The Adventure of a Lifetime
The Mt. Kilimanjaro Challenge: An epic adventure and unique opportunity to support the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy.
In February 2025, a small group took on Africa’s tallest peak, led by Conservancy Board Member Cindy Outlaw. The 8-day trek along the Lemosho route spanned lush rainforests, Afro-alpine moorlands, high desert, and snowy slopes. After the climb, some hikers joined a four-day safari through Tarangire National Park and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater—the world’s largest extinct volcanic caldera. You can follow their journey below.
Funds raised support conservation efforts in the
San Dieguito River Valley.
The next challenge takes participants to Tanzania in Summer 2026.
To learn more, contact us at sdrvc@sdrvc.org or attend the informational reception:
INFORMATIONAL RECEPTION FOR THE SUMMER 2026
MT. KILIMANJARO CHALLENGE:
Saturday, May 3rd, from 1-3pm
San Dieguito River Park Coastal Ranger Station
Register to receive a map to the meeting location
Journey Updates
Mt. Kilimanjaro Challenge: A Triumph for Conservation
Back Home: Reflections
A dedicated group of local adventurers recently reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, raising an impressive $32,000 for the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy. Led by Board Member Cindy Outlaw, who achieved her 20th summit, the team trained for nearly a year before completing the seven-day trek on February 16.
Beyond the physical challenge, this journey strengthened friendships and supported the Conservancy's Mission.
With this incredible success, we’re already looking ahead—who’s ready for the next Mt. Kilimanjaro Challenge? Stay tuned!
Read more about their adventures in the San Diego Union Tribune.
Experience Kilimanjaro
Watch the Adventure Unfold Through Videos
Live vicariously through the group's videos of their Kilimanjaro journey—trekking through the lush rainforest, joining in the celebratory songs and chants led by the trail guides, and scrambling over rocks. From early morning climbs to the triumphant summit, experience it all. More videos will be added as the group is able to share with us.
Day 1 - Through the Rainfroest
Day 3 - Celebrate with Porter Songs
Day 5 - Barranco Wall (pt 1)
Day 5 - Barranco Wall (pt 2)
Nearing the Summit - Group 1 (pt 1)
Day 1 - Through the Rainfroest
Nearing the Summit - Group 1 (pt 2)
Nearing the Summit - Group 1 (pt 3)
Made it! Kilimanjaro Summit
Last Day at Kilimanjaro
February 16, 2025 - SUMMIT DAY
Day 7: Conquering the Peak: A 12-Hour Journey to the Summit!
At 8:15 AM on February 16, the first group of the team reached the summit, celebrating their achievement after an incredible effort! The second group arrived later, resulting in two commemorative photos capturing their success.
After an exhausting 12-hour trek, they are now settled into their tents for one final night on the mountain. Sore but accomplished, they reflect on the journey—breathtaking views, tough climbs, and unforgettable moments. Tomorrow, they begin the descent, carrying memories of this incredible adventure with them.
February 15, 2025
Day 6: The Final Push to the Summit
The team has completed Day 6 at Sky Camp, resting at 16,000 feet. In just nine hours, they will begin their final ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro. After days of acclimatization and preparation, they are ready for the challenging eight-hour climb ahead.
Tonight, the team will have dinner at 5 PM before attempting to rest until midnight. At 1 AM, following a light breakfast, they will embark on their summit push under the night sky.
If conditions allow, they will check in from the top of Africa. Stay tuned for the next update!
February 14, 2025
Day 5: Climbing the Barranco Wall on Valentine's Day
Day 5 on Kilimanjaro began with a sweet surprise as the team enjoyed Valentine's Day candy at breakfast. The candy provided just the right amount of energy to tackle the Barranco Wall, a 1,000-foot climb. It looks scary from the bottom but everyone loved the rock scrambling adventure.
The day's trek continued, leading the group to Karanga Camp at 13,000 feet. At Karanga Camp, the team received a detailed briefing on what to wear and how to prepare for the final push to the top.
Happy Valentine's Day from Karanga Camp! The summit is just around the corner.
February 13, 2025
Day 4: From Moir Camp to Barranco Camp
Day 4 of the team’s Kilimanjaro expedition began at Moir Camp, with a 7.5-hour trek to Barranco Camp at 13,000 feet.
At tea time they had a Swahili lesson!
Other highlights included passing a lava tower and a well-earned lunch at 15,200 feet.
