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

Ending elevation 12,900 feet

Elevation gain 400 feet

Distance hiked 6 miles

Average hiking time 7 to 9 hours

I Am Augustine Okudel and will be 40 years of age on August 28th this year, and am also Regional Director Young life Southern Uganda. It is unbelievable to see how God put things together to teach, unite and show his greatness to man. Day three of hiking Kilimanjaro is a lecture, a moment of refresh, building each other, seeing our team take each moment all to make one step towards the top while laughing, talking to one another, learning new things along the way with the amazing Beyond staff working for our comfort, with the best meals and entertainment. It is spirit lifting. I am just waiting each day at time to see the goodness of God in this hike. See you at the top one day.

Walking alongside Beyond is walking alongside a trusted friend.

Augustine

Uganda