Day 7 of the Kilimanjaro expedition

Key variables

• Start: Karanga camp (3900m)
• Finish: Barafu camp (4600m)
• Difference in height: + 700m
• Duration: 3h
• Distance: 5km

Higher and higher

Yesterday's clouds are now all gone, the sky is clear and the sun magnificently illuminates Kibo. Since we left Shira we've been walking around the summit without really getting close but today we'll climb some 700m to reach Barafu camp at 4600 metres, the last camp before the final ascent.

We start the day by a steep regular climbing in a desertic area. The efforts are more and more difficult as we climb, we walk slowly following the pace of our guide. When we look behind our backs we can see the tanzanian plains some 3000m lower, the view is stunning.

And to the right, in the mist we can spot mount Meru which summit is higher than the thin clouds layer.

After one hour and a half the terrain gets flatter, the area is even drier than before. Kibo is now on our left with a wonderful view on Rebmann glacier that we see for the first time. It is becoming difficult to make efforts because of the altitude therefore the last metres to Barafu are not a piece of cake but we finally reach the last camp at 4600 metres. We stare at Kibo thinking of the challenge we're about to rise... the final ascent is for tonight!

The afternoon is dedicated to resting. By 4.30pm our dinner is served and once finished, our guide suggests us to get to sleep but we're so excited that it's almost impossible to close our eyes. Yet at midnight it's time to get ready.

• Days 1 & 2
• Day 3
• Day 4
• Day 5
• Day 6
• Day 7
• Day 8
• Day 9
• Days 10 & 11