Would you like to stand on the roof of Africa or trek to the heart of Himalayas?

For anyone interested in climbing Kilimanjaro or trekking to Everest Base Camp we have a free meet day. What better way to get your queries answered?

Meetings will take place in our office/shop at Kate Kearney’s Cottage in Gap of Dunloe, Co Kerry on the 23^rd of February.

The meeting will consist of the slide show featuring photos from the route we use, our guides and other personnel etc. We will discuss all the health and hygiene issues, training and preparation goals. You will learn what type of gear and clothing you should wear and we show you how to pack your bag. There will be a time to ask the questions and talk to our team.

11am - Kilimanjaro trip.

3pm - Everest Base Camp trek

Optional free walks:

1. We will have an optional short hill walk after the Kilimanjaro talk. Trek is easy to moderate, route is weather dependant, time approx 2 hours. Do not forget your boots and waterproofs!!! Free for everyone attending meetings.

2. We have also organised a longer walk on Sunday which will take you to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Kerry. This walk is free of charge to those who have signed for any of the expeditions. Charge of €65pp applies otherwise. Boots, waterproofs, warm clothing, water and pack lunch are advised.

If you would like to join us for this day, Contact us now to book your place.

We look forward to meeting you on the day

100%Team Summit kilimanjaro: This is just a fast message to all Family and friends of the team.

At 08:00 Kilimanjaro time all team members reached the summit. As usual it was a hard climb and some team members suffered more then others at Altitude. All however pushed through and made a dream a reality. We did one of the worlds highest Flash mob and sang some songs on the summit.

Everyone is now back at high camp at Barraffu for an hours rest before packing up to descend another 1600 meter. No one is looking forward to the descent. Some of the team are very tired.

Great news Pat and big HURRAY to the rest of the gang, well done and enjoy the elation this evening!! from all at the office

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High camp Barraffu and all the team ready for summit attempt tonight. Sept 7th - 13:00

It's snowing, cold and cloudy on arrival at high camp. We are going to have some lunch before doing an acclimatizing trek to rise another 150 meters before we descent to high cam for early dinner at 17:00 before we retire for a few hours rest to rise at 23:00 for our summit attempt . Tonight and tomorrow is going to hardest day ever for nearly all the team. We rise at 23:00 and get ready to climb at 24:00 . Then it will take between 7 and 9 hours to reach the summit then a three hours descent to our high camp and after an hours rest we descend for another four hours to Mweka camp site. We will be up to 17 hours on the go. Cross fingers for all the team tonight.

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Barranco wall, after all the apprehension this morning every one in the team really enjoyed the climb. A highlight for most. All safe and now making our way to our next camp site at Karangu 4000 meters. Tomorrow we make our way to high camp.

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When we arrived at camp last night the mist was in and no one got a chance to see our obstacle of the 200 meter high Barranco wall.

This morning the team woke to the view ahead of the climb today and it always amazes the comments when people see it.

Karen "we have to climb that, are you serious"

Ronan " I thought it was going to be vertical, I'm relieved"

Gary: I'm staying here with the bags.

James: can't wait, it will be a step closed to the summit.

Mark; big hi to Julie and Luke. It a great climb looking forward to today.

Maura: can't wait to get over today, the summit is within reach.

Greg: looking forward to the climb today and getting closer to the summit.

Lil: O my what a challenge

Paul: I can't wait to scramble up that, it's exciting.

Trevor; A walk in the park!! Big hi and kiss to Anusia and lauryn xxx !!!!!! I'm shitting it !!

Eric: no problem, it's great to just be here.

Pat G. Holy shit!! Everything is great.

All in very positive form and having great fun .

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Shira camp September 5th 13000 feet To 15200 feet Lava Towers.

All the team suffering from a little sleep depravation due to altitude, cold, snoring and stomach wind which increases at altitude. All getting use to the camping and getting lots of rest once in camp. The good news is that all the team are doing well. The pace is great and being set by Greg who is being paced by Alfred.

