Base To Summit: Overview Of The Kilimanjaro Camps

When planning your Kilimanjaro hike, you probably want to know about the camps you stay at en route. Save for the Marangu route, every route offers camping accommodation.

Depending on the trail and itinerary you take to the summit, there will be different camps you stay at.

Let’s look at these in more detail.

Overview of Kilimanjaro Camps by Route

Kilimanjaro’s network of camps is carefully scattered across the various routes. The camps offer various facilities and can accommodate a certain number of hikers. Here, we’ll list out the camps according to the route they’re found on.

Machame Route

Skyhook offers a 6-day Machame trek and a 7-day Machame trek. Depending on which itinerary you book, you will stay at some of the following camps:

Machame Camp (3,021m)
Shira 2 Camp (3,830m)
Barranco Camp (3,972m)
Karanga Camp (3,963m)
Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Millenium Camp (3,790m)

Lemosho Route

Next up is the Lemosho route.

Skyhook offers two Lemosho treks: a 7-day trip and an 8-day trip. As you hike up the mountain and enjoy superb views all around, these are the camps you will rest at:

Big Tree (also known as Mti Mbukwa) Camp (2,780m)
Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Shira 2 Camp (3,900m)
Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Karanga Camp (3,963m)
Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Millenium Camp (3,790m)

Rongai Route

If you choose the Kilimanjaro Rongai route, you will rest at these campsites:

Simba Camp (2,625m)
Second Cave Camp (3,480m)
Kikelewa Camp (3,630m)
Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,310m)
Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Marangu Route

Unlike the other routes, accommodation on the Marangu route is in huts and not camping. The huts you overnight at include:

Mandara Hut (2,700m)
Horombo Hut (3,700m)
Kibo Hut (4,700m)

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Northern Circuit Route

The Northern Circuit on Kilimanjaro uses the following camps:

Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp (2,780m)
Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Shira 2 Camp (3,900m)
Moir Hut Camp (4,200m)
Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
Third Cave Camp (3,800m)
School Hut Camp (4,800m)
Millenium Camp (3,790m)

Umbwe Route

The Kilimanjaro Umbwe route stops over at these camps:

Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m)
Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Karanga Camp (3,963m)
Barafu Camp (4,670m)
Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Other High Camps on Kilimanjaro

Although Skyhook’s Kilimanjaro treks don’t overnight at these camps, you might stop at them for a rest on the way.

Lava Tower Camp

This camp is approximately 4,600 metres above sea level.

As the name suggests, the Lava Tower Camp is located next to the iconic Lava Tower. If you’re trekking the Lemosho route, Northern Circuit, Shira route, or Machame route, you’ll cross paths with Lava Camp.

It’s located approximately two hours from the Arrow glacier and sits at the foot of the tallest peak on Kilimanjaro, the Kibo summit.

Arrow Glacier Camp

The Arrow Glacier Camp is located at approximately 4,907 metres.

It's often used as a stopping point to acclimatise for Uhuru Peak. You only spend a short time here to adjust to the high altitude.

The campsite is exposed, and weather conditions can be harsh. Expect very low temperatures, strong winds, and the potential for snow or ice. It goes without saying - you need to pack adequate Kilimanjaro hiking gear to enjoy the higher camps.

Crater Camp

Crater Camp is the highest camp on the mountain, situated at about 5,731 metres above sea level. It is located within the Kibo crater.

The camp offers a unique perspective of the mountain's volcanic formations - and a rare opportunity to explore the crater and its features, including the Ash Pit and Reusch Crater.

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What to Expect at Kilimanjaro Camps?

The experience of staying in the Kilimanjaro camps is an integral part of the adventure. It contributes to the unique charm of the Kilimanjaro climb.

Here's what you can expect:

Accommodations: Your porter crew will set up your tents at each campsite you stop at. If you’re on the Marangu route, the huts have bunk beds in dorm-style rooms.
Mess tent/dining facilities: Again, the team will set up a larger tent called a mess tent where you can take your tea and meals each day. It’s also a place where the group gets together to chat and discuss the day’s adventures. All your meals are prepared by your crew, who prepares hearty food that will carry you to the top of the mountain.
Basic restrooms: The loos on Kilimanjaro are very basic. At each campsite, there are permanent structures where you’ll find public long-drop/pit toilets. National Parks does their best to maintain these, but it’s not easy. Most of the loos don’t have doors (they are walk-around entrances), and none have flushing water. You can book a private toilet for the group through the tour operator, and this will give you access to a Porta Loo for just your group on your trek.
Water sources: Most camps have a nearby water source where the crew will get water for cooking, drinking, and washing up.
Stunning views: Kilimanjaro camps are strategically positioned to offer captivating views of the mountain's diverse landscapes, from dense rainforests to the rocky alpine zones. These vistas provide a sense of the natural wonder you're immersed in.
Space to rest: It’s so important to allow your body time to rest and acclimatise while on the trek. Most days, you’ll arrive at camp in the afternoon with some time before dinner. Take it easy, read a book, listen to some music, take off your shoes–all of these things are important for ensuring you’re in shape to carry on to the summit.
Social atmosphere: The camps foster a communal atmosphere where trekkers share their experiences and challenges. It's an opportunity to forge new friendships and bond with fellow adventurers.

Tips to Make Your Kilimanjaro Camp Stay and Hike Great

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, including while at camp, to combat the effects of high altitude. Staying well-hydrated helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness and keeps you energised.
Stay warm: Kilimanjaro can get quite cold, especially at night. Keep layered up and protect yourself from the elements to keep energised and help your body acclimatise.
Rest and listen to your body: Use camp stays as an opportunity to rest and recover. Listen to your body, and if you're feeling tired or unwell, don't hesitate to communicate this with your guides and rest if needed.
Socialise: Kilimanjaro attracts trekkers from around the world. Engage with fellow climbers during your camp stays. Sharing stories, experiences, and encouragement can be incredibly motivating and enjoyable.
Photograph memories: The camps provide some of the most stunning views and landscapes of your entire journey. Don't forget to capture these moments to cherish later.
Explore surroundings: Depending on the camp's location, you might have opportunities to explore the nearby terrain. Take short walks to enjoy the local flora and fauna, or relish the panoramic vistas.
Optimise nutrition: Take advantage of the hearty meals our crews provide at the camps. These meals are designed to replenish your energy and keep you strong. Make sure to eat all meals and consume enough calories to fuel your body.
Engage with your guiding team: Your guides, porters, and support crew have a wealth of knowledge about Kilimanjaro. So ask them questions, learn about the mountain's history and culture, and build a rapport with your team. Their expertise can enhance your experience.
Respect the environment: Remember to respect the environment and follow "Leave No Trace" principles. Adhering to responsible trekking practices ensures the mountain's beauty for generations to come.