Accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro Hike

During your Kilimanjaro climb, accommodation varies depending on the route and the trekking package you choose. Kilidove Tours ensures that you are comfortable and well-catered for throughout your adventure, offering a variety of accommodation options suited to your preferences and budget. Below is an overview of what you can expect on the different routes:

1. Machame Route

On the Machame Route, accommodation is primarily in camping style. You will sleep in dome tents, which are set up by your crew at each campsite along the route. The tents are spacious, with enough room for two people, and are equipped with sleeping mats and a comfortable sleeping bag. The campsites are located in scenic spots at various altitudes, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

The camps include:

• Machame Camp – Located in the rainforest zone.
• Shira Camp – Situated on the Shira Plateau with views of the mountain.
• Baranco Camp – Set at the base of the Baranco Wall in the alpine zone.
• Karanga Camp – In the alpine desert zone, a good spot for acclimatization.
• Barafu Camp – The final camp before the summit push, in the Arctic zone.
• Summit (Uhuru Peak) – The peak itself doesn’t have accommodations, but this is where you’ll reach the highest point of the climb.

The tents are equipped with high-quality gear to ensure warmth and protection from the elements. Meals are prepared by the camp cooks and served in mess tents.

2. Marangu Route

The Marangu Route, known as the "Coca-Cola Route," offers the unique option of staying in huts instead of tents. These huts provide a more sheltered, comfortable experience, especially during the colder nights. The huts are basic but offer a roof over your head, bunks with mattresses, and shared facilities for washing.

The huts on the Marangu Route include:

• Mandara Hut – Located at 2,700 meters, surrounded by the lush rainforest.
• Horombo Hut – Situated at 3,720 meters, with panoramic views of the mountain.
• Kibo Hut – Located at 4,700 meters, it serves as the base camp before the summit attempt.

The huts offer a more comfortable experience compared to camping, especially in terms of weather protection. However, the shared nature of the facilities means that you will have to use communal toilets and washrooms.

3. Lemosho Route

The Lemosho Route also follows a camping style accommodation like Machame, with well-set-up tents at various camps along the route. The tents are similar to those on the Machame Route and provide comfort during your climb. The Lemosho route is known for its scenic beauty and remote, quieter campsites, which are great for a more tranquil experience.

Campsites on the Lemosho route include:

• Lemosho Glades Camp – At the start of the climb, set in the rainforest.
• Shira Camp – Located on the Shira Plateau, offering breathtaking views.
• Barranco Camp – Set at the base of the impressive Barranco Wall.
• Karanga Camp – A high-altitude campsite for acclimatization.
• Barafu Camp – The final campsite before your summit attempt.

Like the Machame Route, tents are provided, and meals are served in a mess tent. This route offers some of the most stunning views, with a less crowded feel than other routes.

4. Rongai Route

The Rongai Route is a camping route that starts from the northern side of Kilimanjaro and offers a more isolated experience with fewer climbers. It is known for being quieter and less crowded than other routes.

Similar to the Lemosho and Machame routes, you will sleep in tents at campsites along the way, such as:

• Rongai 1 Camp – A scenic starting point, located in the forest zone.
• Kikelewa Camp – A quiet camp set in a serene alpine desert zone.
• Shipton's Camp – The final stop before attempting the summit.

As with other camping routes, meals are served in the mess tent, and the camp crew will set up and break down your tents each day.

5. Umbwe Route

The Umbwe Route is a more challenging and direct route, and it also features camping accommodation. The camps are set up at higher altitudes, and the route offers a more rugged and remote climb. It’s suited for experienced climbers seeking a tougher ascent.

The camps on the Umbwe Route include:

• Umbwe Camp – Located deep in the rainforest.
• Barranco Camp – At the base of Barranco Wall, known for its dramatic landscape.

The camping experience on the Umbwe Route is similar to Machame, with meals served in a mess tent.

Additional Information

Regardless of the route you choose, all camps provide meals and are managed by professional guides and porters to ensure your safety and comfort. Sleeping bags, mats, and tents are provided as part of the trek package, though we recommend bringing your own sleeping bag for hygiene reasons.

For higher-end treks, especially on the Premium packages, we offer extra comforts such as larger tents, better food options, and additional amenities to make your climb as comfortable as possible.

Ready to book your Kilimanjaro climb? Book your trek today and choose your preferred route and accommodation!