Today it a lot colder with treating clouds sweeping in from the valley below and even though the sun is up there is a biting wind. All the team are geared up with warm wind gear and gloves. It's amazing how fast the weather can change up here. Today will be a hard altitude day as we rise to 4650 meters to lava towers which will test our ability to acclimatize. It's going to be a long day as we ascent to 4650 m before a long descent to our camp at Barranco wall at 3950 m for the night. We rise high and sleep low. Today's walk took all of 8 and a half hours including beaks. All the team are feeling good.

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Tuesday 4th September - Trek day 2 : Machame to Shira camp

Rain Forrest 3rd sept and moorland 4th sept.. this has been one of the finest days I have been in the rain Forrest since I started climbing Kilimanjaro in 1994. Not a cloud in the sky and for the 1st time in 28 ascents I have had the perfect day in the Forrest. Ronan and Mark are excited at the idea of sleeping in a tent as they have never in his 35 years stayed in one.We had a beautiful night with full moon a start studded night and woke to the signing of birds from the Rain Forrest and moore land.

Wake up call 06:30 with James and Amadeus woke all the team to serve tea in the tent. Most of the team got a good night sleep and are ready for the day ahead. We are now at 3000 meters 10000 feet all the team are good with a few slight headaches. Today we push to 3950 meters to Shira camp where the altitude will start to click in. Beautiful morning, weather good and sun is up. Can you believe we are down to t-shirts, sweating, a full moon still in the sky, no clouds and sun high in the sky. All smiles and positive as we make our way across the moore land traverse to our camp site. Keep posted.

We have 22 trips for next year to Kilimanjaro. For further information contact office or Travel webpage. Also trekking and expeditions to all major climbing regions of the world.

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Monday 3rd September 2012 - Trek day 1

Kilimanjaro start for our September group. A great day with good weather.

It a fantastic morning with little cloud and the team have their first sight of the full scale of the mountain as we leave Moshi to go through the banana coffee plantation. The are in awe of the height of it from here. It's the first time in a while that we have got it this clear on our approach. Lots of the team are in d
isbelief that in a few days that we will be standing on the summit of which they now see. It an amazing sight pushing skyward from the Africian plains below. Glistening like a polished diamond our team approach the mountain in anticipation of the days ahead. Hopefully we will have a nice day in the rain Forrest. The trek to the top of Africa begin.

Saturday 1st September 2012

MOSHI

Kilimanjaro international airport.

All the team for our September climb have arrive safely, excited but tired. I have just met them with my driver Hamis for the hour long journey to our Secure hotel in Moshi. This months team are below.
The energy of the team feels great. All bags have arrived, always a major relief for myself and all the team.

1 Paul Maher
2 James Brodrick 3 Lil rogan
4 Trevor Deady
5 Mark O Connell
6 Eric O Leary
7 Pat O Gorman
8 Mary Stilvern
9 Gary McGullagh
10 Karen Roche
11 Greg Butler
12 Ronan Guilfoyle

Follow the team over the coming week on Facebook and news on www.patfalvey.com for another exciting adventure as we climb to the summit of kilimanjaro.


Saturday 1st September 2012

MOSHI

Africa Kilimanjaro September: I'm excited Greg Butler has arrive and the rest of the September team is arriving tonight for the Kilimanjaro Climb. is arriving tonight. They are now on route from Amsterdam. All going well we will be leaving for the mountain on Monday. The weather is stable today and great views of it from our hotel in Moshi. This will be my third time climbing the mountain in the last few weeks. It is one of my favourites and I never get tired of working with my teams that come out here to fulfill for them a life long ambition.

August 30th 2012

Today the sunrise as I approach Ngorongoro Crater on the top of the Rift Valley.

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August 30th 2012

Africa, Tanzania crop Maize failure causing huge problem.
For the last two weeks as I traveled around Tanzania it was obvious that the poorer people of the country is about to face a major food crisis because of once again the failure of the Maize crop, The stable diet for most of the country, It is soul destroying to see an 80% crop failure which has risen the cost of Maize by 100%. The poorer people of this country will suffer greatly. Lets hope things get better.

