Kilimanjaro Day 3: Shira 2 to Barranco Camp. Climb Higher, Sleep Lower...wait, what?!
- ravitijare
- Feb 24, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 24, 2024
Date Feb 6, 2024
Distance Covered: ~7 Miles/11 Kms
Moving Time: ~5 Hrs (Total time ~9 hrs including lunch)
Elevation Gain: ~2600 ft from: 12,600 ft to 15,200 ft
Elevation Loss: ~2300 ft from: 15,200 ft back to 12,900 ft
Today, our main focus was getting used to the high altitude and see how well we'd handle it. We woke up a little past 6:00 am to the awesome sound of waiters knocking on the tent, "Jambo"and "tea". After digging into a breakfast - same old: eggs, porridge, pancakes and toast, we all hustled to break camp and get moving.
The first part of the day was spent making our way up to Lava Tower through a landscape of ascents and descents, each step was a battle against altitude and fatigue. As we pushed further into the hike and climbed higher, I could really start to feel the altitude kicking in.
Once reached lava tower, we were severed warm soup and a lunch. I began to lose my appetite and just didn't feel like eating at all. As always, Rashidi took out the oxygen meter to check on how everyone was doing way up there at 4642 meters (15,230 feet).My oxygen level was dipping below 80, but after a some effort to warm my hands, I managed to bump that reading up to 84. It was still on the low side, but it felt manageable. I was reminded to drink at least 4 liters of water per day on the trail. This is essential to aid in your body acclimatizing to the lack of oxygen. We planned to hang out at Lava Tower for a couple of hours. Below is a short video of descending down.
Be prepared for All Conditions:
It can be misty, cloudy, rainy, or hot anytime as the weather can change at any minute. We used to start the day putting sun block as well as making sure rain jackets and ponchos are handy. It may sound weird by at any given moment you need to protect yourself from the sun, rain and cold.
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