Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3,950 meters above sea level
Barranco Camp is a resting spot for climbers tackling Mount Kilimanjaro through Lemosho that is used on the fourth day of hiking using any of the two Lemosho Route variations. It sits right at the bottom of the Barranco Wall, a steep ridge you’ll climb later. This camp is only used on the way up to the summit—when you come down, you’ll take a different path.
There are no cabins or huts at Barranco Camp, so everyone has to bring their own tents. Usually, the porters carry these for you. The only buildings you’ll see are a Ranger’s hut on the northern side, close to the Barranco Wall, and a small structure in the middle of the camp with water toilets, which is a bit fancier than the usual pit latrines.
Location & Weather
Barranco Camp is south of the Kibo volcanic cone, tucked at the edge of the moorland zone on Kilimanjaro. It’s just before the land turns into the alpine desert, and it’s not far from a valley. Because it’s not quite in the desert yet, the area gets enough rain and moisture to support some plants and animals. You might spot a few if you’re lucky. The camp is protected from strong winds thanks to its spot in the Karanga Valley. The Barranco Wall is to the east, a hill rises to the west, the valley stretches south, and Kibo looms north.
The next stop and camp ground after Barranco Camp is Karanga Camp.
What It’s Like on the Lemosho Route
On the trek, Barranco Camp comes after a journey from Moir Hut and Lava Tower. Starting from the Shira Plateau, you head east up a ridge, passing a turn-off toward Kibo. Then the path swings southeast to Lava Tower, nicknamed “Shark’s Tooth.” After that, you reach another junction that takes you up to Arrow Glacier at a higher point before dropping down to Barranco Camp at 13,000 feet. The trip covers 7 kilometers and takes about 4 to 6 hours through a semi-desert area. You end up at the same height you started, but this stretch helps your body adjust to the altitude for the summit push later.
From Barranco Camp, the next part depends on your trip length. On an 8-day Lemosho trek, you go to Karanga Camp, climbing over the Barranco Wall and into the alpine desert. It’s a shorter 5-kilometer walk, taking 4 to 5 hours, and the height barely changes, ending at 13,100 feet. This day is all about getting used to the thin air. On a 7-day trek, you push from Barranco to Karanga and then straight on to Barafu Camp in one go. That’s 9 kilometers and 8 to 10 hours, climbing to 15,000 feet. You’ll finish the South Circuit, seeing the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo from different angles, and settle in to rest before the summit climb.
Barranco Camp is a peaceful, sheltered spot with just enough life around it to feel alive, but it’s still high and rugged—a perfect place to catch your breath before the tougher days ahead.