Barranco camp (3900m)

Barranco Camp (3,900m) is one of the most scenic and unforgettable stops on the Machame Route, set beneath the towering, dramatic face of the Barranco Wall and surrounded by unique groves of giant senecios and lobelias. Most climbers reach this camp after a challenging trek from Shira Cave Camp that includes a detour up to the Lava Tower (around 4,600m) before descending back down, a classic "climb high, sleep low" strategy that helps the body acclimatize more effectively to the altitude. Nestled in a striking valley with clear views of Kibo's glaciers and the imposing wall ahead, Barranco Camp is often filled with a buzz of anticipation the night before, as climbers rest up and mentally prepare for the next morning's exciting, hands-on scramble up the wall, one of the trek's most memorable and talked-about sections.