Day 6: Climb to Karanga Camp

MOUNTAIN ROUTE OVERVIEW

After breakfast, one of the biggest challenges for our climbers begins. They’ll climb up and over the Great Barranco Wall. Getting to the top of it will take 1 to 2 hours. After the wall, climbers will cross a barren and rocky plateau with views of Kibo and three glaciers before descending into Karanga Camp. As they cross the plateau on a trail of gravel and sand, climbers will pass streams and giant boulders for 2 to 3 hours. As they walk into camp, they have a good view of tomorrow’s route. They’ll get to camp by lunch. But this short day is planned for resting which helps with acclimatization.

MOUNTAIN ROUTE STATS

Starting elevation 12,900 feet

Ending elevation 13,300 feet

Elevation gain 400 feet

Distance hiked 3 miles

Average hiking time 4 to 6 hours

The unsung hero’s of every Kilimanjaro climb are the guides and porters. They wake up two hours before us - hike one hour for fresh water and show up at our tent with a joyful “Good Morning” and a hot cup of coffee/tea all before 6:30am. They are the first up, last to leave camp and first to arrive at the next campsite and last to go to bed. They welcome us with songs, delicious food and hot washing water daily.

The porters are the engine that keep us going and the guides are here to help us achieve our dreams. 67 angels in total accompany us this trip!

Each of them anticipate our every next move, genuinely caring for us and want us to summit. Drew our fearless leader sets the tone entrusting our guides to organize camp life and ensure each guest has the experience of a lifetime.

The guides and porters pour into us - knowing us each by name. Looking us in the eye, checking in on how we feel and following up if we need extra support. And lets not forget our Chefs. We all want a Kili cookbook - as every meal has been 5 star.

The guides created and cultivated an atmosphere of camaraderie, gratitude and joy which keeps our spirits high. They are the light that guides the way. The sentiment of the group is love and gratitude for the selfless men and women that work tirelessly for us.

The theme of the trip Pole, Pole (slow, slow); except for the porters. Who when we all summit we will give credit to along with our guides because without them we wouldn’t be able to achieve our dream.

Pamoja, Pamoja! We are all in this together.

⁃ Kate and Shawn

ps - shout out to my Mom - Happy Belated Birthday! (love, Shawn)