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29th August 2012

Africa: I'm now in Karatu Village at the beautiful Tlimo Lodge on the top of the Rift Valley with 12 of the Kilimanjaro team having a wonderful time. The rest of the team of about to finish their Safari and head home later this evening. This Kilimanjaro trip has been very successful and I'm really looking forward to the team coming out on the 1st of September. Stay tune in to see how our september team gets on. — at Plantation Lodge, Karatu, Tanzania

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AUG 24th -19 on summit, 1 turned before - back in low camp now all in great form - more later pat

Congrats to all the team - hope you all let the hair down after...

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Best of luck to all as they enter their summit push tonight!! From all the team back in Ireland Safe climbing!!

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Karanga Camp 4035 meters - All happy and fed for the night and all in great form for summit attempt tomorrow night. An army marches on its stomach. All team having dinner at the Karanga 4035 meters on Kilimanjaro . All feeling great and ready for summit tomorrow Thursday night, after a 3 hr climb to Barrafu in the morning.

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Scrambling on Barranco wall to Karango camp. 22th August 

Today im going to leave the description to a few of the team to give you a perspective of the Climb through their eyes. 

Ronan Curran.

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Shira camp to Lava Tower to Barranco wall camp.Tuesday 21st August

It was freezing cold last night in the mess tent, but it true irish style a great sing song started. It was joined in by some of our African staff.

All the team had a restless night as high winds shook the all our tents. It had been the worst I have experienced in recent years and had blown down some of the other team tents. The temperatures were not so cold and wind eased by 07:00 and have given way to bright sun and warm conditions.

Most of the team are tired from being awake with the wind but they are all well rested and enthusiastic and ready for the high rise in altitude today to lava towers 4650 meters. The pressure is on today and all the team is just plodding along in a quite pace taking in the spender of being above the cloud. Words from the team to describe their surrounding. Spectacular, fantastic, awesome.

Everyone have done well to get to our high point which will be the same height as out high camp. Now the long descent to our camp for tonight.

A fantastic end to a great day everyone are exhausted so hopefully all will sleep well tonight before tackling the impressive Barranco wall tomorrow.

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Monday August 20th - Shira camp 3950 meters.

It was an interesting day today as we broke loose from the rain Forrest and made our way into the alpine/ moor land region. The temperature fell giving us a temperature that at times fell to 0 degrees. ...The team is going well and no one is suffering from altitude sickness. It took us 7 hours to get to Shira. All the team are relaxing for the afternoon and acclimatizing for tomorrows push which will see us to to Lava towers at 4650 meters before descending to the barranco wall camp site.

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Wet night in the rain Forrest.

After a reasonably dry ascent through the rain Forrest which took 6 hours in a magical setting we arrived to our camp site where it rained for the entire night. Most of the team had a restless night as for most it was there first night ever under canvas. The snoring, the human other sounds both amused and distracted them to enjoying the experience. Early morning call, the rain stopped and the team have risen to a glorious morning to the sound of signing rain forrest birds and the view of Kilimanjaro. Cameras out and now the talk of the days ahead and how we are going to get over the obstacles.

07:00 and breakfast being server. And all ready for the next rise through the moore land. The days begins. We rise today to 3950 meters. The altitude will start to kick in.

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3pm Sunday 19th - Machame Gate, Tanzania

Machame gate 1900 meters to machame camp 3000 meters, this is the region where the altitude begins.

20 irish 1 Chinese, 1 Kiwiang and 66 Africans all now bound together as a team to challenge Africa's highest. The caravan of team members, guides, porters, cooks are ready to march, the objective is the top of Africa. " the snows of Kilimanjaro" The atmosphere is electrifying as the tension rise for the challenge ahead. Thoughts of "will I get to the summit" ponders in the backs of the mind as we enter the 2nd climatic zone of the mountain already we have today driven thought the coffee and banana plantations. It hot and sticky as we gather for a team shot at the Machame Gate. The rain Forrest just ahead of us and we begin the long journey summit bound. Who will or will not get to the summit will be known in the next 7 days. Proper Acclimation is crucial to success.

Gerard Gallagher is like a child at Christmas about to get to visit Santa. Amy Clavin our youngest member only 16 is ready for the challenge, she is here with her father Brian.

The climb to the summit begins 11:30 and we are on the move.

