Kilimanjaro: An evening at Barranco Camp

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We left Lava Tower after a filling lunch and had a two-hour walk down from 15,190 feet (4629 m) to Barranco Camp at 12,960 feet (3950 m) where we would spent the night. From every angle, the summit of Kilimanjaro loomed reminding me of how much work I’d done and how much more remained.

Almost instantly, the landscape began to dramatically change from black volcanic rock to high alpine desert land. What amazed me the most about this part of the hike were the amazing trees and scrubs, some of which are endemic to Kilimanjaro and are magnificent.

The hike down was rocky and steep yet truly surreal. We stopped many times along the way to take pictures of the amazing views and highly unusual and exotic plants and scrubs. After several days on the mountain, it still astounded me how different it was the further we went up.

Stopping along the way to take many photos of the amazing landscape

The Senecio Kilimanjaro and the Lobelia decKenii are two types of trees found along the path to Barranco Camp. The plants first appeared on the slopes of Kilimanjaro over one million years ago and are perhaps the most unusual trees I’d ever seen.

Lining the trail were dozens of Senecio Kilimanjaro that grow to over 16 feet (5 m tall). Very unusual and unexpected trees!

View of Kilimanjaro Summit with a Lobelia decennia in front

It looks like a giant pineapple!

It was only my third day on the mountain, sleeping in a tent without a shower or any luxuries of home. Yet I felt more alive than I had in months. I was in my element, doing what I love and on one of the most sensational places on earth.

I loved all the different views of the summit and how the clouds and light enhanced the mood. I wondered what it would be like up on top and how I’d feel. Would I make it there without feeling sick? How cold would it be? What would it be like to be on top of Africa’s highest peak?

Our group heading down the trail.

Finally as afternoon begins to fade, we approached Barranco Camp and there is never anything more welcoming than the first sight of the camp in the distance telling us we are soon about to arrive. My legs felt great and I still had energy. But I couldn’t wait to take off my hiking boots and let my swollen feet relax and breathe.

Almost there! We pass the Park Ranger’s office en route to the camp.

Once again the views at Barranco Camp are stunning and equally as gorgeous as the night before at Shira Camp. I was pleasantly surprised that there could be another place as lovely as the night before.

Me and one of our guides arriving at Barranco Camp.

I sat outside and took pictures of the lowering sun. The light cast a golden hue over the summit and the clouds became alive with brilliance and danced in the changing light.

The next day would be short but intense. We would set out to climb over the Barranco Wall and head to our next camp, Karanga at 13,780 feet. The hike would only take about three hours but it would be strenuous.

 

27 thoughts on “Kilimanjaro: An evening at Barranco Camp”

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed the photos! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  2. Stephen Kelly Creative – San Francisco, CA, USA – Hi, I'm Stephen Kelly, a writer, editor, photographer and graphic designer living in beautiful San Francisco, CA, USA. Amongst the things I love are writing, photography, movies, music, fitness, travel, Batman, all things Australian, food and fun, all of which I hope to reflect in this here blog. Welcome aboard ... now let's get busy!
    Stephen Kelly Creative on said:

    Wow! What an incredible adventure. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed!

      Reply ↓
  3. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    Wow those trees are surreal! Thanks for taking me along on this journey. I can imagine myself in that camp. Gorgeous photos.
    Alison

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Alison! I have never seen anything like these trees before. They were quite a magical surprise!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sue!

      Reply ↓
  5. wwwpalfitness – Hello my name is Paul and I used to write quite often and I missed it, so I decided to start this blog. I plan on publishing on Kindle with some of my specific writings. I am a bit of a wiseguy, have a mouth on me but I do curb my language in my writing but comments are another thing. My writing material is also quite varied. I hope you enjoy my posts. I am a long island based personal trainer and coach with over 25 years of experience. I have been a multiple time County Champ in various events, a State Champion and All American in both High School and College. I have also had injuries that have aided me in understanding how to train myself and others and have helped 1000s of clients attain and surpass their goals. I had my first certification in 1989 and my most recent is with ACSM. I work with people from all walks of life, ages, fitness goals and needs. <!-- Put this code anywhere in the body of your page where you want the badge to show up. --> <a href="https://www.fiverr.com/paul1mc" rel="nofollow"> paul1mc Fiverr Seller Hello my name is Paul McAleavey and I live in New York, specifically and sadly Suffolk County but not much longer. I am a Word press blogger, help create websites, I do marketing and SEO. My blogging is fairly frequent and I am very diligent in getting my work done quickly and efficiently. Paul </a>
    wwwpalfitness on said:

    Great shots. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed!

      Reply ↓
      • wwwpalfitness – Hello my name is Paul and I used to write quite often and I missed it, so I decided to start this blog. I plan on publishing on Kindle with some of my specific writings. I am a bit of a wiseguy, have a mouth on me but I do curb my language in my writing but comments are another thing. My writing material is also quite varied. I hope you enjoy my posts. I am a long island based personal trainer and coach with over 25 years of experience. I have been a multiple time County Champ in various events, a State Champion and All American in both High School and College. I have also had injuries that have aided me in understanding how to train myself and others and have helped 1000s of clients attain and surpass their goals. I had my first certification in 1989 and my most recent is with ACSM. I work with people from all walks of life, ages, fitness goals and needs. <!-- Put this code anywhere in the body of your page where you want the badge to show up. --> <a href="https://www.fiverr.com/paul1mc" rel="nofollow"> paul1mc Fiverr Seller Hello my name is Paul McAleavey and I live in New York, specifically and sadly Suffolk County but not much longer. I am a Word press blogger, help create websites, I do marketing and SEO. My blogging is fairly frequent and I am very diligent in getting my work done quickly and efficiently. Paul </a>
        wwwpalfitness on said:

        You’re welcome

  6. Those trees that look like giant pineapples are incredible. Nicole, I love reading your posts of your climb. You make me feel like I am right there with you.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much Debbie! I’m glad you are enjoying the posts!

      Reply ↓
  7. lulu – Houston, TX & Rockport, ME – I am a fiber artist with special emphasis on weaving, but I love working with threads and cloth in a variety of mediums. New ideas, new ways of connecting threads are the spice of life.
    lulu on said:

    Your Kilanmajaro adventure always intrigues me.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank Lulu!

      Reply ↓

  8. Thank you for sharing your experiences…you were able to show me things like I was actually there …

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wow thanks for the wonderful compliment!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much Amy!

      Reply ↓

  10. Such breathtaking photos and those trees are so interesting.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks LuAnn! Hope you are well! 🙂

      Reply ↓

      • I am Nicole, thanks.

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wow thank you for the nice comment! I will have to check out the NG article. Sounds interesting! I just listened to a fascinating podcast about the sept issue of NG. One of the reporters covers the ivory smuggling ring through Africa. I am going to have to read the story now as it is pretty amazing!

      Reply ↓

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    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much!

      Reply ↓

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