Day 7: Climb to Kosovo Camp
MOUNTAIN ROUTE OVERVIEW
As our climbers near the summit, they have another short day for acclimatization today. After breakfast, climbers leave Karanga Camp and make their way across moraine with a view of Mawenzi and Kibo to Barafu. The alpine desert terrain is full of boulders with lichen and moss. Upon reaching camp, climbers will spend the afternoon resting before packing for the summit and having an early dinner in preparation for their ascent to the summit to start at midnight (5 PM EST 7/9).
MOUNTAIN ROUTE STATS
Starting elevation 13,300 feet
Ending elevation 15,400 feet
Elevation gain 2,100 feet
Distance hiked 3 miles
Average hiking time 4 to 5 hours
The air is thin and electric. There’s a buzz in my head (a pleasant combination of off-brand Diamox, Cadbury hot chocolate mix, an expectation of <3 hours of sleep, and low oxygen level at 16000 feet). I keep pressing the backspace button to correct the duplications from my naked thumbs shaking. Happy Friday :)
This morning, the gracious porters continued their routine of knock-knock tea and an outstanding porridge for breakfast. An uncivilized tea drinker, I have learned the proper British technique from Christine through the thin nylon tent walls. Water, tea, then additives. The knock-knock team has now learned this too!
From Karanga camp, we took the gravely path up towards the overhanging glaciers. The wind that previously shook our tents was at our backs and provided a slight propulsion. In preparation for tonight’s midnight climb, we were taught a new technique by John Simon called the ‘mountaineering step’ wherein the back leg locks to provide support during a pause. Imagine the Single Ladies dance but fewer head pops and Bey is on 30-degree slope.
The rocks also changed and almost all vegetation is now lichen and small brush flowers. There’s shale with contorting layers, chunks of sedimentary sandstone, specks of obsidian, porous pumice blocks, and lots of granite. The last fauna remaining are humans and large Tanzanian ravens that like to ominously perch nearby.
Our lunch was at Barafu Camp (a name that might sound familiar to those who read the original itinerary) but Drew and our guides decided to get permits for a more primitive camp 700’ higher, named Kosovo. The advantage is climbing a granite face during the daylight instead of at night with just our headlamps.
A quick dinner and team huddle, and we are all tucked away for the summit attempt. All hikers that have made it to Kosovo are attempting Uhuru peak. To align arrivals for sunrise over the Serengeti (source: Toto), we have a staggered departure from camp.
Onwards and Upwards!
~ Tom Liggett