9 Days Crater Camp Trek Cost via Lemosho Route, Kilimanjaro

This 9-day crater camp trek combined with the 8-day Lemosho route climb is a unique and ultimate Kilimanjaro experience. Crater Camp is a one-of-a-kind location. It is the highest campground on Mount Kilimanjaro, at 18,865 feet above sea level. It’s only 475 feet down from the peak. On the Lemosho and Northern Circuit tours, we offer the option of staying at Crater Camp. This option adds one day to the conventional itineraries, making the Lemosho Crater Route 9 days and the Northern Crater Route 10 days.

Click here to book this Crater Route 9 Days Trek

Crater camp is probably the highest designated campsite on the entire Mount Kilimanjaro and not everybody stays there, only a chosen few that seek a thrilling adventure, that is unique and exciting.

Sleeping at Crater Camp is a unique experience that only a select few Kilimanjaro climbers have had. You set up camp on the crater floor after summiting Uhuru Peak. The rest of the day may be spent exploring this amazing attraction and its varied features, such as an ice field and a lovely glacier.

9 Days Crater Camp Trekking Overview

Spend the night at Crater Camp
High summit success rates (over 94%)
High guide to client ratio

Sleep in Kilimanjaro’s Crater

We leave during daylight hours for the summit and remain at Crater Camp thereafter for optimal acclimatization. Only the guides and customers summit on the other Kilimanjaro routes, with the remainder of the mountain staff staying at high camp (i.e. Barafu). Using Crater Camp necessitates a major increase in effort on our part, since the complete mountain crew, as well as all expedition equipment, must ascend 4,000 feet higher than they would usually. As a result, using the Crater Camp route comes at a significant premium.
One can go on an optional one-hour climb to Reusch Crater from Crater Camp, or simply explore the region around Furtwangler Glacier.

The view from Reusch Crater is breathtaking. The ash hole is almost completely round, measuring 400 feet (120 meters) deep and 1,300 feet (400 meters) broad. Tourists seldom come upon this.
We understand why people want to stay at Crater Camp. The disadvantage of sleeping at such a high altitude is that it is quite risky. If appropriate altitude acclimatization is not obtained, serious AMS can occur.
Due to client and staff safety concerns, the 9-day Lemosho Crater Route and 10-day Northern Crater Route are only available by special request.

How much will it cost for an overnight stay at the Crater Camp?

To sleep at Kilimanjaro’s Crater camp you will have to pay extra because we will need to apply for a special permit for an overnight stay at the crater on Mount Kilimanjaro. The prices for this 9-day Kilimanjaro Crater Camp Trek with Lemosho Route will range from $2895 per person for a group of 6 people to $3930 if you will be travelling alone (single person). This is basically the 8 day Lemosho route with an extra night of sleeping at the Crater Camp, hence the extra charges.

Lemosho: The best route for sleeping at crater camp

The Lemosho route is the most scenic route on the mountain and gives you ample time to climb the mountain and enjoy the views especially when it is combined with an extra day for sleeping at the crater camp. This ascending trek on the mountain’s most attractive route is designed for optimal acclimatization and summit success. On this route, we have a 98% success rate.

Lemosho & Crater Camp Reviews

Ever wondered what it feels like to stay at the Crater Camp of Mount Kilimanjaro? Well, check out the review below from our past client.

We chose the Lemosho route with the Crater camp option because we were climbing for the first time and needed a once in a lifetime experience, Diannah and the team advised us to take a longer route and more days to acclimatise. So we chose the 9 days Lemosho Route route + crater camp and we did not regret it. One tip and word of advice, please drink alot of water and everything will be fine,. The guides were really helpful and the porters helped us a lot. We enjoyed the scenic views on the Reusch crater of mount Kilimanjaro and the amazing sunrise at Stella Point. We also took amazing pictures at the crater rim. The midnight summit attempt was the hardest part but worth it.
Christian Poelvoorde – Brussels, Belgium

Day 1

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

We begin our 9-day Crater Camp trek by travelling for 4 hours from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, where you will fulfill entry requirements. After that, proceed to the Lemosho trailhead. We continue trekking through undisturbed woodland to the first campsite after arriving at the trailhead.

Day 2

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time 5-6 hours

Habitat: Health

We proceed on the track that leads out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and lichen-bearded volcanic rock. We reach the Shira Ridge after ascending through the beautiful rolling hills and crossing multiple streams before gradually descending to Shira 1 Camp. Across the plateau, we get our first view of Kibo.

Day 3

Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft

Distance: 11 km/7 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Heath

We spend a whole day exploring the amazing Shira Plateau. Shira 2 Camp is reached through a moderate trek east over moorland meadows. Then we detour from the main trail to Moir Hut, a lesser-known location at the base of Lent Hills. Lent Hills offers a variety of hikes, giving it a good acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the world’s highest plateaus.

