High Altutude Challenge On Kilimanjaro
Mt. Kilimanjaro Scenery, 2012
Every day exactly at 6:30 am the night draws back and makes space for the new day. We woke up early in order to enjoy the spectacular view of the rocks across Shira camp partly covered by the sun, partly covered by the shadows. And just about 500m below them begins the kingdom of the clouds.
Our time to enjoy the view is limited. We have about 1 hour to have breakfast, pack everything and get ready to depart.
Sunrise, Kilimanjaro (TZ), Sep 2012
Regardless of the morning rush, the stunning view of Kilimanjaro lit by the ray of light makes us remember why we are here.
We leave the camp around 7-ish. Alex leads the column followed by Josephat and me (Georgi). Nobody talks. Only the radio of our guide breaks the silence with some Swahili gospel music. The surrounded by the frozen lava stones path is very steep helping us gain altitude really fast. Joseph keeps telling us "pole-pole" or goes "slowly slowly". It's essential to give enough time to ourselves to adapt to the altitude.
Alex & Joseph, Mt. Kilimanjaro 2012
Moon alike landscape makes us think we are on a different planet. Only a few left green bushes tell us that even in these harsh weather conditions there is life. From time to time there is the cold wind coming from any possible direction that reminds us we are at the mercy of nature. Kilimanjaro may let us conquer it, or not.
The temperature is already above 20+ degrees. But we want to avoid winning again the "tractor driver sun-burn" contest, as it happens last year during our trip to Australia.
We decide to make a short break to drink water. Yes, drinking water high in the mountain is essential for the altitude adaptation of any human body.
Assistant Guide, Kilimanjaro (TZ), Sep 2012
We have been walking for about 3 hours that day and all of sudden our second guide appeared. About 2 hours later we reach Lava Tower at 4636masl. I ask Alex if he feels okay. Seems both of us are very comfortable even at that altitude and decide to make our lunch break here.
Fully refreshed from the powerful lunch and the slightly cold wind we have to descend to Barranco camp (3972masl). The basic rule of thumb is to walk high and sleep low!
Ice on Mt. Kilimanjaro (TZ), Sep 2012
Just few km down the road we end up under the edge of Uhuru peak, but it's impossible to see the top.
High Altutude Caused A Headache
Barronco camp, Mt. Kilimanjaro, 2012
“Observe your body and take good care of it.”
We have only 20min left till we get to Barranco camp. Already noticed that both of us with Alex start to move like drunken flies while our heads were about to explode. Joseph explains all this it's caused by the altitude and the best solution is to get 1-2 aspirins & short nap. The view down the camp is amazing, but we hurry to find an escape from the headache. Picture taking is the last thing we wanna do.
Barranco Camp, 3972m, Mt. Kilimanjaro (TZ), 2012
“Often times the simplest solution provides the best impact. Get 45min sleep after an aspirin intake, and you will be fine.”
Just 1h later the headache is completely gone. I leave the camp and start climbing back in order to capture the magnificent view of Barranco camp just above the clouds before they start moving towards the top.
Mandatory quick check-in at the camp and decided to go to sleep early and recharge for the next day of challenges.