Day 5 - Shira Camp 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

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Journal Entry ~ Davis Owens

Today was full of ups and downs. From a literal standpoint we climbed up to 15200 feet elevation at the Lava Tower. Then back down to Baranco camp at 12900 feet. Metaphorically today was definitely weighted more heavily towards ups than downs. With the exception of some slight altitude acclimation issues on the way down to camp, the day was filled with incredible moments. 

The scenery changed again from day 2 and there are far fewer plants but the peaks and cliff faces are now very visible and provided a new beauty to our daily climb. The lava tower is a truly awesome feature and we were able to eat lunch there before making our descent. 

On the way down to camp we entered the territory of the “Party City Trees,” a region filled almost exclusively with trees that appear to be inflatable and were likely placed there by our porters as they clearly have too much time on their hands and carrying the entire camp is far too easy of a job (sarcasm). This is understandable though considering “THIS IS A LUXURY CLIMB” (inside joke).

Arriving in camp we got another great view of the Baranco Wall that we are scaling tomorrow, and at risk of unnecessary repetition, is quite beautiful.

However, far more important that the great views and a successful climb completed, Eric and Abdul were introduced to Jenga. Easily the most exciting board game any of us have been a part of without playing. Truly riveting players who forged an intense rivalry and certainly have a bright future in the professional Jenga scene.

We now sit in the mess tent preparing for dinner as Eric and Abdul have left their new profession to rejoin their day jobs(our servers, or cooks depending on who you ask). We are all incredibly thankful to have completed the journey today and experience all of the new stunning views of Kilimanjaro. Excited for the climb tomorrow and praying for the continued health and safety of everyone in the group and the support team.

Simba > Yanga

-Davis