Day 4

Moir Hut to Lava Tower

Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft

Distance: 7 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft

Distance: 3 km/2 miles

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We start the day by ascending up a hill before heading southeast to the Lava Tower, a 300-foot-tall volcanic rock feature. We descend to Barranco Camp at a height of 13,000 feet via the unusual but magnificent Senecio Forest. Despite the fact that you start and end the day at the same level, the time spent at a higher altitude is quite good for acclimatization.

Day 5

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

The day begins with a descent through a gully to the Great Barranco Wall’s base. Then we ascend the almost 900-foot cliff, which is non-technical but steep. We descend quickly into Karanga Valley from the top of the Barranco Wall, passing through a succession of hills and valleys. Karanga Camp is reached after a final difficult ascent. This is a shorter day designed to help you acclimatize.

Day 6

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft

Distance: 4 km/2 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We leave Karanga and arrive at a juncture with the Mweka Trail. We proceed up to Barafu Hut’s difficult portion. You’ve finished the Southern Circuit, which provides views of the summit from a variety of perspectives. To prepare for the summit day, we set up camp, rest, and have an early dinner. From this vantage point, the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks may be seen.

Day 7

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 18,865 ft

Distance: 1 km/.6 miles

Hiking Time: 0.5-1 hours

Habitat: Artic

We start our ascent during the typical early hours. This is the trek’s most psychologically and physically demanding section. We rise at a moderate but steady pace for several hours, taking frequent but brief stops. As we climb steeply to the crater rim, the track becomes thick scree. The summit sign may be seen in the distance from Stella Point (18,900 feet). We continue along the crater rim until we reach Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent.

After that, we’ll descend a little distance to Crater Camp, where the rest of the crew will join us to set up camp. Hiking to Reutsch Crater and the ash pit is a possibility, as is simply exploring the region around Furtwangler Glacier. At this altitude, sleeping can be harmful. If appropriate altitude acclimatization is not accomplished, serious AMS can develop, thus the guides will keep a watchful eye on you.

Day 8

Crater Camp to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 18,865 ft to 10,065 ft

Distance: 12 km/7 miles

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Artic

We now descend from Crater Camp, heading straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, pausing for lunch at Barafu. The terrain is rough and difficult on the knees; hiking poles are recommended. Mweka Camp is located in the higher forest, so expect mist or rain in the late afternoon. We had our final meal on the mountain and a well-deserved rest later that evening.

Day 9

Walking Time: 2 hours up, 7 hours down Distance: 16km Altitude Gain: 145m Altitude Loss: 2805m

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

Distance: 10 km/6 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: RainForest

We continue our descent to Mweka Gate on the final day of this magnificent 9-day Crater camp trek on Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route and obtain our summit credentials. It can be muddy and damp at lower levels. We go another hour from the gate to Mweka Village. At Mweka Village, a van will be waiting to take us back to the hotel in Moshi.

The cost of sleeping on the crater of Kilimanjaro and climbing via the Lemosho route is as follows.

1 Person: $3,930

A group of 2 people: $3,355 per person

A group of 3 people: $3,155 per person

A group of 4 people: $2,995 per person

A group of 5 people: $2,950 per person

A group of 6 People: $2,895 per person

A group of 7+ people: REQUEST PRICE

9 Days Crater Camp Route Price includes

All transfers to the mountain and back to your Arusha hotel

Professional, experienced, mountain guides

Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees

Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents

Sleeping Mattress

All meals while on the Mountain

Quality Mess tents with table and chairs

Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food

Clean, purified drinking water

Conservation fees (part of park fees)

Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)

Rescue fees (part of park fees)

VAT (18% charged by the Government)

Surcharge for online payment of deposit (5%)

Price Excludes

Airport transfers

Accommodation in Arusha

Tanzania Visa

Gratuity

Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

Meals not listed above

Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)

Where is the Crater Camp located?

Crater Camp is located within the depression that forms at the summit of Kilimanjaro’s tallest volcanic cone. The campground is a bit lower than Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s highest point.

Kilimanjaro is made up of three volcanic cones, with Kibo being the highest.

Volcanic cones of Kilimanjaro Mawenzi, Kibo and Shira.
Kibo is not a clean cone, as its top was blown off by a volcanic explosion many years ago. Three concentric craters presently exist at the summit of Kibo:

Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the mountain, is located on the rim of the outermost crater, Kibo Crater, which is roughly 2.5 km wide.
Crater Camp is located in the dip near the summit of Kibo cone.

The Western Breach was formed when the western rim of Kibo Crater fell long ago. This breach may be seen in the photo above.

Crater Camp is located in the main Kibo Crater, directly across from the Furtwangler Glacier. In a minute, we’ll tell you more about this glacier.

On the southern rim of Kibo Crater, Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s highest peak and summit, is located.

What is the elevation of Crater Camp?

Crater Camp is 5,750 meters (18,865 feet) above sea level.

The Western Breach was formed when the western rim of Kibo Crater fell long ago. This breach may be seen in the photo above.

Crater Camp is located in the main Kibo Crater, directly across from the Furtwangler Glacier.

On the southern rim of Kibo Crater, Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s highest peak and summit, is located.

