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Some Day 6 images and videos
How I felt waking up
06.20 Moshi lights far below us
I was looked after by Kajeli and his colourful umbrella!
Day 6 - Wednesday 23rd February
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (Base Camp) Preparing for Summit Night!
Karanga Camp - 3,995 m Barafu Camp 4,673 m
4 km hike - approximately 4 hours
Written by Tina Sibley in March 2022
Video Overview of the day
Today's report is also pretty short! I had a pretty good night's sleep. I had gone to the toilet tent around midnight then took a sleeping tablet to make sure I got a good night. I knew this would be essential as there would be no sleep the following night as we hike through the night on summit night.
Consequently, I felt much better waking up than I had the previous day and was optimistic. At 06.20 we had a great view of the lights of Moshi far below us and now we really got the sense of being high up on the mountain. Kibo peak was also looking smaller. During the first few days, although on the West side of the mountain, we had been walking towards Kibo and it seemed far ahead. Now we felt that we were finally on it!
Kibo Peak looking smaller from Karanga Camp
The last section before the push to the summit!
Starting Day 6
The hike to Barafu Camp wasn't long, but it was a steep climb with an elevation gain of 678m. Once again, we set out at around 08am but this time, the mountain was busier as by now several routes had joined together.
I was looked after today by Kajeli and he was absolutely wonderful. He helped me massively and carried my backpack for me the whole way. I had long ceased to argue about carrying it myself! Although during the early days, Kajeli was frequently at the back keeping an eye on us with one of the others, I hadn't got to know him very well as this was the first time I was looked after by him. Unusually for me, I didn't talk much to the people around me on this trip as I literally didn't have the energy to talk as well as walk!
Once again I pretty much lost the rest of the group very early on so it was just the two of us the whole morning. He was great company and we talked and laughed and he told me to take my time and enjoy it. He was patient while I caught my breath or took photos and offered to take pictures and videos of me as well.
The weather wasn't great starting out as we had rain and sleet and we needed waterproofs - and I was always cheered up by the sight of Kajeli's super colourful umbrella. It had Easter bunnies all over it and seemed to be totally in contrast to his quiet, strong personality!
Kajeli encouraged me to conserve my energy by going really slowly. He advised me not to try to catch up with the others even though I was feeling better. He knew I would need all my energy that night and he said the most important thing was to take my time and enjoy the mountain. He set a pace which was really comfortable for me and talked about what we were looking at. He pointed out where base camp was up on the ridge ahead of us.
Kajeli leading the way and setting the pace
Slowly making my way towards base camp
We had a little break at around 10am after two hours of hiking and by now the weather had cleared up. Kajeli encouraged me to drink water and to eat something, tellling me I needed to try and take on some fuel to give me energy.
I wasn't feeling so sick today thankfully, so I managed a snack bar. Because I was feeling better, it was a much more enjoyable hike this morning. I was still suffering with tummy cramps though and had to frequently stop and wait for the cramps to pass. By now, I had long ceased to be embarrassed - the guys knew what was going on for me and were very patient and sympathetic.
We got to camp quite early - around 11.15 - so had only been walking just over three hours. For once, less than the predicted time on the signs! If I had thought Kibo looked smaller from Karanga, it was looking even smaller again from Barafu! It actually looked do-able!
After we got to camp it was time to have a rest in my tent until lunch time at around 1pm.
Kibo Peak looking even smaller from Barafu Camp
In My tent at Barafu Camp
Lunch, afternoon and evening at Barafu Camp
I was feeling OK at lunch and we had empanadas or pasties! Although here in Africa they were simply called "pies" - I managed to eat without too much difficulty and the immodium seemed to be doing its job so, while I was still getting cramps, at things were a little more under control.
The weather had turned nasty again and making my way to the mess tent, it was very misty with rain and hail. At lunch, we were all pretty excited but at the same time nervous about the prospect of summit night.
After lunch, we were instructed to go to our tents and attempt to sleep during the rest of the afternoon.
We went back to the mess tent at 18.30 for dinner and a final briefing on summit night.
The plan for summit night was to get more rest after dinner and then get up at around 10pm, have tea and biscuits and begin hiking at around 23.30.
I knew that I wasn't going to keep up with the others, so had a chat with the guides about leaving early so I stood a chance of being with the rest of the group at the top! I was optimistic about getting there but realistic about how much time it was going to take me.
James decided that this was a good plan, so we agreed that I should get up at 9pm and aim to start at 10pm.
