At 3,950m high, Barranco is a busy camp. Climbers using the Machame trail meet up with those on the Lemosho route and pass their coldest night since their departure.
For the first time during my trip to Tanzania and since I began my climb of Kilimanjaro, I saw the first signs of altitude sickness in some hikers.Headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, puffy faces, insomnia - but nothing fatal. As for me, I felt fine.
Once you've pitched your tent on this lunar landcape, you may catch a glimpse of a snow leopard. The guides will tell that they roam the area...But even more menancing is the steep Barranco Wall opposite the camp. It looks insurmountable. Passing by the Kissing Rock is an inspiring ritual; cling to the rockface and kiss the stone without worrying about the sheer drop behind you. Got passed this point? Then let out a big sigh, the rest of the climb is just a formality.