When you’re hiking up the highest freestanding mountain in the world, it’s a pretty safe bet to say you’ll be looking forward to your bed each evening! And getting a great night’s sleep is absolutely vital when it comes to successfully reaching the summit. But if you’re planning to take on the challenge, you’re probably wondering what it’s like to camp on Kilimanjaro. From the tents to the toilets, we’ve got the answer to any question you might have…
What it’s like to camp on Kilimanjaro
Do I put up my own tent?
On our expeditions, everything is taken care of. That means your tent is fully assembled, taken down and transported for you. Our team of porters take care of it all, and your tent will be waiting for you when you arrive. The only thing you need to carry is a small daypack on your back.
Where will I camp on Kilimanjaro?
Our expedition to Kilimanjaro is on the Machame Trail. Apart from the first and last two nights that are spent in a hotel, we spend the rest of the trip camping on various sites up the mountain. We stay in…
Machame Camp (2,980m)
Shira Camp (3,840m)
Barranco Camp (3,950m)
Karanga Camp (4,000m)
Kosovo Camp (4,800m)
Millennium Camp (3,832m)
Are there any bathrooms?
In most of the campsites, there are little squat toilet sheds. But we bring our own toilet tents, so you won’t need to use them. There aren’t any showers, so embrace the rugged mountain look! Each morning, one of our porters will bring a bowl of warm water to your tent, so you can give your face and hands a wash. They bring a cup of tea or coffee, too. It’s one of the little luxuries when you camp on Kilimanjaro!
Is it cold at night?
It can get really chilly on the mountain, particularly the higher you go. Make sure you bring super cosy pyjamas (a good set of clean thermals to change into as you slide into your sleeping bag is ideal) and a sleep hat or a buff. A little pack of hand warmers can be great, too – you can pop these in your sleeping bag.
Sleeping at altitude
When you’re at high altitude, sleep patterns can be disrupted. If you’re having trouble sleeping, or feeling any other ill effects from altitude, talk to our expedition doctor. And remember, the earlier you deal with the effects of altitude, the better. Usually you’ll just need a bit more water or a painkiller.
Want to find out more about our expedition to Kilimanjaro? You can read all about it here…
