Crater Camp / Lemosho Route 9 Days
Crater Camp stands as a distinctive location, situated at an elevation of 18,865 feet above sea level, making it the highest campsite on Mount Kilimanjaro, positioned just 475 feet below the summit.
Embarking on the Lemosho and Northern Circuit routes provides the unique opportunity to lodge at Crater Camp. This choice extends the standard itineraries by one day, resulting in the 9 Lemosho Crater Route and the 10-day Northern Crater Route.
Our summit ascent occurs during daylight hours, and a stay at Crater Camp post-summit enhances acclimatization. Unlike other Kilimanjaro routes where only guides and clients reach the summit, the entire mountain crew remains at the high camp, typically Barafu. Opting for Crater Camp entails significant additional effort, with the entire crew and expedition equipment ascending 4,000 feet higher than usual, incurring additional costs.
Crater Camp offers the option to embark on a one-hour hike to Reusch Crater or explore the surrounding areas, including the captivating Furtwangler Glacier. Reusch Crater, with its nearly perfect circular shape, boasts an ash pit that measures 400 feet (120 m) deep and 1,300 feet (400 m) wide.
While the allure of staying at Crater Camp is understood, it comes with the drawback of heightened danger due to the high altitude. Adequate altitude acclimatization is crucial to avoid the development of serious Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
8 DAYS + 2 NIGHTS CRATER CAMP ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Departing from Arusha, we head to Lemosho Gate, a journey of about 4 hours, where entry formalities are completed. Subsequently, we drive to the Lemosho trailhead, commencing our hike through undisturbed forest, winding our way to the initial campsite.
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
Continuing on the trail out of the rainforest, we enter a savannah adorned with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. Ascending through lush rolling hills and crossing streams, we reach Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira 1 Camp, offering the first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
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 Moir Hut
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Heath
DAY 4 – Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Embarking on the day by climbing a ridge and heading southeast towards the Lava Tower – 4600m, a volcanic rock formation. Descending to Barranco Camp through the strange yet beautiful Senecio Forest at an altitude of 13,000 ft, the time spent at higher altitude aids in acclimatization.
Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 3 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 5 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Beginning the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall, we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. Crossing hills and valleys, we sharply descend into Karanga Valley, leading to Karanga Camp—a shorter day designed for acclimatization.
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
Leaving Karanga to Barafu Hut. Having completed the Southern Circuit, offering diverse views of the summit, we camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner in preparation for summit day, with views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
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
Starting the summit push during normal morning hours, this mentally and physically challenging segment involves a slow but steady ascent, transforming into heavy scree on the steep climb to the crater rim at Stella Point (18,900 ft). Continuing around the crater rim, we reach Uhuru Peak—the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent. Descending to Crater Camp, caution is exercised due to the potential dangers of sleeping at this high altitude.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 18,865 ft
Hiking Time: 0.5-1 hours
Distance: 1 km | 0.6 miles
Habitat: Arctic
DAY 8 – Crater Camp to Mweka Camp
Descending from Crater Camp, the trail leads straight to Mweka Hut campsite, with a stop at Barafu for lunch. The rocky trail can be challenging on the knees, and trekking poles are recommended. Situated in the upper forest, Mweka Camp may experience mist or rain in the late afternoon, marking the last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation: 18,865 ft to 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Arctic
DAY 9 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
Climbing cost includes
- Hotel before & after the climb.
- Meals on the climb.
- Camping equipment like – tents, chairs, tables, sleeping mattress.
- Professional expedition leaders, guides, cooks, waiter and porters.
- All park fees and taxes.
- Portable toilet.
- All transfers.
- Dedicated supporting team.( best guides, best cooks and best porters)
- Safety equipment like –
- Oxygen tanks,
- Portable stretchers.
- Pulse oxmiters,
- Portable Altitude Chamber for the creator camp and northern circuit.
- Evacuation report forms.
- Stethoscope for checking pulmonary edema.
- Fully- loaded medical kits.
Climbing cost excludes
- International flights.
- Tips to the climbing team.
- Visa fees.
- Personal gear rentals.
- Travel insurance.
- Lunch and dinner in the hotel.
- Drinks in the hotel.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the Length of the Machame Route?
The Machame route covers a distance of approximately 62 km or 37 miles, with a total elevation gain ranging from approximately 16,000 to 17,000 feet.
How Many Days Does it Take to Ascend Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route?
The Machame route offers various options and can be completed in 6 to 7 days.
How Challenging is the Climb of Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route?
Considered a challenging route due to its considerable distance and elevation gain, the Machame route involves strenuous ascents and descents. Despite this, its well-structured acclimatization schedule positions it as a moderately difficult route.
What is the Success Rate of Climbing Kilimanjaro using the Machame Route?
Success rates are contingent on the duration spent on the mountain. Across all operators, it’s estimated that 6-day Machame climbs boast a success rate of approximately 50%, while 7-day Machame climbs achieve around 70%. Our 6-day Machame route enjoys a success rate of approximately 90%, and the 7-day Machame route reaches an impressive 98% success rate.
What is the Cost of Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route?
The cost varies based on the duration of the climb. Currently, our pricing for a group ascent on the 7-day Machame route is $2,699 per person. Explore all our pricing details here.
Other Routes
Marangu Route
6 days + 2 Night at the hotel
Machame Route
7 days + 2 nights at the hotel
Lemosho Route
7 days + 2 night at the hotel
Shira Route
8 days + 2 nights at the hotel
Northern Circuit
9 days + 2 night at the hotel
Rongai Route
6 days + 2 nights at the hotel
Umbwe Route
6 days + 2 night at the hotel
Crater Camp Route
8 days + 2 nights at the hotel
Mount Meru Hiking
4 days
Kilimanjaro climb
3 days