Barranco Wall
Elevation: 3,950 meters above sea level
Climbing the Barranco Wall along the Lemosho Route involves a scramble over the tall, rocky ridge that rises 257 meters (843 feet) above the Barranco Valley on day 5 of the 8-day Lemosho Route trek when we trek from Barranco Camp (13,000ft) to Karanga Camp (13,100ft). It is a hike that takes 4-5 hours, covering a total distance of about 5 km. As for the 7-day Lemosho itinerary, you will climb the Barranco Wall on the fifth day, too, on your way from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (15,300ft), a 9 km journey that takes 8-10 hours. It formed long ago after volcanic eruptions that also created the Kibo Crater at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Climbers on the Shira, Lemosho, Umbwe, and Machame routes will face this wall as they head up the mountain. It started when lava from Kibo flowed down and hardened on the slopes. Over time, wind, rain, and erosion shaped it into the ridge we see today. On Kilimanjaro, only the final climb to Kibo or Mawenzi—two of the mountain’s three peaks—is steeper than this wall.
You don’t need fancy climbing skills to get up the Barranco Wall. The path twists and turns, keeping the slope gentle and safe. Depending on how fit you are, it might take 1 to 2 hours to climb. Many hikers use this part as a warm-up to get used to the altitude. After reaching the top, you’ll go down a bit to the Karanga Huts campsite, which is the next stop.
Barranco Wall Location
The Barranco Wall is situated just below Kibo Peak, on the southern side of Kibo’s lower slopes, just a short walk from the Barranco campsite.
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Vegetation & Weather
This area is right between two zones on Kilimanjaro: the moorland, where some plants grow, and the alpine desert, where it’s mostly bare. You’ll spot a few small plants at the base and along the wall itself.
Mornings often bring fog, and there’s usually a little rain or sleet too. This can make climbing trickier, especially early in the day, so be ready for slippery rocks and cooler weather.
What It’s Like on the Lemosho Route
On the 8-day Lemosho trek, you tackle the Barranco Wall after leaving Barranco Camp. After breakfast, you start up the steep ridge, winding through the wall’s rocky paths to reach Karanga Camp in the valley below. It’s a shorter stretch, about 5 kilometers, taking 4 to 5 hours, and the height barely changes, going from 13,000 feet to 13,100 feet in the alpine desert. This day is light, meant to help your body get ready for higher climbs. On the 7-day Lemosho trek, it’s a longer haul. You climb the wall from Barranco Camp, reach Karanga Camp, and keep going to Barafu Camp all in one go. That’s 9 kilometers and 8 to 10 hours, rising to 15,000 feet. By the end, you’ve circled the southern side of the mountain, catching glimpses of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, before resting at Barafu to gear up for the summit.
The Barranco Wall is a fun scramble, not too hard but thrilling, with narrow spots like the “Kissing Rock,” where you hug the rock to stay safe. From the top, you get a stunning look at the sandy, green Barranco Valley stretching out below—a rewarding sight before moving on.
What Can You See from the Barranco Wall?
Even though the Barranco Wall isn’t close to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, it still offers an amazing view. As you climb, you’ll look out over the Barranco Valley. It might remind you of the Grand Canyon, but it’s higher up and full of sand and plants. This stunning sight makes the effort worthwhile and gives you a great spot to take a break before moving on.
How Did the Barranco Wall Form?
The formation process of the Barranco Wall began a long time ago, between 150,000 and 200,000 years back, when Mount Kilimanjaro’s volcano calmed down. It was shaped by volcanic action and landslides. The mountain is so tall that you can’t even see the top from the bottom! That’s why lots of climbers dream of tackling it.
Is the Barranco Wall Dangerous?
Climbing any mountain, including Kilimanjaro, can be risky. Every year, about 1,000 people need rescuing, and around 10 die on the mountain. But the Barranco Wall itself isn’t the toughest part. You don’t need fancy climbing skills to get through it—just some common sense. The paths are steep and tight, so you’ll use your hands and feet to move up. Still, it’s not as scary as it sounds!
Death Rates on the Barranco Wall
While Kilimanjaro sees about 10 deaths a year, none have happened on the Barranco Wall. The real challenge on this mountain is altitude sickness, not this section. So, the wall itself hasn’t caused any recorded accidents.
The Kissing Rock on the Barranco Wall
There’s a spot on the trail called the Kissing Rock or Hugging Wall. It’s super narrow, so you have to press yourself flat against the rock to avoid a big drop. It’s not hard, but it can feel a little spooky. Some climbers even give the wall a quick kiss as they go by!
How Long Does It Take to Climb the Barranco Wall?
If your hiking route includes the Barranco Wall, it’ll take about four days to get there. Once you’re at the wall, climbing it takes 1-2 hours. The path is so slim that everyone has to go single file, one behind the other.
Health Requirements
To climb Kilimanjaro—or any mountain—you need to be pretty healthy. The Barranco Wall isn’t as tough on your body as reaching the top, but it can still be tricky. If you’re scared of heights or tight spaces, you might find it uncomfortable.
Is the Volcano Still Active?
You don’t need to worry much about the volcano erupting while you’re climbing. It’s been quiet for hundreds of years. The last time it showed any signs of life was 200 years ago. Dormant volcanoes can wake up, but it’s super rare. (Check out more on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Kilimanjaro)
The Barranco Wall is a special part of the Kilimanjaro adventure. It’s not the most dangerous or the hardest, but it’s got its own charm with tight paths, cool views, and a fun story about kissing a rock. Whether you’re after the thrill or the scenery, it’s a climb worth doing!
The Barranco Wall is a special part of the Kilimanjaro adventure. It’s not the most dangerous or the hardest, but it’s got its own charm with tight paths, cool views, and a fun story about kissing a rock. Whether you’re after the thrill or the scenery, it’s a climb worth doing!