Day 5: Climb to Barranco Camp
Click HERE to track the team live during their time on the mountain!
UPDATE FROM THE GROUP
Firstly, it’s my pleasure to be the only DGL selected to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with the team from the US that YL DGL vision.
From day one of the climb, I was fascinated by the conversations and care for each other that was going among the climbing team; it was a real share of Christ’s love and kindness.
Moving on, as we continued with the climb, I was amazed by the different weather conditions that are constantly happening on the mountain: the rain in a dry season and sunny in other areas, clouds covering the mountain, and snow on the heap of the mountain that melts into multiple streams of rivers flowing from the mountain.
Furthermore, the reflections from the team (highs & lows) are really enriching the adventure, resulting in a more lovely and conducive community.
Lastly, is the dedication of the Beyond team, making sure that from camp station we enjoy the climb: setting camp tents, preparing delicious food, and singing songs for us — it is phenomenal.
What I have learned about God:
Through the mountain physical landforms: God is deep and vast, as I consider each mountain stair, you marvel the greatness of God who created such fascinating nature.
Through the guides: I’ve learned that in everything, I have to allow God to lead me and trust His lead.
Through the porters: I’ve learned that I must allow God to carry all my loads or burdens so that I can journey easily.
God has everything that I need for every path I take: having the cooks, water supplies, tent pitchers, dish washers, and restrooms providers; it’s been a reminder that God supplies all that is necessary for me in life.
~ Phasha Mbatha from eSwatini
DGL student, Africa South
MOUNTAIN ROUTE OVERVIEW
Today, the trail runs through a black lava desert past millions of boulders. From the Shira Plateau, the group will go up a ridge, past the trail to the peak of Kibo, to Lava Tower (known by locals as Shark’s Tooth). During their lunch break, they can take in the snowline above the Lava Tower. After lunch, they’ll descend to the Barranco Camp at an altitude of 13,000 feet. The black lava desert fades into heather and moorland. From Barranco Camp, they’ll see the Barranco Wall, the Western Breach of Kibo, and the South Glacier. This is where their hike ends – and they rest and have dinner. Because their bodies are exposed to such a high elevation at lunch, this is one of the most important days for acclimatization and will prepare our climbers’ bodies for summit day!
MOUNTAIN ROUTE STATS
Starting elevation 12,500 feet | Ascend to 15,000 feet at Lava Tower
Ending elevation 12,900 feet in Baranco Valley
Net elevation gain 400 feet
Distance hiked 6 miles
Average hiking time 7 to 9 hours