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6pm Saturday 18th - Moshi, Tanzania

The team has landed in Tanzania. It's great to be back in Tanzania as its a place I love. The landscape, the culture, the color and my friends. Fredrick, Nadir, sharrifa, her daughters and all my ground staff. All the team are excited, kili now looms above our heads up somewhere in the clouds. The anticipation for all of the team of what lay ahead is infectious. The smiles, the comments and the sheer joy of getting here is always intriguing to listen to, to look at. It's all part of what I love about coming here, And the good news, all our bags arrived.

A few hours sleep now and the challenge begins. All the team retiring after a long journey.

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9pm Friday 17th - Frankfurt, Germany

Dublin flight delayed by 30 minutes and we had to be taken from one plane to our flight for Addis abba. Fears of our bags missing connecting flight. At least most of the team have enough gear in there travel on to at least do the first day on Kili. Well all part of expedition travelling. Now the guessing game begins. Will all the bags arrive in time — at Frankfurt Airport

Preparations are now finished!! Pat Falvey & Gerry Walsh are heading out tomorrow friday the 17th to Moshi, Tanzania for our August climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro. With 20 adventerous trekkers undertaking the 5895m challenge to the roof of Africa, they are in good hands with it being Pats 27th time and Gerrys 10th time successfully climbing to its top. We will be updating on their progress over the next few days here and on our Facebook page.

The Group consists of:

Brian Clavin
Liam Lynch
Liam McNally
Fiona Kelly
Laura Wiltshier
Eoin O'Ferrall
Rory O'Ferrall
Noreen O'Halloran
Jessica Ferguson
Jodie Yan
Amy Clavin
Michelle Moore
Siobhan Moloney
Fiona English
Sinead Healy
Carmel O'Brien
Ronan Curran
Sinead Keogh
Gerard Gallagher
Gerard Keogh

Our next group trip out is 1st of September, then last few places available for January 2013. We have options available throughout the year, See our Travel page for more details and prices for Climbing Kilimanjaro.

With Kilimanjaro in their sights, two families arrived down to Kerry once again for more training on the 12th April as they prepare to travel on our June departure. Following a briefing at the lodge we left for the Hags Glen joined by Wesley and Tom to climb Carrauntoohil. The day was bright and cool, with wintry clouds looming over the peaks around us from 7-800m upwards. We chatted about the upcoming trip to climb Kilimanjaro for the Quirke and Ronayne families, a mountain I had the pleasure to guide back in January. Training and getting gear sorted out were going well for them. With a sense of understanding about how to train achieved from our Meet day they are now focused on strengthening up the team and finalising gear selection.

Our walk in the valley was quiet because we started around midday. We got a taste of winter with a downpour of rain, not far of sleet as we left the main track at the ford and headed toward O'Sheas.Our gradual pull up the path with the 2 scrambles up steep ground proving adventurous for some of the group. After lunch the the pace was and when we started to climb the bottom of O'Shea's gully, we were reminded once more of winter with an intense shower of hard hail stone pounding our faces for 10mins and then stopped.

Exhilarated we put on an extra layer before heading toward the summit. There on top also were a few others in cloudy grey cold conditions although dry. After a few photos and congrats we left to descend toward the devils ladder. Half way down the cloud lifted and gave us brief views out to the sea in Kenmare bay. The decent was wet and took some care weaving a way through the loose gravel and rocks before we walked out the valley back to the cars.

Later the lads from Cork departed for home and the two families made for town to eat before getting up again at 2.30am for a night climb.

Starting from the top of the gap at 3.30am the head torches were bouncing around in a line as we started purple mountain. We adjusted our clothing with conditions being good and dry for now. We had 2 small breaks for water and snacks before we caught glimpses of the moons reflections on the upper lakes of killarney. As we crested the col nearing the summit the light was approaching but only just. we wrapped up a little more and slowly got to the summit for 6am. The decent was easy at the start due as you feel good following the summit but then tiredness that feels like youre in autopilot mode. That's when accidents and stumbles happen but luckily everyone was concentrating and we got back to the cars around 8am.

This fitness assessment course is ideal for setting a mark on physical and mental training required for trekking holidays and climbing Kilimanjaro. We recommend all groups to undergo this process and find out about gear selection along the way. Contact us to discuss options and dates for upcoming meet days and courses. The success rate is much better when you prepare well.

