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KILIMANJARO - 2009 - DAY 10FEBRUARY 23 The Baranco Camp is situated on the edge of a slope facing the Town of Moshi. The camp is at an altitude of 3,870 m (12,700 ft) and the town is located 3,000 m (9,842 ft) below. I get up early in the morning to film a spectacular sunrise. Unfortunately, we are on the south side of Kilimanjaro and the mountain stays in its own shadow. It is time to face the Baranco Wall. We descend to the bottom of the valley and watch other trekkers slowly rising up the wall. I have never seen that many people hiking on the same trail. The Baranco Wall is about 150 m (500 ft) tall. The trail is quite steep and meanders among large boulders. It is not difficult, except for a few places where we have to step from one big boulder to another with a sheer drop off to one side.
The final step requires a bit of scrambling up some large slabs with minimal steps and handholds. A strong hand of our guide helps to overcome the fear of sliding back. The slabs are rough and create enough friction to maintain a solid footing. At the top of the Baranco Wall, the trail levels off and follows the contour of the slope for most of the day. Later on, we drop in to a small gully and climb up to a ridge on the other side. A large variety of plants and shrubs grow by the side of the trail. A giant Lobelia, with its tropical look, appears to be out of place.
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