March 8
BARAFU CAMP (14,950 ft/4,556m)

Karanga to Barafu camp isn't far as the crow flies, but it's all up hill, and takes us 3-4 hours to get there.  It's alpine desert here, with sweeping views of the Kibo saddle and Mawenzi Peak. Today's a key day for acclimatizing as we hike past camp, up to 16,500 feet to allow our bodies to adjust. We then descend to camp for the night.