Camping sites in Kilimanjaro

Campsites on Mount Kilimanjaro

On routes like Machame, Lemosho, and Rongai, climbers spend their nights camping at various points along the trail. These campsites provide shelter, meals, and an opportunity to rest before continuing the climb. Unlike the Marangu Route, where huts are available, camping requires a bit more preparation and ruggedness. However, it allows trekkers to fully experience the wilderness of Kilimanjaro.

1. Machame Route Campsites

The Machame Route is one of the most popular on Mount Kilimanjaro and involves camping at several stunning campsites. The route is known for its beautiful landscapes and variety of ecosystems.

Machame Camp (2,900 meters / 9,514 feet)

The first campsite on the Machame Route, Machame Camp, is set at the edge of the rainforests. After a full day of trekking, climbers rest here to acclimatize. The campsite offers a peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by trees and wildlife.

Facilities:

• Basic camping setup with tents
• Shared toilets (basic pit latrines)
• Dining area with a communal tent for meals
• Water available (must be boiled before consumption)
• Beautiful forest surroundings

Shira Camp 1 (3,500 meters / 11,482 feet)

Shira Camp 1 is the second campsite, located in the open moorland area with incredible views of the landscape and Kibo Peak. This campsite is popular for acclimatization, as it allows climbers to adjust to higher altitudes before moving further up the mountain.

Facilities:

• Basic camping with tents
• Shared toilets (basic pit latrines)
• Dining area for meals
• Stunning views of Kibo and the Shira Plateau
• Water available (must be boiled before consumption)

Baranco Camp (3,950 meters / 12,960 feet)

The Baranco Camp sits at the base of the famous Baranco Wall, a dramatic cliff face that climbers must scale the following day. This campsite offers amazing views of both the wall and surrounding terrain.

Facilities:

• Basic camping with tents
• Shared toilets (basic pit latrines)
• Dining area for meals
• Stunning panoramic views of the valley
• Water available (must be boiled before consumption)

Karanga Camp (4,035 meters / 13,240 feet)

Karanga Camp is the penultimate campsite before the final summit attempt. It’s a great place to rest and acclimatize, with incredible views of the mountain.

Facilities:

• Basic camping setup with tents
• Shared toilets (basic pit latrines)
• Dining area for meals
• Views of the glaciers on the summit
• Water available (must be boiled before consumption)

Barafu Camp (4,673 meters / 15,331 feet)

The final campsite before the summit, Barafu Camp, is where climbers rest before attempting to summit Kilimanjaro. Located at a high altitude, the camp is colder and more exposed. It’s a base camp for climbers preparing for the summit attempt at midnight.

Facilities:

• Basic camping setup with tents
• Shared toilets (basic pit latrines)
• Dining area for meals
• Cold and harsh weather conditions
• Water available (must be boiled before consumption)

2. Lemosho Route Campsites

The Lemosho Route is known for its beautiful landscapes and less crowded trails. Climbers on this route will camp in some of the most scenic areas on Kilimanjaro.

Lemosho Forest Camp (2,650 meters / 8,694 feet)

This is the first campsite on the Lemosho Route, located within the lush forest zone of Kilimanjaro. It offers a peaceful and tranquil environment to start the trek.

Facilities:

• Basic camping setup with tents
• Shared toilets (basic pit latrines)
• Dining area for meals
• Surrounded by dense forest and wildlife

Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters / 12,630 feet)

The second campsite is located at the edge of the Shira Plateau, offering breathtaking views of the mountain. This is an excellent acclimatization stop.

Facilities:

• Basic camping with tents
• Shared toilets (basic pit latrines)
• Dining area for meals
• Scenic views of Kibo Peak and the Shira Plateau

3. Rongai Route Campsites

The Rongai Route is the only route that starts from the northern side of Kilimanjaro. It offers a more remote and less-traveled experience. Campsites here are designed to be more basic but offer an authentic mountain experience.

First Cave Camp (2,600 meters / 8,530 feet)

The first campsite on the Rongai route, First Cave Camp, is situated near the forest edge. It offers climbers a chance to adjust to the mountain atmosphere while enjoying scenic views.

Facilities:

• Basic camping with tents
• Shared toilets (basic pit latrines)
• Dining area for meals
• Views of the forest and early morning sunlight

Kikelewa Camp (3,600 meters / 11,811 feet)

The next campsite, Kikelewa Camp, sits higher in the moorland zone. It offers a perfect resting point for acclimatization.

