We gained another 2,000 or so feet today, but it was very different terrain to yesterday. It was much flatter, and without the effects of altitude would have been a pretty leisurely hike. We really only started climbing about halfway, as we got to Fischer Camp (named in memory of mountaineer Scott Fischer of the 1996 Everest disaster notoriety (see Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer).
The landscape is still very much heath zone, with rocky ground and low grasses and shrubs. There are still lots of Everlastings and some of the equally distinctive and quite beautiful Giant Lobelias with their concentric rings of leaves.
Moir Hut Camp is a bit more protected than Shira 1 Camp, but it’s still pretty exposed. To the east, we have a drop-off where we look down over the tops of the clouds. And to the west, we have a much better view of Kibo Summit, by now towering above us.
And it’s starting to get cold now. A light drizzle at dusk turns to freezing rain by dark. By morning, our tents are covered in frost.
Climbing Kilimanjaro
This is part of a climb diary I put together with photos from each day on the Lemosho Route. You can find the other posts below. I’ve also included some gear tips for climbing Kilimanjaro and some ideas on what to expect from your climb.
