Today we hiked about three hours to Barafu Camp, gaining around 2,100 feet to reach 15,200 feet. Everyone is feeling the thin air a little at this elevation, which is completely normal this high on the mountain, but the team did great on the hike up to camp.
Barafu, which means “ice” in Swahili, is the high camp that most summit attempts on Kilimanjaro launch from. It’s a rugged, rocky perch high on the mountain, and arriving here means the team is now within striking distance of the summit. We had a big lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches, soup, and pasta with a veggie sauce before relaxing in our tents for the afternoon, fueling up and conserving energy for the big effort ahead.
We’re about to have dinner and will then try to get some rest before our planned 11 PM start for the summit. Summit night on Kilimanjaro is the most demanding part of the climb. Climbers set off in the dark and cold of the late hours, ascending slowly toward Uhuru Peak, the true summit at 19,341 feet, with the goal of reaching the top around sunrise. It’s a long, cold, and challenging push, but standing on the Roof of Africa as the sun comes up makes every step worth it.
The weather has been beautiful so far, and we’re hoping for a calm, clear night to make our way to the top. Everyone is doing great, spirits are high, and the team is ready for the biggest day of the trip!
Always time for yoga
June 18th team photo
Day 1
—
Family and friends are encouraged to leave comments for their loved ones on this expedition. Please keep in mind that climbers will not be able to see posts or comments until they return from the mountain at the end of the expedition.
Don’t forget that you can subscribe to this expedition’s Field Reports by entering your email address in the form to the right, or below if viewing via mobile. That way, you never miss an update!
Interested in learning more about Kilimanjaro and what it takes to stand on the Roof of Africa? Be sure to check out our Kilimanjaro trip page for route details, trip information, and more about climbing the highest peak on the African continent.
