Crater Camp Kilimanjaro: Sleeping Inside the Volcano at 5,730m

Wiki Article

Ever dreamed of camping inside Mount Kilimanjaro’s crater, just steps away from Africa’s highest point? The Crater Camp experience is one of the most extreme and unforgettable adventures on the mountain — a rare opportunity to sleep at 5,730 meters (18,800 ft) inside an inactive volcano surrounded by glaciers. Only a few climbers attempt this once-in-a-lifetime overnight stay, and it’s available exclusively on select routes for those who want the ultimate Kilimanjaro adventure.

In this guide, MJ Safaris & Adventures explains everything you need to know about Crater Camp on Kilimanjaro — from what it’s like to sleep near the summit, to how to prepare for the thin air, costs, and safety considerations.

???? What Is Crater Camp on Kilimanjaro?

The Crater Camp is a designated campsite located inside Kibo Crater, near the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Sitting at an elevation of 5,730 meters (18,800 ft), it’s one of the highest campsites in Africa — and one of the few places in the world where you can spend the night inside a dormant volcano.

From here, you’re just a short 1.5-hour climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point on the continent. The landscape around Crater Camp is surreal: a vast ash pit, shimmering ice walls, and ancient glaciers glowing in the sunlight.

Unlike the standard overnight stops lower down, Crater Camp is cold, quiet, and otherworldly, offering a view few climbers ever see.

????️ Why Choose Crater Camp?

Sleeping at Crater Camp is not just about proximity to the summit — it’s about experiencing Kilimanjaro in its purest, wildest form. Here’s why adventurers choose this option:

• ???? Spectacular Sunrise: Wake up steps away from the summit for a breathtaking sunrise at Uhuru Peak.

• ❄️ Explore the Glaciers: Visit the Furtwängler Glacier and the Ash Pit with no crowds around.

• ????️ Unique Experience: Very few climbers sleep here — it’s truly an elite, off-the-beaten-path adventure.

• ???? Inside a Volcano: You’re literally camping inside the crater of Africa’s tallest mountain!

• ???? Incredible Photography: Capture rare shots of the glaciers, crater floor, and ice formations in soft morning light.

Crater Camp is ideal for experienced, well-acclimatized trekkers looking for something extra — beyond reaching the summit.

⚠️ Crater Camp Difficulty & Acclimatization

Make no mistake: sleeping at 5,730 meters is extremely challenging. The oxygen level here is only about 50% of that at sea level, making it one of the harshest environments a human body can endure overnight.

To safely attempt Crater Camp, climbers need to be well-acclimatized and take longer routes like:

• Lemosho Route (8–9 days)

• Northern Circuit Route (9–10 days)

• Machame Route (7–8 days)

These itineraries give your body more time to adjust to high altitude before spending a night inside the crater.

???? Important: Crater Camp is not recommended for first-time trekkers, those with limited high-altitude experience, or anyone showing symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

???? Where Crater Camp Fits in Your Itinerary

Here’s a typical summit itinerary for climbers sleeping at Crater Camp:

Day Before Summit:
Climb from Barafu Camp (4,673m) or School Hut (4,800m) to Crater Camp (5,730m) — about 4–5 hours. Rest, hydrate, and explore the ash pit if you’re feeling strong.

Summit Day:
Early the next morning, start your short final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to witness the sunrise. After celebrating and taking photos, descend to Millennium Camp (3,820m) or Mweka Camp (3,100m) for the night.

This itinerary offers more rest before summiting and allows for a slower, more controlled ascent — but you’ll need to be extremely well-prepared for the cold and altitude.

???? Conditions at Crater Camp

Camping at Crater Camp is unlike any other stop on Kilimanjaro:

• ????️ Temperature: Can drop to -15°C (5°F) or lower at night.

• ????️ Air: Thin and dry; breathing feels labored even while resting.

• ????️ Ground: Frozen volcanic ash and rock; tents are pitched on uneven terrain.

• ???? Sleep: Many climbers experience headaches, restlessness, or insomnia due to the altitude.

Despite the challenges, those who stay here describe it as one of the most surreal and spiritual experiences of their lives.

???? Crater Camp Kilimanjaro Fees (2025)

The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) charges an extra fee for overnight camping inside the crater:

All fees are included in MJ Safaris & Adventures’ Crater Camp packages, so you don’t have to pay them separately.

???? What You’ll Need for Crater Camp

To handle the high-altitude conditions comfortably, pack carefully:

✅ Four-season sleeping bag (rated -20°C)
✅ Down jacket and thermal layers
✅ Extra snacks and energy gels
✅ Sunglasses & sunscreen (UV is intense)
✅ High-capacity water bottle or insulated flask
✅ Portable oxygen (optional for emergencies)

Your MJ Safaris crew will handle camp setup, meal preparation, and safety monitoring throughout the night.

???? Safety Tips for Crater Camp Climbers

• Only attempt if fully acclimatized.

• Spend extra nights at mid-altitude (Karanga or Barafu) before sleeping inside the crater.

• Monitor for altitude sickness symptoms — headache, nausea, dizziness, or fatigue.

• Descend immediately if symptoms worsen overnight.

• Trust your guide’s decision — they have the experience to judge whether it’s safe to proceed.

MJ Safaris guides are Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified and carry oxygen and medical kits for emergencies.

???? The Reward: A Night Above the Clouds

Despite the risks, Crater Camp offers an unmatched experience — the silence of the crater, the glowing glaciers, and the rare privilege of standing between earth and sky.

At sunrise, you’ll walk the final steps to Uhuru Peak with no crowds, surrounded by golden light and ice walls shimmering in the dawn. It’s more than a climb — it’s a memory etched forever.

???? Final Thoughts

The Crater Camp on Kilimanjaro is the ultimate challenge for adventurous trekkers — high, raw, and breathtakingly beautiful. It’s not for everyone, but for those who dare, it offers a rare glimpse into the heart of Africa’s highest volcano.

With MJ Safaris & Adventures, your Crater Camp experience is handled with expert care — from acclimatization planning to safety monitoring — ensuring your journey to the Roof of Africa is safe, ethical, and unforgettable.