Home 8 Days Crater Campsite route

8 Days Crater Campsite route

8 days Special Trekking Licensed operator

The Crater Campsite route on Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the less traveled and more challenging routes. It involves camping near the summit crater, providing a unique and stunning experience.

1

Day 0

2

Arrival

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet a dreamscape Travel representative, and transfer you to Moshi town where you will spend the first night at the hotel. 

TransportPrivate transfer (0.8 hour, 41 km)
AccommodationHotel
3

Day 1

Londorossi Gate (2,250m/7,380ft) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m/9,022ft)

ActivityYour Kilimanjaro adventure starts with a drive to Londorossi Gate for park formalities. The first day's hike takes you through lush rainforests.
Hiking time3-4 hours
DistanceApproximately 6km
Elevation gain500m (1,640ft)
HabitatRainforest
AccommodationCamping
MealsBreakfast / Lunch / Dinner
4

Day 2

Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m/9,022ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3,505m/11,500ft)

ActivityToday's hike involves ascending through the rainforest and into the heath zone. You'll get your first glimpses of Kilimanjaro and enjoy the stunning views of the Shira Plateau.
Hiking time5-6 hours
DistanceApproximately 8km
Elevation gain755m (2,478ft)
HabitatRainforest, Moorland
AccommodationCamping
MealsBreakfast / Lunch / Dinner
5

Day 3

Shira 1 Camp (3,505m/11,500ft) to Shira 2 Camp (3,840m/12,598ft)

ActivityYou'll continue your ascent across the Shira Plateau, which offers wide-open vistas of the surrounding landscape and the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro.
Hiking time4-6 hours
DistanceApproximately 10km
Elevation gain335m (1,098ft)
HabitatMoorland
AccommodationCamping
MealsBreakfast / Lunch / Dinner
6

Day 4

Shira 2 Camp (3,840m/12,598ft) to Lava Tower (4,630m/15,190ft) to Arrow Glacier Camp (4,800m/15,748ft)

ActivityThis day includes a steep ascent to Lava Tower, a volcanic formation. Afterward, you'll head to Arrow Glacier Camp, which is near the summit crater.
Hiking time4-6 hours
DistanceApproximately 6km
Elevation gain965m (3,166ft) to Lava Tower, then additional ascent to Arrow Glacier Camp
HabitatAlpine Desert
AccommodationCamping
MealsBreakfast / Lunch / Dinner
7

Day 5

Arrow Glacier Camp (4,800m/15,748ft) to Crater Camp (5,730m/18,800ft)

ActivityYou'll continue your ascent towards the summit crater, reaching Crater Camp. This is a unique campsite located inside the Kilimanjaro summit crater.
Hiking time3-4 hours
DistanceApproximately 3km
Elevation gain930m (3,051ft)
HabitatAlpine Desert, Summit Crater
AccommodationCamping
MealsBreakfast / Lunch / Dinner
8

Day 6

Crater Camp (5,730m/18,800ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) and back to Crater Camp

ActivitySummit Day! You'll make a short ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, before returning to Crater Camp.
Hiking time4-6 hours to the summit, then 2-3 hours descent to Crater Camp
DistanceApproximately 2km to the summit
Elevation gain165m (541ft) ascent to the summit
HabitatArctic (summit), Summit Crater
AccommodationCamping
MealsBreakfast / Lunch / Dinner
9

Day 7

Crater Camp (5,730m/18,800ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,171ft)

ActivityDescend from the summit crater to Mweka Camp, passing through various habitats, including the alpine desert and moorland.
Hiking time4-6 hours
DistanceApproximately 10km
Elevation loss2,630m (8,631ft)
HabitatAlpine Desert, Moorland, Rainforest
AccommodationCamping
MealsBreakfast / Lunch / Dinner
10

Day 8

Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,171ft) to Mweka Gate (1,640m/5,380ft)

ActivityYour final descent takes you through the rainforest zone back to Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificates from the Park Headquarters. Transfer to your hotel.
TransportPrivate transfer (0.5 hour, 17 km)
Hiking time3-4 hours
DistanceApproximately 10km
Elevation loss1,460m (4,790ft)
HabitatRainforest
AccommodationHotel
11

Departure

After a much-needed nights rest, we will bid you goodbye. If you have arranged airport transfers with us or a safari / Zanzibar trip, we will collect you in the morning for your onward journey.

TransportPrivate transfer (0.8 hour, 41 km)
MealsBreakfast

Price includes

  • Transportation from & to Kilimanjaro international airport
  • Transportation to & from the mountain gate
  • Camping and kitchen facilities
  • Wages of professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
  • Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, crew fees and all government tax
  • Warm water for washing every day
  • English speaking mountain guide and assistant.
  • All meals while on the mountain
  • First Aid Kit includes Oxygen Kit
  • 2 nights at the hotel (accommodations); one before and after the trek

Price excludes

  • Tips
  • Tanzania Visa on arrival
  • Any private expenses
  • Personal gear rentals
  • Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
  • Optional tours (short safari after your climb etc.)
  • Local and international flights
  • A doctor for the group
Dreamscape Travel Agency

We are Dreamscape Travel Agency

Let us make your journey through Tanzania unforgettable.

Book a safari now