Kilimanjaro Chronicles – Day 2: Conquering the Moorland challenge

Day 2 of my Kilimanjaro adventure was set in motion as we departed from Machame Camp at 8:38 am, local time. Right from the get-go, it was evident that this day would be a formidable test of our resolve.

The journey began with an ascent, marking the start of the second climate zone – Moorland. It was a terrain dominated by unforgiving rocks, rocky terrain as far as the eye could see.

The porters, with their burdensome loads, displayed remarkable determination, seemingly undaunted by the treacherous terrain. I, on the other hand, felt like I needed to summon a different version of myself to conquer this challenge. The rocks beneath our feet were daunting, and the dust and sand on the trail only added to the challenge.

As we pressed onward, it became abundantly clear that the day’s hike would be a relentless upward climb. It felt like we were ascending to the heavens, walking our way into the vastness of space. Every time I cast my gaze ahead to gauge how much farther we had to go, it felt demoralizing because there always seemed to be more rocky terrain and higher ground to conquer. It was then that I made a conscious decision to focus solely on my next step. This small shift in perspective proved to be a saving grace, as it allowed me to concentrate on the task at hand, one step at a time.

The views we encountered during various parts of the hike were nothing short of breathtaking and enchanting. These glimpses of natural beauty, combined with the intermittent release of refreshing mountain breeze, helped alleviate the physical and mental torment we endured. It was during these moments that I began to truly understand why so many people give up on this challenging trek. It’s no exaggeration to say that this journey demanded hard work, pushing the boundaries of what I thought I was capable of.

Despite the arduousness of the climb, some porters made the tough decision to return to base camp as their clients chose to quit. However, the ladies in my team showed no signs of serious fatigue or any desire to give up. Their determination served as an inspiring beacon, urging me to press on.

Finally, we reached Shira Camp at 2:28 pm, local time. After a well-deserved lunch, we decided to take a short rest before embarking on a hike to a nearby hill for acclimatization. The plan was to return and call it a day.

As I lay there, resting and replenishing my energy, I couldn’t help but reflect on the day’s challenges. The rocky path, the relentless ascent, and the breathtaking vistas all served as a reminder that this journey was as much about self-discovery as it was about conquering Mount Kilimanjaro.

Tomorrow beckoned, promising new trials and triumphs, and I was ready to face them head-on, fueled by the determination to reach the summit and the camaraderie of my fellow trekkers.