be arranged on request, $1500-1800), visa, immunization, tips and gratuities for the guides and local crew.

Trips will go ahead when 5 or more persons sign up.

Bookings