Introduction to Mount Kilimanjaro
One of the seven summits of the world, Mount Kilimanjaro, demands no justification as ink from bird feathers has dribbled its praise for centuries. A wishlist, a checkbox situated in the foothills of Tanzania, Africa shares a variety of vibrant natural habitats and epic landscapes. These days, trekking has become a marvelous adventure sport, and a way away from the chaos of the worldly eclipse and trekking, Kilimanjaro sits on the top of them.
While climbing Kilimanjaro has many highlights and memorable moments, climbing the Barranco Wall on Mount Kilimanjaro is the most spoken about. The Barronca Wall is among the toughest and most challenging climbs of the whole trek. This is the naturally built barrier on the southern slope of the mountain and is full of ecstatic hormones and adventures, which bring a sense of victory and achievement.
This wall is the most memorable part of the whole trek because of the stiff climb in the narrow path of the wall to cross over and incarnate. One can count their breath as pure oxygen hits the left and right brain and feel the lost connection with nature that one had in their childhood.
The walk to this wall starts just after breakfast, which pushes the trekkers out of their relaxed pace. Hence the name “breakfast wall.” Once you reach the top after a long struggle, the view is not only speechless but speechful. You can hear your own voice in your ears, which is lost in the honking of the city; you can hear your own heartbeat, which is suppressed by the many liabilities of world affairs; and most of all, you can view the world as God created it, ‘the God’s plan,’ as many call it.
Mount Kilimanjaro’s : Barranco Wall?
The Barranco Wall is the toughest climb of Mount Kilimanjaro. This is the rocky and steep cliff climb ascending slightly, about 257 meters from the valley of Barranco to the valley of Karanga. This climb is not a technical one but can be referred to as the scrambling and crawling with hands and feet.
The wall is situated at the south base of the Kibo, between the Barranco campsite and the Karange campsite. This can be accessed by the Shira, Machame, Lemosho and Umbwe routes for Mount Kilimanjaro.
Challenges and Difficulties in Crossing the Barranco Wall
The challenges or difficulties crossing the Barranco Wall are all dependent upon one’s ability and agility. At the height of 847 feet, this rocky climb and steep terrain make it look unbearable.
- Firstly, its steep ascent and the narrow path to the Barranco Wall make the route look dangerous. Stone, hard rocks and boulders add spice, slipperiness and complication to the route.
- Secondly, this is not seen as a technical climb but rather just sticking like a lizard to the wall and crossing with baby steps. Move very slowly and steadily and scramble on the rocks with free hands and feet. All you need to do is manage yourself and crawl and yes, listen to all the instructions from the guides.
- The entire journey needs strategies along with physical and mental preparations. Every step presents a surprise with a new puzzle. So keep yourself fit and strong.
The Barranco Wall is sometimes also referred to as the Death Wall. Due to the challenging part of climbing the wall, myths sometimes make the trekker more fearful while crossing. Yes, there are some perceptions of death according to different websites but till date no such incident has been officially recorded.
What Kind of Physical Activities Can Help?
To summit Mount Kilimanjaro one definitely needs to be in good shape. There are lots of physical activities that can help you to become strong and strengthen your overall metabolism. Daily HIIT exercises and some physical training will help you build your endurance and stamina. However, it’s also important that you work on your core, balancing and overall mobility, especially with respect to the Barronco wall. A few exercises that can be done on an everyday basis are:
- Lower Body and Upper Body Exercises: Includes squats and lunges that help your lower body and pushups/pullups and bodyweight rows will help your upper body to strengthen.
- Core Exercises: This includes planks and twists, which will help your core and will enhance your stability on slippery and edgy sections. This will help you also boost your confidence while on the wall.
- Cardiovascular exercises: The mountain climbers and burpees will activate your cardiovascular agility.
A bonus tip would be to practice yoga, particularly breathing exercise and some scrambling, crawling, and bouldering. Some enjoy the journey, some enjoy the destination, but one who does prepare enjoys both . Lastly, along with all the physical strength, be mentally prepared. Metal preparation goes a long way in ensuring that you keep a positive approach throughout. Read blogs and people’s experiences; listen and not just hear your guides, to nourish and nurture your mental preparedness.
Terrain and Duration
The time spent to cross the wall is just one-two hours. But again, this depends upon the person and the group size. It covers a distance of 600 meters from the Barranco Campsite and it looks sizzling at first glance with the slippery terrain and rocks. Try to avoid treks in the rainy season.
The Machame, Lemosho and Umbwe routes that offer the Barranco Wall are likely to be recommended in the months from January to March and July to September. Both seasons offer distinct views from Barranco Valley, the Barranco Wall and the Karanga Valley. The view from the top of the valleys towards the forests looks like miniature models with moving animals.
The Excitement of Climbing the Wall
The excitement of climbing the wall is just part of the adventure. From day one, planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro till the day of execution makes adrenaline rush throughout the body. Starting from day 1 till you reach the wall, you cannot believe until you experience it for yourself. The trek leader and guides are always with you on the whole way to support you and guide you. Although there could be a language barrier, the trust built between the guides and the trekkers stays hard coded in the memory.
This may sound funny but it is said that Barranco Wall is incomplete without kissing and hugging the wall. As a trekker, he needs to stick to the wall like a lizard with no air in between and more pole-poles. This intimate scene between them is regarded as kissing and hugging. This also shares good luck with the trekker. Never miss a photograph while kissing the wall. This will always remind you of your bravery and days of thrilling adventure.
Which route reaches and is inaccessible to Barranco Wall?
The Barranco Wall is climbed on the third or fourth day, depending upon which trek route you choose. Most trekkers choose Machame or the Lemosho route, which is popular among all and Umbwe becomes more difficult.
| Reaches Barranco Wall | Inaccessible to Barranco Wall |
| Lemosho | Northern Circuit |
| Machame | Marangu |
| Umbwe | Rongai |
Few people try to avoid the wall due to the fear of height and the cooked stories they already heard off. Then they can go for the rest of the other three routes, which completely avoid the Barranco Wall. While descending, none of the routes come back to the wall, so take a deep breath to decide on that.
The Thrill of Accomplishment
The thrilling adventure to Mount Kilimanjaro becomes actually thrilling once you complete the Barranco Wall. The achievement to reach the top and the beauty of the landscape co-define each other. Cherishing the evening sunset with a cup of coffee and some local snacks multiplies the view. Now the mesmerising view you have read and seen in the videos becomes much more relatable.
Chances of Accidents on the Wall
The safety measure that is to be taken care of for the Barranco Wall section is always to listen to the golden instructions of the guides. Listen and digest every word they say; do not be oversmart or create unnecessary tension in the atmosphere. A calm mind will help you much more and also those around you. Do not help others until you reach a safe place. Make a good selection of your trekking shoes that support your feet and lower body. Maintain focus on the route marked, and do not take any shortcuts. Things you do out of the way will lead to mishap. There are no such accidents reported in the Barranco Wall, all thanks to the experienced guides. People who have a fear of heights should take more precautions beforehand.
Conclusion
Lastly, we highly recommend one should witness Mount Kilimanjaro through the gateway of Barranco Wall as a fine, slow-aging wine. If you have the right team to support you this experience will be thrilling but also very safe. It’s important that you trust the operator that you are climbing with.
Enjoy the Kibo Volcano, which is still dormant and the distant Mount Meru.
The entire journey narrates as a fairy tale episode of your life diary to be narrated as bedtime stories to your grandchildren.
Blog Credits – Nabamita Choudhury
