Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Scrambling up the mountain

Day 2 of our incredible adventure saw us climb 8km from 9,400 feet to 12, 500 feet over a period of four hours through the moorland region. While the climb was much steeper than the day prior and included a bit of scrambling, the day was not too difficult. The first three hours of the climb were a solid incline but well worth the work to experience the million dollar view at the crest. After that, the trail continued to climb but at a much more gradual rate.


One of the most challenging aspects of the day for me was just getting going in the morning. I woke up after a rough first night's sleep feeling tired and lethargic. In retrospect, it was probably just my body adjusting to sleeping on the mountain and the effect of the excitement and anticipation of the trip catching up to me. However, that morning I had it in my mind that I needed energy. I proceeded to force myself, despite a lack of hunger, to eat a very large breakfast. Let me just say, that was a very large mistake. I wasn't ill or anything like that, I just felt very heavy all morning long. Not fun when you're trying to climb a mountain! Lesson learned though, as after that I ate lightly at breakfast, an average lunch and then a large dinner.

Enjoying the reward after the steep section on Day 2

Another interesting observation on Day 2 was the emergence of a tingling sensation and numbness in our extremities. This is a side effect of Diamox (more on this drug will come in a later post) which we hadn't been told about, so trying to figure out why my fingers were tingling was an interesting discussion between Rich and I. We hypothesized everything from the cold weather to my multivitamin until our terrific guide Lyimo informed us that it was simply a side effect of the drug. I experienced the symptoms much sooner than my Dad or Rich, who didn't get the tingles until Days 3 and 4. As odd as it is, I found the sensation to be an ever-present reminder of the reason we were doing the climb; for my Mom, and to raise money for multiple sclerosis research. Over the years, my Mom has often experienced numbness and tingling in her arms, legs feet and fingers as a warning sign that her MS was acting up again. When she had attacks from MS, the tingling would often progress into an all-out lack of movement. As I climbed the mountain with tingling fingers and toes each day, I couldn't help but think of my sweet Mom and how she never once complained despite the fact that simple tasks like tying your shoes become difficult when your fingers are numb and unresponsive.

Dad entering Shira Camp in the clouds

We entered Shira camp that evening with a think cloud cover that seemed like a fog. The temperature dropped about 10 degrees and rather than being comfortable in t-shirts and pants, we broke out our windbreakers and winter hats. After taking a brief nap at camp, we walked a short distance to Shira caves, where Dad the geologist hosted "Rock talk with Paul" and told us all about how the caves were formed, what minerals you would find in the rocks, and why all of the rocks, including those visible on the summit of Kilimanjaro, had a red tint to them. Overall fascinating stuff, but while Dad was excited by the rocks, Rich was excited by the helicopter "landing pad" formed out of rocks nearby. Men!

Rock talk with Paul in Shira Caves

Apologies to the US Marines...Rich may have found a new landing zone!

Shortly after our trek to the caves and just before dinner, the clouds cleared, the sun came out and Kilimanjaro revealed her majestic face--what a beautiful thing! The sky remained clear that evening, so before bed that night, Dad, Rich and I enjoyed 15 minutes reveling in the enormity of the universe and soaking in the serenity of the stars twinkling down on us. I can't think of a much better way to end an entirely perfect day on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Kilimanjaro in all her majesty