Day 7: Climb to Kosovo Camp

MOUNTAIN ROUTE OVERVIEW

Today will be another short trek and day of acclimatization as our climbers are near the mountain’s peak. Today’s hike is four to five hours to Kosovo Camp. After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction, which connects with the Mweka Trail. The scenic climb to Barafu is mostly on a moraine with a view of Mawenzi peak towering majestically to the right, and overhead, Kibo peak seemingly just out of reach.  The alpine desert terrain encountered at this point is mostly a mineral environment with few lichens and mosses.

Upon reaching the camp, you’re encouraged to spend the afternoon resting before packing for the summit and an early dinner resting in preparation for the final ascent to begin around midnight.

CLIMB DATA

 Begin ~ 13,300 Feet / 4,055 Meters

 End ~ 15,400 Feet / 4,660 Meters

 Elevation Gain 2,100 Feet

 Time Average 4-5 Hours

 Distance Hiked 3 Miles / 5 Km

CLIMBER BLOG ENTRY

We were told at the beginning of the trip that this would be our shorter day.  It was simply a day for a small hike and prepared us for the summit the next morning.  Of course, no day on Kili is that simple. We traveled beyond the usual Day 5 campsite to a higher more exclusive site.  Drew and the guides thought we could handle the extra mileage because we were such a strong and fit group period.  I was flatter and also happy that the “infamous” climb to the summit would be a little shorter.  So, we spent the afternoon at a camp called Kosovo and tried to get as much rest in as possible while dealing with altitude headaches and the anticipation of our midnight wakeup call for the trek of our lives.  The grand finale was coming up!

Aaron