I wish the Quirke and Ronayne families the best, keep up the preparations.

Guide report: Niall Foley

All team members reach the summit - See reports received to the Expedition Office

If you are interested in climbing Kilimanjaro we have escorted groups in January, June and September plus options throughout the year including or excluding flights from €1900. Also check out our gallery and news page for previous trips.

Trip Reports by: Lorraine Gordon - Team Leader/Guide

Guides: Ian O'Neill & Lorraine Gordon

Good morning Lorraine, back at desk since y/day.
Just a short note to say I found the climb a wonderful experience and to thank you personally for all the support and encouragement during the week and especially your efforts that got me to the top on the night climb.
It is only now when I am home and have time to reflect on the photographs and talk to people the hugh achievement personally and by you and Ian to get the whole group to the Top.
All the Best, Dermot

Post Trek Report: Well, the dust has settled and everyone is back from Safari and Zanzibar. Most of team has been in contact over the past few days and the feedback and comments coming in from everyone has been amazing - Second time round and I can honestly say the experience was as good and even better as my first time being out in Tanzania. Mount Kilimanjaro is often understated in her challange but the rewards reeped in each days trek far outweigh any moments of despair. It's not just the sense of accomplishment as you look back on height gained, or the amazing views, or the experience of the different terrains encountered- these are all part of what makes Mount Kilimanjaro so unique. But it's the people who are with you and that become an integral part of your adventure that each time makes this trek an unforgetable experience. Our support team of 61 lead by head guide Fredrick made our journey not only possible but awe inspiring as they each day set up Camp and cooked and aided us and throughout, were so kind and positive - their smiles and camaraderie at the end of each days trek were welcomed! They work so hard to ensure that everyone's journey is the best it can be and without a moment of hesitation it can be said they were top class! As for the Irish team- what can I say! We had it all  - determination, glamour ('here come the girls..;), laughter, remarkable team work and strength. Everyday everyone worked together to ensure not only their day but the day of those around them went well. We set off as 18 strangers and returned to Moshi as one. On behalf of Irish & Worldwide Adventures, again we say Congratulations to you all! An amazing journey with you one and all

''Thanks so much for organising a fantastic trip for us and for taking such great care of us on the mountain - Best adventure of my life!'' Ciara

''Lorraine & Ian, Just a quick note to thank you both for all your help & organisational skills (& patience) in Tanzania. I had a wonderful time & that's in no small part due to you & the rest of the amazing team in Moshi. Thanks again'' Lisa

''Thank you for every thing you did and how well you looked after us in Africa, Pat and i were really impressed'' Jim

DAY 6 September 22nd: Success all reach the summit

• The night begins:
• 
  
• All the team had little sleep in anticipation of what the night held
• in store for them. A bright clear nigh,t we started summit bound
• the feeling of a ghost like march as we donned on our warm
• clothes and head torch in the dark of the morning to head to the
• summit. A long and arduous day ahead and all the working
• together as a team was ready to pay of with a 100% success.
• 
  
• Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
• Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
• Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
• Habitat: Arctic

We all let camp in the early hours of the morning, dark and the only sound was the rustling of feet.  The instruction to move upwards was give by Fredrick and the summit attempt began pole pole, the mantra for the night, (slowly slowly) we had 14 hours to go.  We continued our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, moving in a northwesterly direction ascending through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. By the time we got there we where both mentally and physically exhausted. This is the most challenging portion of the trek. But after a few minutes rest we knew the summit was within reach.

At Stella Point (18,600 ft), we stopped for a short rest and were rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise.

From Stella Point, we made our way on the long slow 1-hour ascent to the summit - Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. We all look in awa at each other; the summit was achieved by all the team. Tear of joy, sorry and pain came to everyone naturally for all the team the dream of standing on the highest point on the African continent was achieved.  Now the long descent from the summit begins.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch.

We will update the balance of our journey later.

