Kilimanjaro Day 5

August 7, 2024

Another early start today, with our crew waking us at 06:00 sharp. As much as we love the coffee, we're still not a fans of the timing. There’s something about getting pulled from a warm sleeping bag into the brisk morning air that feels particularly cruel, but it does the job.

Breakfast was filling: the usual porridge, accompanied by sausage links, sautéed peppers, carrots, potatoes, and French toast. The French toast was a pleasant surprise, adding a little sweetness to fuel us for what would be a grueling day ahead.

The first two hours of our hike were brutally steep. We weren’t just hiking—we were climbing. There was a lot of rock scrambling and hopping, making it feel more like a full-body workout than a typical trek. The path was packed with other hikers, and the sheer steepness of the route meant no one could really separate from the larger group. We were all moving at the same slow, steady pace. Baranko Camp was the largest camp we’ve encountered so far, and it seemed like everyone had started their hikes this AM at the same time. It was like an uphill traffic jam, each step harder than the last, especially with so many people navigating the same steep, rocky terrain.

The trail was relentless. We faced several sections of what our guide called "monkey climbing," where we had to pull ourselves up using our hands as much as our feet. This wasn’t the type of hiking you could just power through—it required focus and patience. The altitude added an extra layer of difficulty, making even the slightest effort feel like a monumental task.

By the time we arrived at Karanga Camp around 14:30, we were spent. Lunch was ready for us almost immediately, and it was exactly what we needed: a steaming bowl of vegetable soup, followed by an "everything" veggie pizza, fried bread, and real potato chips. Dessert was a refreshing mix of banana, pineapple, and watermelon—simple, but exactly what we craved after the intensity of the hike.

STATS:

• Distance: 4 mi / 6.7 km

• Time: 5 hours 15 minutes

• Cadence: 25 steps/min

• Ascent: 1,427 ft / 435 m

• Steps: 11,397

All of us, except David, took naps after lunch. The hike had taken a lot out of us, and a little rest before dinner felt necessary to recharge for the next leg of our journey. Dinner that evening was a warm bowl of pumpkin soup, rice with potatoes, and a rich beef sauce. We ate quietly, reflecting on the day’s effort, knowing that tomorrow would take us another step closer to our goal.

We’re all hoping for a good night’s sleep tonight—especially David and Bob, who’ve had a tough time resting these past few nights. Tomorrow, we head to Barafu, the base camp before the summit push. The anticipation is growing, but so is the altitude. Here’s hoping the next leg goes as smoothly as possible!

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