Day 6: Climb 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

We woke up to coffee/tea. We shared breakfast as a group and relived the day before. Our guide led us in prayer and we began up the mountain. High- 4 hours in as moral was getting low we came over a peak and saw Mt. Kilimanjaro. It was extremely beautiful. Jon Simon told us the story of all 3 peaks and we were all in awe.  We also learned about some of the natural vegetation and plants on our trail.  At another stopping point, another guide sang us a song of  Kilimanjaro and played the guitar on a ridge top.  Our porter team also sang us a song when we entered our home for the night! We danced and sang together, just celebrated life and each other!  Low- We lost two of our team members due to sickness.  We are happy to hear that Adam is doing better and hope that Mark has a beer in his hand!