Kilimanjaro Campsites

Kilimanjaro Campsites sprawl across the landscape, dotted with numerous small tents housing climbers, resembling stars strewn across the ground from a distance. The norm at these campsites is sleeping under canvas, except for those traversing the Marangu Route.

With seven primary routes to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro, each boasting its own unique experience, there’s also the Mweka Route solely dedicated to descent. Kilimanjaro Campsites differ depending on the chosen route. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of these campsites categorized by route:

KILIMANJARO CAMPSITES ACCORDING ROUTES

LEMOSHO ROUTE CAMPSITESLEMOSHO ROUTE CAMPSITES

On the Lemosho Route, there are six campsites along the ascent, excluding the Mweka camp, which is experienced during the descent phase of the Lemosho route.

  1. Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters): Located on Day 1 of the Lemosho route, this camp begins at an altitude of 2,100 meters and ascends to 2,820 meters. The hike to Mti Mkubwa camp takes approximately 4 hours from the starting point.
  2. Shira Camp 1 (3,500 meters): Found on Day 2, the journey from Mti Mkubwa camp at 2,820 meters ascends to 3,500 meters. Expect a 5-hour hike from Mti Mkubwa camp to reach Shira Camp 1.
  3. Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters): Day 3 brings Shira Camp 2, with an altitude rise from 3,500 meters at Shira Camp 1 to 3,850 meters. The hike from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 typically takes around 4 hours.
  4. Barranco Camp Kilimanjaro (3,900 meters): Climbers encounter Barranco campsite on Day 4, starting from Shira Camp 2 at 3,850 meters and reaching 3,900 meters at Barranco campsite.
  5. Karanga Camp Kilimanjaro (3,960 meters): This camp appears on Day 5 and involves a short distance from Barranco campsite at 3,900 meters to 3,960 meters at Karanga campsite.
  6. Barafu Camp Kilimanjaro (4,670 meters): Day 6 introduces Barafu camp, starting from Karanga campsite at 3,960 meters and ascending to 4,670 meters. The hike typically takes up to 5 hours.

SHIRA ROUTE CAMPSITESSHIRA ROUTE CAMPSITES

The Shira Route presents a challenging trek, best suited for experienced high-altitude trekkers. Similar to the Lemosho route, it offers a demanding yet rewarding journey.

Distinguishing itself from Lemosho, the Shira Route starts at a significantly higher altitude, making it less favorable for some. Climbers may encounter altitude-related symptoms right from the first day of camp, situated at 11,800 feet above sea level. This initial altitude can pose challenges, demanding careful acclimatization and preparation from trekkers.

MACHAME ROUTE CAMPSITES

The Machame Route comprises five campsites along the ascent, excluding the Mweka camp reserved for the descent phase.

  1. Machame Camp (2,820 meters): Located on Day 1, this campsite begins at an altitude of 1,800 meters and reaches 2,820 meters. The hike from Machame Gate to Machame Camp typically takes around 5 hours.
  2. Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters): On Day 2, trekkers will encounter Shira Camp 2. Starting from Machame Camp at 2,820 meters, the trail ascends to 3,850 meters, requiring approximately 6 hours of hiking.
  3. Barranco Camp Kilimanjaro (3,900 meters): Day 3 brings Barranco Camp, with an altitude rise from 3,850 meters at Shira Camp 2 to 3,900 meters at Barranco Camp. Expect a 7-hour hike from Shira Camp 2 to reach Barranco Camp.
  4. Karanga Camp Kilimanjaro (3,960 meters): This campsite is encountered on Day 4, starting at 3,900 meters at Barranco Camp and ascending to 3,960 meters at Karanga Camp. The hike from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp typically takes around 4 hours.
  5. Barafu Camp Kilimanjaro (4,670 meters): On Day 5, trekkers will reach Barafu Camp. Beginning from Karanga Camp at 3,960 meters, the trail climbs to 4,670 meters at Barafu Camp, requiring approximately 4 hours of hiking.

MARANGU ROUTE CAMPSITESMARANGU ROUTE CAMPSITES

The Marangu Route, although officially a 5-day trek, is often recommended to be completed over 6 days to allow for proper acclimatization. One notable drawback of this route is its tendency to become congested due to its popularity.

