The truth about the Barranco Wall (The kissing Rock) on Mount Kilimanjaro trekking is you should be prepared but not concerned. A lot of people have fears when it comes to the Barranco Wall. However, the truth about the Barranco wall is that 95% of this infamous place on Kilimanjaro is just slow walking. There are just a couple of scrambling sections on the lower and upper most part of the wall. They do not require any technical experience, just a bit of extra focus, good balance and core stability. You should not be afraid of this exciting and and special section of your Kilimanjaro climb.
Barranco Wall is a steep ridge roughly halfway up Mount Kilimanjaro. It lies at the southern base of Kilimanjaro’s main peak, Kibo. This imposing feature of the famous mountain formed long ago when Kilimanjaro was still an active volcano.
The highest mountain in Africa should offer climbers some challenges fitting for an adventurous climb. And often Barranco Wall is just that kind of moderate challenge. Our Kilimanjaro guides led thousands of clients climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to hike up the Baranco Wall. Here we will share everything you need to know about it.
From afar, Barranco Wall certainly looks like a steep mountainside climb. Some think that 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.
Is Barranco Wall dangerous?
For some reason, climbing the Barranco Wall has been given the reputation of being a dangerous part of Kilimanjaro trek. A quick internet search even reveals some calling it the “Terrifying Barranco Wall” or even the “Death Wall”.
Such rumors and clickbait titles often scare potential climbers. So we would like to remind all adventurers looking to climb Kilimanjaro that many prefer to call Barranco “Breakfast Wall”. Now, that’s not intimidating at all, right? In fact, Barranco Wall does not require any technical climbing skills and is not nearly as dangerous as the rumor goes.
Climbing the Barranco Wall is a challenge and requires persistence and focus. But you don’t need specialized gear or even to be exceptionally fit. Instead, slow and steady is the way to successfully scaling Barranco Wall.
And as with all challenges, there is a special feeling of elation and pride when climbers reach the top and are awarded with a truly magnificent view.
Death rate on Barranco Wall
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 Wall dangerous” remains the same. It really isn’t if you climb with a trustworthy Kilimanjaro operator.
Where is Barranco Wall located on Mount Kilimanjaro?
It sits on the southern slope of Mt Kilimanjaro. You will face Barranco Wall when climbing via one of the following Kilimanjaro routes: Lemosho, Machame or Umwbe. It lies on the way from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp.
For those with a fear of heights, we recognize that climbing 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 complete strangers shouting encouragements. 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 Barranco Wall.
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 Barranco Wall.
There are other routes to reach Kilimanjaro Summit that do not pass Barranco Wall. 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!
