Day 5: Climb to Barranco Camp

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

UPDATE FROM THE TEAM

Today was one long day for the group. We woke to high winds that sounded so loud we wondered if the schedule might have to be adjusted. But the porters came to wake us (with coffee:) at 630 and get us moving. After packing everything up, we ate breakfast at 730 and then headed off to hike about 815. Still windy, we buckled up and went for it. The reward was worth it as we were treated to a full view of Kilimanjaro in the bright sun. The wind gradually decreased and by early afternoon we were at Lava Tower at over 15,000 feet, higher than almost anyone in the group had ever hiked. The altitude was killing many of us but on we went. Finally at 5PM we rolled into Baranca camp. Over 9 hours of hiking and 8 miles-at altitude. Half the group went right to sleep. We are enjoying a late dinner right now and sharing our highs and lows of the day. We are halfway there!

~ The Team