Day 5 of the Kilimanjaro expedition began with the promise of favorable weather
Day 5 of my Kilimanjaro expedition began with the promise of favorable weather and an early appearance of the sun. The beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro loomed in the distance, a truly captivating sight that filled me with awe.
Our hike for the day presented a mix of steep elevation changes and some relatively flat terrain. The landscape was adorned with elegant rock formations, showcasing a variety of sizes and shapes. As we progressed, fatigue began to creep in, and I found myself employing the Swahili mantra, “Pole Pole,” which means “slowly slowly.” It was a reminder to take it easy and conserve energy.
Remarkably, we completed the hike in under 3 hours, a feat that’s typically estimated to take 4 hours. However, as the day wore on, I experienced an unfamiliar sensation: a pounding in the right side of my brain. It was a reminder that this climb was pushing not only my physical limits but also my mental boundaries.
Our destination for the day was Barafu Camp, the base camp that serves both those embarking on the summit attempt and those who have successfully completed their summit and are heading back home. Here, we would take a well-deserved break, enjoy a hot lunch, and get some much-needed rest in preparation for the grand showdown that lay ahead.
The big moment was fast approaching; we were scheduled to attempt the summit at midnight. I needed to gather my gear and equipment, ensuring everything was in order. It was daunting to contemplate that this would likely be the most challenging thing I’d ever done in my life. However, I knew that every moment, every step, and every ounce of effort would be worth it for the chance to stand on the roof of Africa.
As I prepared mentally and physically for the ultimate challenge, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation. The summit awaited, and it was a goal I was determined to achieve. I looked forward to sharing the remarkable experience with you all. Catch you later, and wish me luck on this incredible journey.
