Day 7: 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 | Ascend 14,000 feet to the top of Baranco Wall

Ending elevation 13,300 feet at Karanga Camp

Net elevation gain 400 feet

Distance hiked 3 miles

Average hiking time 4 to 6 hours

Captain’s Log Stardate 08.25.2024

Hi my name is Chris “Godxilla” Taylor This is day four of our hike to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. Tomorrow night we will take it to the Roof of Africa. The summit is the goal but the path is the medicine. Kili means healing, jaro means long walk. This is a very long walk of healing for all of us.

I came on this trip because I am directing a documentary about my friend Matt Panelli who is a 41 year old cancer survivor with Multiple Sclerosis. The filming part is going exceptionally well.

On a personal point this is definitely the most strenuous task I have ever undertaken. I work in entertainment and live in the recording studio. I have never in my life been hiking, camping, or rock climbing. I actually pretty much stay inside year round.

My guide John Simon has taken me under his wing and helped me to control my breathing at 14k feet. I’m telling you all this because I firmly believe that anyone can do this climb. There is a significant amount intestinal fortitude that you need to have to take this on. As long as the guides see that you’re committed to your goal and listening to them they will get you to the top.

Finally, I was told by a few people that this trip was going to change my life and it has. I was told by an elder named Papa Dao from the village of Legho that the mountain would heal me. He told me to leave all of my troubles on the mountain and cry them out. John Simon told me to use this time to find peace in my soul and leave here without conflict in my heart. I have been trusting the process. The mountain of healing touches everyone in a different way.

Thanks for reading,

“Xilla”