Kilimanjaro: Grom & Team Ascend the Great Barranco Wall
Friday, September 13, 2024 - 8:03 am PT
Hello again everyone,
We had a slower start today to allow the many porters get a jump start on the route and ever narrowing trail.
Right out of camp we were faced with the only significant technical obstacle for this climb. This hurdle is the great Barranco Wall, which rises about 1,000' and looks as intimidating as it sounds. Thankfully there is a nice narrow trail that weaves its way up and through the wall and all the way to the top. Most of it feels more like steep hiking, but there are a few places that require the use of our hands to help us climb up.
The team did a great job of moving steady and allowing a few porters through with their loads precariously balanced on their heads. Which was astonishing to see, especially at this altitude.
After reaching the top we took a nice break and enjoyed the spectacular view of the upper mountain, since there was scarcely a cloud in the sky. The team continued our hike for a few more hours up and down through a few valleys before reaching camp.
All in all, it took only about four hours for us to reach our next camp called Karanga, named for the big and beautiful valley which it overlooks.
Spirits are high and there have been few complaints from this tough crew, even though it’s been more dry and dusty than we’d like!
RMI Guide Casey Grom and the Kili