The team: Ciara O Bien, John Gethings, Keith Sheridan, Myles O Brien, Dermot Scanlon, James Cummins, Patricia Cummins, Lisa Molan, Shane McCabe, David Murray Keane, Mary Murray, Neol Murray, Patrick Murray, Mark Murray, Nigel Heath and the guides Freddy, Francais ,Lorraine, Ian, Douglas, Alfred, Jasper, & Armani.

They are now all descending to Mewka hut campsite with 5 Kitchen staff and 49 porters for a celebration and a good night sleep before returning to Moshi tomorrow and the completion of the trek.

DAY 5 September 21st

• Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
• Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
• Distance: 4 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

After a healthy breakfast (eggs anyone!) all the team were on the move heading to our head camp Barafu, the spirits high and no altitude sickness yet amongst the hole group due to proper acclimatization on the mountain. All the training at home and in Kerry is paying off. We left Karanga camp site and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail and continue to gain altitude slowly as we slowly ploughed our way uphill as we continued up to the Barafu Hut.

At this point, we have completed the South Circuit. The views of the summit from all around us were fantastic and our hearts ran faster at the thought tonight is the summit. We set up camp at around 1 and had some lunch before walking a little higher to gain altitude before returning to camp to rest for a few hours.

We are now at high camp, resting, enjoying dinner as we prepare for the summit attempt later tonight. As we retire to bed the beauty of our surrounding is awsome, the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

All the team are feeling fine, the altitude is starting to click in and we are hoping all the team will feel well enough in the middle of the night to make a summit attempt.

Our next despatch will be to let you all know how we get on on our summit push. Cross fingers and a prayer that we all get to the summit and back safely to lower camp tomorrow.

Day 4 September 20th

• Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
• Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Leaving Barranco Camp, we crossed, scrambling, a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall. An unexpected added bonus for some, the team enjoyed and conquered the challenge and were rewarded at the top of the wall by the vast and beautiful views back down over Barranco. As we crossed the Karanga Valley, it started to rain, only dampening the spirit of the group for a short spell. We are now a well oiled machine! We made our way across a traversing slope to the Karanga Valley Campsite.

After a change and some tea, the clouds suddenly lifted and there was silence as we climbed out of the mess tent to witness a picture that will stay in our minds for a long time to come - the clouds had dropped below Camp and peeping over it's cover in the near distance was Mt Meru. We sat around the site gazing at this backdrop and as we did every night, found a new reason and energy in this to get us through another day!

This is a short day meant for acclimatization. All the team are feeling confident and they are awaiting a big day tomorrow.

• Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
• Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
• Distance: 15 km
• Hiking Time: 6 and a hal hours
• Habitat: Semi Desert

All up bright and early today fantastic views as we made our way from our from Shira Plateau campsite which resembles a semi desert landscape making our way east up a ridge , passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo.

The clouds started to role in by mid morning. All the team continue in good form with little altitude problems. A few of the team had slight headaches. After lunch, we were feeling strong as a team- there was a few moments where it was felt by some that a descend to Camp without visiting the Lava Towers would be a good option. I admire strongly their decision to listen to advise of the team and Freddy and continue in a slow pace, turning South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." By the time we got to the towers, everyone was feeling the benefit of having taken in this extra acclimatisation and the picture is strong in my mind of 17 smiling faces surrounded by the overshadowing tower rock wall. Shortly after the tower,  we continued down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft where we camped for the night. There we rested, enjoyed dinner, and overnighted. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

All of the team arrived in camp in good form.

Day 2 September 18th

We awoke to another day and set off upwards toward Camp 2 Shira Camp (3840m) Hiking time: 6h Distance: 9 kms approx Habitat: Moorland

Having left the glades of the rain forest, the team continued on an ascending path, crossing a little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route then turned West onto a river gorge at 3,658 meters. After lunch / rest, the team continued up a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau.

At this stage, in an easterly direction, the Western Breach will be visible with its stunning glaciers, but unfortunately the cloud was down all day.  Due west of Kibo, after a short hike the team reached the Shira campsite. The night at this exposed camp will even be colder than last night, with temperatures dropping to well below freezing. The team are all smiling and the form is good, bring on tomorrow!!

Day 1 September 17th

The excitment was building all evening. Early start this morning and we are now passing through Machame Gate- the starting point of our mountain adventure.

