Introduction to today's journey
Today's journey takes me from Horombo Huts following the acclimatisation route to Zebra Rocks, then continuing onto the junction at the base of Mawenzi Peak where we stop for lunch. From there we cross the alpine desert saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks until eventually rejoining the Marangu Track. From there a moderate ascent up the start of Kibo Peak takes us to our base camp at Kibo Huts.
Today's Journey
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We are given tea to drink at our huts by our guides and porters at first light, as other porters prepare our breakfast. |
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The cloud has mostly cleared and I can see the summit looming in the distance still two vertical kilometres above us as we depart Horombo. |
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We take a side route towards Mawenzi Peak towering in the distance. This is the second peak of Kilimanjaro rising 5100 metres above sea level. |
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Reaching Zebra Rocks at 4050 metres above sea level, a volcanic formation sheltering some low heath. From here we climb higher to a saddle at 4320 metres above sea level. |
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A little bird joins us as we have lunch. It is amazing seeing these birds at such high altitude. A large raven also joins us. |
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From the saddle Mawenzi Peak stands ominous with its sharp crags. Our chief guide Fateali climbed this mountain once when he was much younger. About three percent of climbers attempting this peak do not survive the climb. |
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From the saddle we briefly descend to 4300 metres before gradually rising heading across a long and barren plateau stretching between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. The latter is now starting to appear through the clouds, but the summit is hidden. |
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Half way across the plateau the butterscotch rock is completely devoid of vegetation. This looks very much like Mars. From here we can now just see our base camp at Kibo Hut |
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After reaching the junction to the main track at 4480 metres altitude, we puff up a moderately steep track to our base at Kibo Huts. |
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Checking in at Kibo Huts at 4800 metres above sea level. The air is very thin and cold up here, and following an early dinner, we head off to sleep before sundown. |
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