  1. Mandara Hut (2,700 meters): Situated on Day 1 of the Marangu Route, this campsite starts at an altitude of 1,879 meters and reaches 2,700 meters. The hike from the Marangu Route to the Mandara Hut Campsite spans approximately 4 hours.
  2. Horombo Hut (3,720 meters): On Day 2, climbers reach Horombo Hut Campsite. Beginning from Mandara Hut at 2,700 meters, the trail ascends to 3,720 meters, requiring around 6 hours of hiking. This campsite serves as a base for two nights to aid in acclimatization.
  3. Kibo Hut (4,700 meters): Day 4 sees trekkers arriving at Kibo Hut Campsite. Starting from Horombo Hut at 3,720 meters, the trail climbs to 4,700 meters at Kibo Hut, with approximately 6 hours of hiking required.

RONGAI ROUTE CAMPSITES

The Rongai Route offers a distinctive trek with four campsites along the ascent, excluding the Mweka route reserved for the descent phase.

  1. Simba Camp (2,625 meters): Located on Day 1 of the Rongai Route, this campsite begins at an altitude of 2,364 meters and ascends to 2,625 meters. The hike from Nalemuru Gate to Simba Campsite typically takes around 3 hours.
  2. Kikilewa Camp (3,630 meters): On Day 2, trekkers will reach Kikilewa Campsite. Starting from Simba Camp at 2,625 meters, the trail ascends to 3,630 meters, requiring approximately 7 hours of hiking.
  3. Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,310 meters): Day 3 brings Mawenzi Tarn Campsite, with an altitude rise from 3,630 meters at Kikilewa Camp to 4,310 meters at Mawenzi Tarn Camp. Climbers spend two nights here to aid in acclimatization. The hike from Kikilewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp typically takes around 4 hours.
  4. Kibo Camp (4,700 meters) to Summit: On Day 5, trekkers progress to Kibo Camp. Beginning from Mawenzi Tarn Camp at 4,310 meters, the trail climbs to 4,700 meters at Kibo Camp, with approximately 4 hours of hiking. This campsite serves as the base for the summit attempt.

NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE CAMPSITES

The Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro offers an expansive journey with seven distinct campsites along the ascent, excluding the Mweka camp designated for the descent.

  1. Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters): Positioned on Day 1 of the Northern Circuit Route, this campsite starts at an altitude of 2,100 meters and rises to 2,820 meters. The hike from Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Campsite generally spans 4 hours.
  2. Shira Camp 1 (3,500 meters): Day 2 brings trekkers to Shira Camp 1. Beginning from Mti Mkubwa Camp at 2,820 meters, the trail ascends to 3,500 meters, requiring around 7 hours of hiking.
  3. Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters): On Day 3, climbers reach Shira Camp 2. Starting at 3,500 meters from Shira Camp 1, the trail climbs to 3,850 meters, with approximately 4 hours of hiking.
  4. Moir Hut Campsite (4,150 meters): Day 4 introduces Moir Hut Campsite. Beginning from Shira Camp 2 at 3,850 meters, the trail ascends to 4,150 meters, requiring around 7 hours of hiking.
  5. Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters): Positioned on Day 5, Buffalo Campsite is reached from Moir Hut Campsite. Starting at 4,150 meters, the trail descends to 4,020 meters, with approximately 7 hours of hiking.
  6. Third Cave Camp (3,870 meters): Day 6 brings Third Cave Campsite. Starting at 4,020 meters from Buffalo Camp, the trail descends to 3,870 meters, with around 6 hours of hiking.
  7. School Hut (4,750 meters): On Day 7, trekkers arrive at School Hut Campsite. Beginning from Third Cave Campsite at 3,870 meters, the trail ascends to 4,750 meters, requiring approximately 5 hours of hiking.

KILIMANJARO BASE CAMPSITES

There are three main Mount Kilimanjaro Base Campsites, each serving as pivotal points for climbers on different routes:

  1. Barafu Camp Kilimanjaro (4,670 meters): Positioned at 4,670 meters, Barafu Camp is utilized by hikers trekking the Lemosho, Machame, and Umbwe routes. The ascent follows a zigzag path up the slopes of Kibo to Stella Point, standing at 5,739 meters above sea level. Barafu Camp is renowned as the busiest camp on Mount Kilimanjaro, surpassing even Kibo Hut in terms of traffic.
  2. Kibo Hut (4,700 meters): Situated at an altitude of 4,700 meters, Kibo Hut serves as the final campsite before climbers embark on the ultimate summit push. It is utilized by those trekking the Marangu and Rongai Routes, providing a last resting point before the summit attempt.
  3. Kilimanjaro Crater Camp (5,800 meters): The highest base camp on Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro Crater Camp sits just 475 feet below the summit. Positioned at a staggering altitude of 5,800 meters, climbers must acclimatize properly before spending the night at this camp due to its extreme elevation.