The team continues to acclimate to the increasing altitude, preparing both mentally and physically for the final push to the summit on Sunday, February 16.
February 11, 2025
Day 2: High Spirits at 11,500 Feet
The team has conquered Day 2 and has ascended to 11,500 feet! The journey so far has been incredible. The team is doing great and enjoying their time on Kili. Every step brings them closer to the summit, and they are soaking in every moment of this adventure.
Day 2 photos feature the first glimpses of Kili, the Day 2 campsite with its sign, the team in front of the Shira Plateau, and the group gathered in front of a lava cave.
February 10, 2025
Day 1: Summit Bound
The adventure has officially begun! On February 10th, the team laced up their boots and set off on their trek to the summit. Cindy has just checked in, and they’ve reached the location pinned below. As they continue their ascent, we’ll be sharing photos and videos whenever they catch a signal. Stay tuned for incredible updates from the trail!
February 9, 2025
Rest, Relaxation, and Ready to Climb
The team had a most enjoyable day on our last day before the hike begins. The group split up, with some visiting the Amani Children's Center in Moshi to learn how they are helping kids in the area, while others traveled to the Kikuletwa Hot Springs for some swimming. The day ended at the Simba Farm Lodge on the western slope of Kilimanjaro.
The afternoon was spent finishing packing and enjoying the beautiful grounds of the lodge. During the drive to the lodge, the team was treated to sighting of a herd of giraffes, making for an early safari experience! Today's photos feature the hot springs, the lodge, and views of Mount Meru, another volcano near Kilimanjaro. The link below provides the team's location on the map. Everyone is well-rested and ready for the 8-day journey starting tomorrow!
February 8, 2025
Kilimanjaro Briefing, Materuni Waterfalls, and Cultural Discoveries
The team rested well last night and started the day with the Kilimanjaro briefing from some of the guides. They discussed the trail, nightly camps, and packing suggestions. The team then traveled by bus for about an hour to take a short trek to the Materuni Waterfalls. Along the way, they learned about the local Chagga tribe culture and how it has influenced the Kilimanjaro region for over a century.
Tanzania has remained one of the most peaceful countries in Africa, largely due to the decision to designate Swahili as the national language upon gaining independence in 1964. A shared language has allowed for easy communication among the country’s 100+ tribes, each with distinct cultures and religious practices. The day ended with some shopping and a group dinner. Today's photos feature the briefing, bus ride, and trek to the falls.
February 7, 2025
Touchdown in Tanzania
The team is grateful to have all arrived on time in Tanzania with all the luggage! Some travelers had the added luxury of half-full flights, allowing them to spread out on the plane over 3-4 seats. It will take a few nights for everyone to adjust to the time change, so the goal for today is to stay awake until the early evening before going to sleep. The team will spend the day doing some local touring and sorting of gear. The photo was taken from the top floor of the hotel and shows a clear morning on Kilimanjaro.
February 6, 2025
From San Diego to the Summit: The Journey to Kilimanjaro Begins
The hikers have started their journey to Tanzania and, at this moment, are spread across the globe. Some have already completed their travels and are beginning the process of adjusting to an 11-hour time change. The last group to depart is leaving San Diego this morning and will arrive in Tanzania late Friday night. It is a 30-hour journey door-to-door, from their homes in the U.S. to their hotel in Moshi. They are hoping for on-time connections, smooth flying conditions, and for all luggage to arrive with them! One photo today shows the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy banner they are taking to the summit of Kilimanjaro. The other photo captures their perfect departure song playing on the radio—Toto's Africa!
February 3, 2025
Preparing for Kilimanjaro
The Mount Kilimanjaro Challenge, an epic adventure to the top of Africa's tallest peak, begins in less than a week. On Friday, 16 travelers will arrive in Tanzania to launch the 8-day hike, which begins in the rain forest and arrives at Kilimanjaro's snow-capped, 19,341-foot summit. Board Member Cindy Outlaw is leading the challenge and this will be her 20th climb of Kilimanjaro.
For ten months, the hikers have trained and tested their gear in the San Dieguito River Park. The photo is the group on a training hike at the top of the San Dieguito watershed at Volcan Mountain. To experiment with some elevation, they climbed to the 10,834-foot peak of Mount San Jacinto.
For the 16 adventurers, the Kilimanjaro Challenge also has included great generosity. Each has either donated or fundraised $2,000 to support habitat conservation in the San Dieguito River watershed!
Godspeed, Mt. Kilimanjaro Challengers!