How high is the Crater Camp?

Crater Camp is located at a height of 5,750 meters (18,865 feet) above sea level. Uhuru Peak, the mountain’s summit, is 5,895 meters high (19,340 ft). So you don’t have to descend very far before putting up a tent.

What is the distance from Crater Camp to Uhuru Peak?

Uhuru Peak is located just a short 1 km (0.6 km) disctance northeast of Crater Camp. it would take you about an hour to trek to Uhuru Peak from the Crater Camp on foot.

To sleep in Crater Camp, which route should I take?

We may take customers to Crater Camp via the Lemosho or Northern Circuit. These routes provide excellent acclimatization for a stay at Crater Camp.

What makes Crater Camp unique?

Crater Camp’s major draw is the opportunity to explore the crater throughout the day. The daytime temperatures are moderate, and you may explore the crater at your leisure with virtually no one else around.

Visitors to Kibo Crater may get up-close and personal with phenomena that most people will never see, such as the Furtwangler Glacier reaching for the sky and the steep walls of the dangerous Ash Pit. In addition, when you wake up the next morning, you may take a short stroll to the crater rim for a breathtaking sunrise!

Kibo Crater is absolutely deserted; to set up camp in such a spot is to establish a temporary home in a very hostile environment.

Lunar scenery

Kibo Crater’s lunar-like scenery is captivating. You travel on grey-brown ash, scree, and boulders when the ground is not covered with snow. A small coating of snow in the winter may soften the image and hide its unearthly aspect.

See Mount Kilimanjaro full moon climbs

The ever shrinking Ice fields

The snow on Kilimanjaro’s summit changes with the seasons, but ice fields and isolated glaciers remain permanent. They are, however, tragically shrinking: from 1912 to present, they have lost nearly 80% of their bulk.

While all hikers on Kilimanjaro get to see the Southern Ice Field, those staying in Crater Camp get a better glimpse at the Northern Ice Field, particularly the Furtwangler Glacier.

The famous Furtwangler Glacier

The Furtwangler Glacier is one of Kilimanjaro’s most well-known glaciers. Its closeness to Uhuru Peak is one reason for this. However, most trekkers never get close to it. Crater Camp visitors, on the other hand, get the pleasure of strolling right up to it.

Standing near the base of Furtwangler gives you a feeling of its massive magnitude that others who only see it from afar and above don’t get. You may also enjoy its beautiful blue-and-white splendor up close, and observe the repeating patterns produced by constant exposure to harsh weather and winds.

The Ash Pit

The Ash Pit at Reusch Crater refers to the mountain’s vent and is a sight to behold. The sheer plummet is breathtaking, and the pit serves as a stark reminder of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic past.

Reusch Crater

The Ash Pit is located in Reusch Crater, which is the innermost of three concentric craters on Kibo.

Those staying at Crater Camp who are in good physical condition can do the two- to three-hour roundtrip climb from Crater Camp to Reusch Crater and the Ash Pit. It has to be one of the most spectacular photo opportunities available!

About the Reusch Crater & Ashpit

Expect a rough night.

Crater Camp visitors can expect a rough night. The cold and the high altitude are the two biggest obstacles.

The nights are chilly.

The temperature of Kibo Crater may easily dip below -10°C (14°F) at night, with temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F).

There’s also the risk of snow. The coldest months are December and January, with the greatest chance of snowfall. Snowfall might make it difficult to see the terrain, so keep that in mind. We strongly advise reading Best time to climb Kilimanjaro before deciding on a month to climb.

Altitude has negative impacts.

There are also the impacts of altitude. Altitude sickness symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headaches, shortness of breath, and poor sleep for everyone staying at Crater Camp. Headaches are very prevalent at Crater Camp, and they may be quite severe.

At Crater Camp, you should anticipate receiving around 10% of your normal amount of sleep. Headaches and nausea are other possible side effects.

Who should spend the night at Crater Camp?

Those who have traveled and slept at high altitude before are better prospects for a Crater Camp stay. These people have a greater understanding of what their bodies are capable of. People who live at a high elevation already have an edge.

We don’t think it’s our place to advocate or discourage you from attending Crater Camp. Everyone is different, and for some, the vistas and experience of spending the night in Crater Camp will outweigh the drawbacks. Others will find the nearly certain headaches, nausea, and insomnia too hard to bear, and they should avoid this alternative. Only you are the expert on yourself.

The Southern Icefield

The Southern Ice is visible and enjoyed by everyone who summits Kilimanjaro.

We won’t take just anyone to Crater Camp, though. Your tour manager will need to know about your high-altitude hiking experience, your comfort with physical discomfort (! ), and your willingness to take risks. Your Mountain guide will also talk to you about the ascending trail you should follow, as you’ll need to climb a route that provides for enough acclimatization.

So, absolutely, we’ll put together a Crater Camp itinerary for those who want it and are up to the challenge. If you’d like to learn more about Crater Camp, please contact us — we’ll be pleased to answer your questions with no strings attached!