Barranco Wall

Does the Barranco Wall of Mount Kilimanjaro provide a risk or challenge? The whole manual.

Barranco Wall is a high slope located around halfway up Mount Kilimanjaro. It is located near the southern base of Kilimanjaro’s main summit, Kibo. This towering feature of the iconic mountain originated many years ago when Kilimanjaro was still an active volcano.

The tallest peak in Africa should present climbers with obstacles worthy of an exciting ascent. Barranco Wall is frequently precisely that type of little obstacle. Thousands of guests were escorted by our Kilimanjaro guides to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and go along the Barranco Wall. We will cover anything you require to know about it here.

From afar, Barranco certainly looks like a steep mountainside climb. Some think it needs to be scaled or climbed with special equipment or technical climbing skills. But don’t worry! As you trek closer you will see there is a stair-like path zigzagging up the steep wall.

Barranco Wall rises from the Barranco Valley to a height of 257 meters (843 feet).

You may easily hike the majority of the trek’s standard track. In certain areas, however, hikers must “scramble” by using their arms and possibly their knees. Alternatively, if the small path winds between big rocks or boulders, use a little extra caution while placing your feet. Consider it a form of workout for the morning. You won’t need trekking poles for this.

Barranco is a unique and exciting challenge. Travellers aiming to climb Mt Kilimanjaro will face the wall on day three or four. This depends on the length of your hike along Machame, Umbwe or Lemosho Treks.

Is Barranco Wall dangerous?

For some reason, climbing the Barranco Wall has been given the reputation of being a dangerous part of the Kilimanjaro trek. A quick internet search even reveals some calling it the “Terrifying Barranco Wall” or even the “Death Wall”.

Such hearsay and eye-catching headlines sometimes frighten prospective climbers. Thus, we would want to let everyone interested in climbing Kilimanjaro know that Barranco is often called the “Breakfast Wall” by many. That doesn’t seem that frightening, does it? The Barranco Wall doesn’t need technical climbing skills, and it’s not nearly as dangerous as the rumours say.
The Barranco Wall is difficult to climb and demands concentration and perseverance. However, you don’t even need to be fit or have any specialist equipment. Instead, the secret to climbing the Barranco effectively is to go slowly and steadily.
As with any obstacles, climbers get a unique sense of joy and satisfaction when reaching the summit and receiving an incredibly breathtaking

The death rate in Barranco

There are about 5 climber deaths reported on Kilimanjaro every year (which is a lower percentage compared to most high-altitude mountains). However, no official reports of deaths were associated with the Barranco Wall.

So the definitive answer to the question “Is Barranco dangerous” remains the same. It isn’t if you climb with a trustworthy Kilimanjaro operator.

For those with a fear of heights, we recognize that climbing the Barranco Wall may be an added emotional or mental challenge. And we encourage trekkers to chat with their guide if they are feeling exceptionally nervous.

This part of the trek is unique in that various climbing teams converge together and climb the steeply sloped Barranco Wall at the same time. Often, a feeling of camaraderie builds up and climbers may find strangers shouting encouragement. Or their team bonds in a special way as they face the rocky slopes of the Great Barranco Wall together. Sometimes, groups have a giant multi-group photo to commemorate the new friends they made while climbing the Barranco.

If the prospect of Barranco Wall discourages you, there are always alternatives. Just choose a different route up Kilimanjaro! No need to give up your dream of climbing Kilimanjaro over the challenge of the Barranco Wall.

There are other routes to reach Kilimanjaro Summit that do not pass the Barranco. As it is, Barranco Wall is often considered one of the highlights of the climb by many people who climbed Kilimanjaro. Yes, right up there with reaching the summit!

In addition to that, the routes with the best acclimatization profiles – Lemosho and Machame – traverse the Wall. It is not as challenging as it might look at first sight. We unreservedly recommend everyone to visit this iconic spot on Mount Kilimanjaro!

How high is the Barranco Wall?

Barranco Wall is 257 meters or 847 feet high (from the base to the final point).

The Barranco looks formidable, but, as we said above, it is doable. And our highly experienced guiding team is always there to ensure safety and support you in every way. We at Masatu Tours haven’t had a single situation when a climber turned back because of the Wall. And most of our travellers are ordinary people with zero athletic background.

What is the Barranco Wall elevation?

The Barranco Wall starts at an elevation of 3977 meters and ends at 4202 meters. After that, the trail continues on much less steep ground.

Which of the seven Kilimanjaro routes go via the Barranco?

The routes that climb the Barranco on either day three or day four of the trek are the Lemosho route, Machame and the more challenging Umbwe Route.

Masatu Tours recommends the Lemosho and Machame Routes. Lemosho for a quiet, scenic hike, and Machame as the popular “Whiskey Route”.

Which routes do not climb the Barranco Wall?

Trekking up Barranco Wall towards Kilimanjaro

View from Barranco Camp

If you’re interested in avoiding Barranco Wall altogether, there are other options. You can choose from the  Marangu or Rongai routes that do not go via the wall.

The Marangu Route is one of the busiest routes on Kilimanjaro. So we at Masatu Tours highly recommend the Rongai routes.

Which routes descend via the Barranco?

No route on Kilimanjaro descends the mountain via the Barranco Wall.

Almost all routes descend Kilimanjaro by a different trail than the ascent. Except the Marangu Route, which descends along the same trail. In this way, no route descends by the Barranco Wall. So teams will never need to climb down the Barranco – only up.

What is the Kissing Wall or Hugging Wall?

The “Kissing Wall” aka the “Hugging Wall” is a narrow portion of the trek on Barranco. It requires hikers to be very close to the wall as they slowly move forward. Some call it “hugging” the wall, others jokingly call it “kissing” the wall. Because of how physically close, even intimate, climbers should be to the “kissing rock” to safely pass through. Hence, the name Kissing Wall has stuck. And some climbers do kiss the wall as they go. Either in gratitude for safe passage, for luck, or just in pure fun and a great photo opportunity during the climb of the Barranco.

Tips for Climbing Kilimanjaro via Barranco Wall

We have prepared several tips for you to keep in mind to easily climb the Barranco:

What is the best time to climb the Barranco?

Barranco Wall is part of the Lemosho, Machame and Umbwe routes. Usually, we recommend choosing the dry seasons (from late December to early March and early June to late September) to plan your adventure.

Consider the Marangu or Rongai route if you plan to climb Kilimanjaro in April, May, October or November.

How long will it take to climb the Barranco?

For most hikers climbing the Barranco wall takes only one to two hours. It’s still a challenge, but don’t let anyone scare you by saying that Barranco is a dangerous part of the Mt Kilimanjaro hike. Moreover, just 600 meters from the Barranco camp there is a helicopter evacuation point. That makes the location of Barranco safer than many other remote parts of the mountain.

What else is interesting about Barranco?

Magnificent dendrosenecio Kilimanjaro will greet you near the base of the wall. Once you reach the top of the Barranco Wall, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Barranco Valley, Kibo volcano, and the distant Mount Meru.