Mt. Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest peak, rising some 19,340 feet above the Serengeti plains below. Climbing it can be a bit of a challenge, even for those in excellent conditions, as even though it isn’t the most technical of climbs, it does offer a challenging trek to the summit and plenty of altitude along the way.
Recently, a Polarmax Pro Staff Guide by the name of Macon Dunnagan pulled off a pretty impressive feat of endurance by climbing the mountain three times in just 27 days, a record for the shortest time for such an effort. Macon, who has made 13 other ascents of Kili, trekked a total of 300 miles (482km) on this three summit bids, and spent more than 15 days above 10,000 feet.
Dunnagan will return to Kilimanjaro in January when he’ll guide Brian Miller to the Roof of Africa. Miller is the winner of the Polarmax Mt. Kilimanjaro Ultimate Sweepstakes that I wrote about back in August. In addition to a full line of Polarmax gear, Brian also won a trip to Tanzania, full accommodations, and a six day guided climb of Kili.
Three times up Kili in less than a month is a pretty impressive feat for sure. To accomplish this hat trick, Dunnagan must have gone up and back without taking too many days off in between each trek. Figuring a six day climb, one day back down, and two days off before starting the next ascent, he didn’t have a whole lot of time for any kind of recovery. While the altitude doesn’t match the big Himalayan peaks of course, going up and down like that, while crossing through everything from tropical heat to polar conditions, has to be a bit of a grind.
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What route was he doing??
Good question Tom. The info I've seen doesn't mention his route at all. I wonder if all three were up the same path. It would be kind of cool if he did three different ones.
congs. Macon Dunnagan for your adventure travel. you enjoy this trip as well!!!
Doesn't this happen regularly? Our guides said they were leaving to climb again two days after we returned. And 482km for 3 climbs? That really sounds like the 'scenic' route (i.e. the long way around). If someone can climb and return in 8 or so hours, why is 3 times in 27 days a record? Sorry to question it, but it just doesn't sound right. From what we heard, guides regularly climbed after only a couple of days rest which would mean 3 climbs in 20 or so days.
Apparently no one has done it back-to-back-to-back like this before, including guides. My guide said they typically have a week or so off between trips. I suppose it depends on the company that you're going with.
I thought 100 miles per climb seemed like a lot as well. Wish we knew his routes.
Geez guys! Come on, the local boys do this every season every year. Straight off Lemosho, on to Rongai, back to Machame. Hell I think my mate Phil, a medic just about did 3 summits in a month just now. I did 3 back to back last year in similar time and I am far from special. It is not unusual or spectacular. Cool for a Western leader. But so amazing? Not even close.
Geez guys! Come on, the local boys do this every season every year. Straight off Lemosho, on to Rongai, back to Machame. Hell I think my mate Phil, a medic just about did 3 summits in a month just now. I did 3 back to back last year in similar time and I am far from special. It is not unusual or spectacular. Cool for a Western leader. But so amazing? Not even close.
very nice blog and Good question Tom. The info I've seen doesn't mention his route at all. I wonder if all three were up the same path. It would be kind of cool if he did three different ones.
Hello,
Useful information, many thanks to the author. It is puzzling to me now, but in general, the usefulness and significance is overwhelming. Very much thanks again and best of luck!
this is a Good question Tom. The info I've seen doesn't mention his route at all. I wonder if all three were up the same path. It would be kind of cool if he did three different ones…………..