Day 6: Ascend to Shira Camp

MOUNTAIN ROUTE OVERVIEW

Today is a shorter day that starts with climbing up a steep ridge to a small cliff named Picnic Rock. Climbers will start in the moorland zone which is above the rainforest and clouds. As our climbers hike up the steep ridge, they’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view of Machame Camp and Machame Village. The air will become increasingly thin as they reach the halfway point and vegetation will slowly give way to black lava and sand. The trail continues up and up pst small mountain streams, rocky walls, and deep ravines. Shira Camp is in the middle of the Shira Plateau. Climbers will have views of Mount Meru and Kibo from camp is the weather is good!!

MOUNTAIN ROUTE STATS

Starting elevation 9,900 feet

Ending elevation 12,500 feet

Elevation gain 2,600 feet

Distance hiked 5 miles

Average hiking time 5 to 7 hours

JOURNAL ENTRY BY BRIAN MEYER

Today was one of our shorter days so far but our first full day on Mt. Kilimanjaro so it was a tough day indeed.

We started off waking up in Machame Camp around 10,000 ft above sea level. Hot coffee and tea were delivered to our tents promptly at 6:30am to wake us up which was one of the better alarm clocks I’ve experienced (beats the 5am rooster in Lehgo). We then ate breakfast and prepared for the day ahead including talking about our route and checking our gear. Right before we left camp the porters sang and danced (we eventually joined them). This was particularly special as it pumped both the porters and the climbers for the trek ahead.

We started the hike to Shira Camp. We started off strong (since we were well rested and fed) but eventually the hike took its toll. Today’s hike was largely upwards. We climbed over many rocks throughout the hike which was challenging because we had to constantly watch our steps and oftentimes pull ourselves up using our hands or our poles. Fortunately we were given many stops to rest, snack, and hydrate. The views were also amazing. Today we ascended above the clouds in what was a first for many of us and truly an awesome moment. We also enjoyed many laughs together. At one point Johnny admitted to never kissing a blond and one of our fellow travelers (a blond named Casey) promptly said “and it ain’t happening today.”

Around 2pm we arrived in Shira Camp where we dropped off our stuff and ate lunch (a large spread of fried chicken, fries, salad, vegetables, and zucchini soup). Unfortunately Steve fell a bit behind and didn’t arrive with us. While waiting for him and for dinner, we played cards and had many laughs...then it happened...

Steve arrived with his guide to much fanfare. We were excited he was able to make it just in time for dinner. We had a nice meal of pasta and beef stew.

The camp is windy (and thus very cold), but the porters are fantastic and helpful at every step of the journey. We’re looking forward to a long day tomorrow!