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

What a privilege it is to have the opportunity to climb mt. Kilimanjaro. As cliche as it sounds, I know that I am blessed in so many ways. Blessed that I have a good wife who trained with me almost daily to get me to this point. Blessed to have a YLAME team send notes of encouragement as well as my friend Shawn. Blessed to be part of this team - Frank, Harleigh, Tevin and Emily, who know how and when to lift each other up. Blessed to have Drew, our guides John and Gabriel and the many porters who have to be the best in this business. I would hate to see what this would be like without them. Today was tough - just like every day has been but our team has rose to the challenge and excitedly await the next challenge.

~ Matt Ward