Barranco Wall Camp(3900M) – Karanga Camp(3950M)

Today’s walk was a little under 5km, and the overall gain in height from start to finish was small. Despite the short distance and small height gain, the walk was challenging. There were several sections where scrambling and clinging to the rocks were required. The route also contained two intermediate peaks and had three climbs. The overall vertical distance climbed today was 850 meters.

The coffee arrived at 6.00 and we set off at 6.45 for the 4 3/4-hour walk. When we topped the second hill, the final scramble came into view. It looked horrible, with a stream of ants walking up through the rocks. I took pity on the water harvesters because they had to descend further to the clean stream, and then return up the path carrying the water.

The number of people staying in the campsites is now far more than when we started the trek. From the Barranco Wall Camp there are additional routes up the mountain, direct from Moshi. These routes brought additional trekkers to the campsites. There are a great mix of climbers, some dressed in traditional costumes from their country. We debated whether they were Swiss, German or Austrian. Another small Asante group were climbing and accompanying us. One of the men worked 3 months a year as an electrician and spent the rest of the year travelling. In the same group was a 22-year-old woman who was the daughter of the owner of the Weru Weru River lodge.

On arrival we had lunch of fried chicken and chips. Managed to eat more than normal, but it all had to be washed down with water.

Our route to Karanga Camp