The gate was busy with porters gathering themselves to take the personal and communal loads after being weighed.

The team are all in craicing form. Onwards we went for 5hrs trekking with a rainy start, although it is a rainforest after all!!

Before evening approached we setup Machame Camp (2980m) on the fringe of the rainforest just entering the alpine meadows. Good meal and off to bed with the rain heavy again overnight.

16th September: Briefing and relaxing

Today was a rest day for the team to recoup from the long journey and to have a full briefing in the morning at the hotel from Fredrick our head guide and our mountain staff for the trek which will start tomorrow. Everyone is in great form but understandably apprehensive of what will lay ahead of them for the coming days, but all the team are in good form and cant wait to get going. The afternoon was spent repacking for the mountain and enjoying the African way of life in Moshi before we leave for Mt Kilimanjaro in the morning

15th September: All arrive safely

Everyone had a long tiring journey from Ireland with delays in Amsterdam before continuing onto Tanzania where the team were picked up by Nadir and our local staff at Kilimanjaro International Airport.

The team arrive late in the evening and retired to the comfort of our hotel resort in Moshi for a nice evening meal (and a sampling of 'Kilimanjaro beer') before retiring for the night for a well deserved rest.

June 25th Meet Day/ Fitness Assessment Weekend for September Mount Kilimanjaro Team

And what a weekend it was! 14 of the team were able to join us on our Free Meet Day offered to aid their preparation for their trek of Mt Kilimanjaro.

The aim of the day is to allow the team to meet with their guide and fellow trekkers, discuss the trek ahead and any queries that may remain and run through gear required.

We also hit the hills and this weekend, we choose the route over Strickeen down into the Gap and crossed onto the 'Chimneys' to ascend Tomies Mountain. The routes we choose are part of a fitness assessment covering terrains and exerting energy simular to that of a typical days trek.

The benefit of this day has proved very successful over the past years and with most of the team staying to partake in the Night Hike,that together with the earlier hike simulates summit night, the team left the Lodge on Sunday feeling ready to take on the challenge ahead

Hi Lorraine,Thanks a million for a fantastic weekend- I can't wait until September! Kind Regards,Lisa

Two days of  trekking in great company with good food and comfortable lodgings. Our Fitness Training Weekend for Trekkers is geared for those wishing to take on a challenging trek or climb like Kilimanjaro, Elbrus or even Aconcagua and is recommended as part of a training plan.

We suggest you complete this course early in your training plan or at least 2-3 months prior to departure. This course is an ideal way to assess your fitness level with a long day on the mountains while simulating the summit day by starting in the dark early on day 2.

This course is designed for people who would like to use a guide to assess their fitness levels and to show them the fitness level required for trekking holidays that involve higher altitudes. (4000-6000+)

Today, the fifth day for the team on ascend, follows the path up and across a rocky zone, finishing at the high camp Barafu. Very little vegetation can be found on the inhospitable terrain. A field of sedimentary rocks litters the ground like many broken mirrors on this scenic traverse to Barafu.

Later tonight, Caoimhe and Roisin will commence on their summit attempt with lead guide Zongolo. We will follow their progress as further updates come in and we wish the girls a safe and happy climb.

Caoimhe climbs Mount Kilimanjaro for the cork based charity Suicide Aware and on top of all the prep and training the team put into getting ready for their challenge, Caoimhe's fantastic fundraisining events have to be commended. If you want to climb for Suicide Aware or any other charity, contact us now to arrange

Don’t forget, the night before, you probably woke up at 11:00 at night, and hiked six-eight hours before making it to the summit and then a further seven-ten hours to the point where you now stand. Tired no doubt but energised by the experiences your journey has left you with, this last night on Mount Kilimanjaro is one that you will never forget.

Our sincere congratulations to all the team and we look forward to hearing from you all over the coming days as you leave the mountain and head for a 3 Day Safari, luxury lodgings and..very little walking, if desired :)

July 10th With all the team back safe and rested post trip, it's been great to hear of their experiences and see the photos they captured along the way. 'Had a great time' 'Really enjoyed the trek' are some of the comments that have been coming in and over the coming days, we will add an image gallery of more shots brought back from Tanzania by our June trekking team. Congratulations again guys!!

