Descending to Barranco Camp (3,960 meters / 12,992 feet): After spending some time at Lava Tower, you'll descend to Barranco Camp. The descent from Lava Tower to Barranco Camp usually takes around 2-3 hours. This section of the hike is steep and rocky, and you'll need to navigate some challenging terrain. The Barranco Camp is located in a beautiful valley surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation. It's warmer here compared to Lava Tower, but temperatures can still drop significantly at night.
Amenities at Barranco Camp: Barranco Camp is a fully equipped camp with tents, a dining area, and toilet facilities. While it provides more comfort than Lava Tower, it's still a basic campsite with no luxury amenities.
Weather: Weather conditions in this section can be unpredictable. Daytime temperatures at Lava Tower may hover around freezing or just above, while nighttime temperatures can drop well below freezing. Barranco Camp is slightly warmer, but you should still be prepared for cold nights and potentially rainy or cloudy weather.
Altitude and Difficulty: The Machame Route is a challenging climb, and this section is no exception. The altitude gain from Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower is substantial, and the descent to Barranco Camp involves navigating steep and rocky terrain. It's physically demanding, and the altitude can make it even more challenging. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and a slow and steady pace are essential.
Flora and Fauna: The flora in this zone consists of hardy plants like lichens, mosses, and low shrubs due to the harsh conditions. At Barranco Camp, you'll encounter more lush vegetation, including senecio trees and other alpine plants. There isn't much fauna in these higher altitudes, but you might spot some birds like ravens and eagles.