I didn't do too much reading before we arrived so I had no idea what was up ahead. I just followed the guide. We started climbing over boulders and ledges. It was so much fun! We slid past large rocks on ledges - the ledges were moderate - not too high and not really narrow. It was like playing around on a big playset. I think everybody enjoyed it. A degree of fitness is definitely needed to enjoy this part of the journey - but if you are not too fit, you will still make it.
After the climb, we reached a plateau with great views and had a snack and water. Onward!! from this point on it was down down down. A difficult down I must say. The ground was like powder and you don't really have spots to grip... hiking poles help a lot! But stepping carefully is essential.
After reaching the valley, we had to go up again. Wow, and what a steep up!! Once you stop you can't get yourself to start again - so don't stop! Up up up, porters passing you up up up some more! When we reached the top we found our lunch tent waiting! (Karanga 3930m) After a short wait, we had to head on. Here was more dust and more rocks. We were now on our way to base camp. Barafu camp (4681 m).
But before we reached the camp there were more uphills. It felt like walking on broken slate tiles. Everywhere you look there were rock towers that people built. There's not much cover so every large boulder would be a bush toilet - but at least we beat the traffic so that was ok :)
Our sunbeam during the whole trip welcomed us on arrival - only to see that it was not the camp :( Another up up up!!
We pressed on and finally arrived at Basecamp - Barafu Camp. You could see the summit! And now we had to calm down and go to sleep! How was this possible :)
Read more about the summit
Route Overview:
Distance: 4 km
Duration: 4-5 hours
Gain: 678 m
Summit
Distance: 5 km
Duration: 7-8 hours
Gain: 1222 m
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