Mar 26th & 27th Saturday morning brought some of our June and September Kilimanjaro trekkers to the Mountain Lodge for a Fitness Assessment weekend in preparation for their adventure ahead.

The weekend kicked off with a briefing on the trek -  a presentation, a gear demo & briefing and a tips/ Q&A session. After lunch, the team hit the Reeks for a four hour non stop tough ascent that was to simulate a typical days trek on Mount Kilimanjaro On return the team broke for the evening- some departed for home, some went for dinner - all to return to the Lodge for Midnight.

At Midnight, we loaded up gear into cars and set off for the Gap of Dunloe. Ascending Purple Mountain, this Night Hike was to show what the Summit Night attempt on Mount Kilimanjaro would be like, following an earlier days trekking to final Camp. As we climbed pass the Lake, an explaination of simularities that we were meeting such as loose scree terrain, false summits, walking with limited visions was topped of by the freezing winds we met as we summitted Purple. A chill factor of -6 to -8 really put gear to the test. Ian, our lead guide provided us with an introduction to Night Navagation as we continued along our path surrounded by quickly dropping cloud. After 6 hours, we commenced desent just before the 'Chimneys' bringing us down 100 meters from our parked car.

Reviews include 'a great weekend' 'very impressed with very professional service' 'having done weekend, I am really excited and looking forward to trekking with yea' 'great weekend by a great company'

Our next Meet Day/ Fitness Assessment for trekkers will be held in June with Fitness Assessments available all year round. Contact us for further info or to Book your place now!

Ian Delahunty successfully summitted Mount Kilimanjaro as part of our January 2011 trekking team. Everyone's journey was a wonderful achievement and for Ian, added to the joyous emotion of reaching summit was the fact that he did so in the name of Cork based charity Suicide Aware

His reasons for becoming involved in fundraising to increase the charity's profile are those of the personal experience of losing his father and it is with great motivation that Ian runs and gets involved in many fundraising events that continue now more than ever with future plans that may led to further worldwide adventures. We are delighted to be working with Ian in making these trips a reality and as always, in working with association to Suicide Aware. To book your place as part of our teams Contact Us now

FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES 2011
Trekking in Memphis ''Trekking the Southern States" "The Cradel of the Civil War"
In the cradle of the "Old Man River", the mighty Mississippi. From Nashville, Tennessee to Cleveland, Grand Ole Opry, Ohio and New Orleans. Louisiana to Graceland and Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. Trekking for Ireland's most worthy charity-Suicide Aware. Join Mick Mulcahy for 9 Days of trekking and sightseeing and help us save lives. Contact Pat at Suicide Aware Date: September 2011 087 9454202

We are honoured that Munster Rugby has selected Suicide Aware as one of their three nominated charities for 2010-2011, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Plan. Munster Rugby are donating a €1 from every ticket sold for the match, including season tickets, and will be running collections and fundraising activities on the day. All money raised will be split equally between, Suicide Aware, TLC4CF and UNICEF Munster Rugby are asking our supporters, sponsors and suppliers to join us and donate through the following link http://www.mycharity.ie www.munsterrugby.ie

Corrán Tuathail Climb 2011 ''This is the 3rd annual climb with Pat Falvey and as it has proved to be a most popular event. It will be on a first booked basis, as numbers must be restricted to 80 for safety reasons. Many of last years climbers are interested in making it a weekend event and the local Hostel is providing special rates for all interested so prebooking is essential. Looking forward to meeting you all on the day'' Date: Sun 29th May 2011 Meeting Point: Kate Kearney’s Cottage 10am Sponsorship Cards available from Pat at Suicide Aware 087 9454202 Minimum Sponsorship €150.00 per person. Basic walking skills required and normal hill walking gear is essential

Kilimanjaro Climb with Pat Falvey Date: Jun 25th 2011

Departing Ex-Cork or Dublin,this 10 Day trek will be a challenge to be remembered

For your Kilimanjaro Trekking Pack Click here

'Your adventure of a lifetime can help to save a life of another'

For further information, Contact Us or call Pat at Suicide Aware 087 9454202 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it