Crater Camp Route – Sleep below Uhuru Peak
The Crater Camp routes on Mount Kilimanjaro provide an unparalleled opportunity to camp at 18,865 feet, the highest campsite on the mountain, just 475 feet below Uhuru Peak at 19,341 feet. Available only on the Lemosho and Northern Circuit routes, these itineraries extend to 9 days (Lemosho Crater, 72 km/43.5 miles) and 10 days (Northern Crater, 89 km/53.5 miles) to include a night at Crater Camp after a daytime summit ascent. This unique experience allows exploration of the Reusch Crater—a 400-foot-deep, 1,300-foot-wide volcanic marvel—and the Furtwangler Glacier, sights rarely seen by tourists. However, the high altitude increases the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS), making these routes difficult and subject to approval by Ultimate Kilimanjaro®. With summit success rates of 90-95% (Lemosho Crater) and 95-98% (Northern Crater), these routes leverage extended acclimatization for high success. Below are detailed, original itineraries for both, emphasizing the trek to Uhuru Peak and the extraordinary Crater Camp experience.
Itinerary Overview
- Duration: 9 days
- Distance: ~72 km (43.5 miles)
- Difficulty: Difficult, due to Crater Camp’s high altitude
- Main Theme: Trek to Uhuru Peak with a rare Crater Camp stay
9-Day Lemosho – Crater Itinerary
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
The 9 day Crater Camp trek to the summit, then sleep just below Uhuru Peak at the Crater Camp on Kibo rim, starts with a 4-hour drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate for registration, followed by a transfer to the Lemosho trailhead. Trekking through a lush rainforest, the trail leads to Mti Mkubwa, a serene campsite where the forest’s tranquillity sets the stage for the adventure.
Day 1 Trek Overview
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km (4 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Leaving the rainforest, the trail enters a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and lichen-covered volcanic rocks. Ascending through rolling hills and crossing streams, you’ll reach Shira Ridge before descending to Shira 1 Camp on the Shira Plateau, where Kibo peak’s first glimpse inspires the journey ahead.
Day 2 Trek Overview
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Habitat: Heath
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
A full day on the Shira Plateau involves a gentle eastward hike across moorland meadows toward Shira 2 Camp, then a detour to Moir Hut, a quiet site at Lent Hills’ base. Optional walks around Lent Hills enhance acclimatization, with the plateau’s wildflowers and Senecio trees adding scenic charm.
Day 3 Trek Overview
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 7 km (4 miles)
Habitat: Heath
Day 4: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Climbing a ridge to the 300-foot Lava Tower, you’ll gain altitude for acclimatization before descending through the surreal Senecio Forest to Barranco Camp. The day’s elevation shifts—starting and ending at similar heights—bolster your body’s adaptation to higher altitudes.
Day 4 Trek Overview
Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 7 km (4 miles) to Lava Tower, 3 km (2 miles) to Barranco
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Descending into a ravine, you’ll ascend the steep, non-technical Great Barranco Wall (900 ft). The trail crosses hills and valleys, dipping into Karanga Valley before a final climb to Karanga Camp. This shorter day prioritizes rest and acclimatization in the stark alpine landscape.
Day 5 Trek Overview
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Joining the Mweka Trail junction, you’ll ascend a rocky path to Barafu Camp, completing the Southern Circuit with varied summit views. Kibo and Mawenzi peaks frame the camp, where you’ll rest and dine early, preparing for the summit push.
Day 6 Trek Overview
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4 km (2 miles)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp
The summit ascent begins in the morning, navigating heavy scree at a steady pace with short breaks. At Stella Point (18,900 ft), the crater rim leads to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point, with daylight enhancing the panoramic views. A short descent brings you to Crater Camp, where the crew sets up camp. An optional 1-hour hike to Reusch Crater, with its 400-foot-deep ash pit, or exploration near Furtwangler Glacier offers a rare volcanic experience. Due to AMS risks at this altitude, guides will monitor you closely.
Day 7 Trek Overview
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 18,865 ft
Hiking Time: 0.5-1 hour
Distance: 5 km (3 miles) ascent, 1 km (0.6 miles) descent
Habitat: Arctic
Day 8: Crater Camp to Mweka Camp
Descending from Crater Camp, you’ll stop at Barafu for lunch before reaching Mweka Camp. The rocky trail can strain knees, making trekking poles essential. Mist or rain may occur at Mweka Camp in the upper forest, where you’ll enjoy your final mountain dinner and rest.
Day 8 Trek Overview
Elevation: 18,865 ft to 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 12 km (7 miles)
Habitat: Arctic to Rain Forest
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
The final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate may be wet and muddy, requiring waterproof boots. After collecting your summit certificate, a vehicle will drive you back to Moshi, concluding the journey.
Day 9 Trek Overview
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5 W,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest
Crater Camp Highlights and Tips
Crater Camp Uniqueness: Camping at 18,865 feet with Reusch Crater and Furtwangler Glacier exploration is a rare privilege.
AMS Risks: The high-altitude camp demands robust acclimatization, mitigated by extended itineraries and vigilant monitoring.
Daytime Summit: Morning ascents enhance comfort and visibility, avoiding midnight cold.
Gear Essentials: Trekking poles, waterproof gear, and warm layers are vital for the descent and high-altitude conditions.
These 9-day Lemosho Crater and 10-day Northern Crater itineraries offer an extraordinary Kilimanjaro adventure, combining the triumph of Uhuru Peak with the rare chance to camp near the summit’s volcanic wonders, ideal for well-prepared trekkers seeking a bucket-list experience
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