Today was one of those days that reminds you why you came here. We left Shira 1 Camp in the crisp morning air, starting our gradual climb across the wide-open expanse of the Shira Plateau. It was like walking on the roof of the world—elevated, windswept, and dramatic in every direction.
We began at 11,844 feet (3,610 meters) and trekked for about 6 miles (10 kilometers), gaining nearly 2,000 feet in elevation to Moir Camp at 13,780 feet (4,200 meters). It took us five and a half hours, but the terrain was gentle compared to the steep forested climbs of the earlier days. The air is noticeably thinner now, but I felt strong, and the views fueled every step. Yes, again I felt the altitude but I pushed through.
The scenery helped immensely and my mood soared across the expanse. The Shira Plateau is truly otherworldly—rolling plains of golden grasses, volcanic rocks scattered like ancient runes, and Kilimanjaro itself rising in the distance, its snowcapped summit teasing the sky. It was a siren call, beckoning me on. It’s hard to believe I’m walking across what was once a lava-filled crater. Primordial history surrounded me.
After arriving at Moir camp, I spent the afternoon photographing the mountain under shifting clouds and acclimatizing to the altitude. The wind whipped around us all day, but the clarity of the air made for striking shots—some of my favorites yet.
Dinner was simple but satisfying. I read for a while in my tent, then called it a night. But something stirred me a few times in the dark—maybe the altitude, maybe just wonder. I stepped outside and looked up.
There it was: the Milky Way in all its glory, arching across the heavens like a cosmic river. I’ve seen many night skies in my travels, but nothing compares to this—no light pollution, no distractions, just starlight and silence. A reminder of how small we are, and how vast the world still is.
Tomorrow we climb higher.
#ChasingTheLeopard #KilimanjaroClimb #ShiraPlateau #LemoshoRoute #FartherTogether #MountainMagic #StrattonOnTheSummit #AfricaAdventure
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