Facilities:

• Basic camping setup with tents
• Shared toilets (basic pit latrines)
• Dining area for meals
• Impressive views of Mawenzi Peak

General Campsite Information

While the campsites on Kilimanjaro do not offer luxury amenities, they are equipped with the basics to ensure climbers have a safe and restful stay. Expect shared facilities, including toilets and dining areas. Water is available at each campsite, but it must be boiled before drinking. Climbers should bring their own sleeping bags, mats, and other personal gear to make their stay as comfortable as possible.

Book your Kilimanjaro trek today and experience the adventure of a lifetime! Click here to book your climb.

Huts in Marangu Route

Huts on Mount Kilimanjaro

The Marangu Route is the only route on Kilimanjaro that offers hut accommodation. This provides a more sheltered and comfortable experience compared to the typical camping on other routes. The huts along the Marangu Route are basic, but they offer a roof over your head, bunks with mattresses, and shelter from the elements, especially during colder nights.

Below is a detailed overview of the huts you will encounter along the Marangu Route:

1. Mandara Hut

Mandara Hut is located at an altitude of 2,700 meters (8,858 feet) and serves as the first stop after the initial ascent. Set amidst the lush rainforest zone, Mandara Hut offers a fantastic first taste of Kilimanjaro's natural beauty. This hut is ideal for acclimatization as it gives you a chance to adjust to the increasing altitude.

Facilities at Mandara Hut:

• Bunk beds with mattresses (shared rooms)
• Basic shared toilets and washbasins
• Dining area where meals are served
• Panoramic views of the rainforest and surrounding landscapes
• Electricity (limited) for charging devices in a communal area

Mandara Hut is surrounded by dense forest, where you can enjoy the sounds of birds and monkeys. A hike to the Maundi Crater nearby offers amazing views of the surrounding area.

2. Horombo Hut

The next hut on the Marangu Route is Horombo Hut, located at 3,720 meters (12,205 feet). This hut serves as a key acclimatization stop and offers a more exposed view of the Kilimanjaro landscape, with a view of both the summit and the plains below. It’s the second night of your journey, and it offers a chance to adjust to the higher altitude before heading higher up the mountain.

Facilities at Horombo Hut:

• Bunk beds with mattresses (shared rooms)
• Shared toilets and washbasins
• Dining area for meals
• Electricity (limited) available in communal areas
• Gorgeous views of the mountain, including Kibo peak and Mawenzi peak

Horombo Hut has a more open and alpine feel compared to Mandara Hut. It’s a great place for you to relax and enjoy the mountain air, while also offering good views of the surrounding region. A day hike to the nearby Mawenzi Hut is an excellent way to further acclimatize before continuing your journey.

3. Kibo Hut

Kibo Hut is the final hut before the summit push and is located at an altitude of 4,700 meters (15,420 feet). This hut is a crucial stop for climbers before embarking on the final summit attempt. At this high altitude, the environment becomes much more harsh, with little vegetation and more rocky terrain. Climbers usually spend one night at Kibo Hut, and the atmosphere is more focused on preparation for the summit.

Facilities at Kibo Hut:

• Bunk beds with mattresses (shared rooms)
• Shared toilets and washbasins
• Dining area for final meals before the summit
• Basic shelter to protect from the cold at night
• Water supply (limited, depending on season)

The night at Kibo Hut is generally spent in anticipation of the summit. You will need to rest and prepare for the final summit push, which often starts in the middle of the night, to reach the summit at sunrise. The hut is simple, as comfort is secondary to function at this high altitude.

Additional Hut Information

While these huts offer shelter, the accommodations are basic and shared. The sleeping arrangements are usually bunk beds, with climbers sharing rooms. The toilets are often shared, and hot water is not always available. It's advisable to bring your own sleeping bag, especially for extra warmth, as temperatures can drop significantly at higher altitudes.

The huts on the Marangu Route are designed for practicality and shelter, but they don't offer luxury. Instead, they provide the essentials to keep climbers safe and comfortable while they tackle the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. While the shared facilities might not be glamorous, they are sufficient for climbers looking to complete their trek.

Book your Marangu Route trek today and experience the journey to the Roof of Africa! Click here to book your climb.