Crater Route
Unlike other Kilimanjaro routes where only climbers and guides reach the top while the rest of the crew remains at high camp, the Crater camp experience demands much greater effort. Here,the entire mountain crew and all expedition equipment must ascend an additional 4,000 feet beyond their usual point- making this a truly exceptional undertaking.
From Crater Camp, trekkers can take an optional one-hour hike to Reusch Crater or explore the fascinating surroundings of Furtwangler Glacier. Reusch Crater itself is a spectacular natural wonder- almost perfectly circular, with an ash pit that plunges 400 feet ( 120m) deep and spans 1,300 feet ( 400m) across- something very few visitors ever get to witness.
While the appeal of camping so close to the summit is undeniable, staying at such extreme altitude carries significant risk. Without proper acclimatization, there is a high chance of developing serious altitude sickness, making Crater Camp suitable only for well- prepared and properly acclimatized climbers. If we have to accommodate an extra night in the crater then to complete it in a timeframe of 7 days, we will skip Shira 1 camp and will directly head to the Shira 2 Camp.
What is the length of Lemosho Route With Crater Camp?
The Lemosho Route with Crater camp generally covers a distance of 70 km ( 43 miles).
What is the duration to climb Kilimanjaro through Lemosho Route with Crater Camp?
According to the itinerary designed at Kili Trips, the duration to climb Kilimanjaro through Lemosho Route with Crater camp stands at 7 days.
Is it hard to climb Kilimanjaro on Crater Camp Routes?
Sleeping at the high altitude of Crater Camp presents additional acclimatization challenges compared to summiting and descending on the same day. As a result, these routes are considered more demanding due to higher risk of altitude sickness.
Is it possible to climb Kilimanjaro successfully on the Crater Camp Route?
The success rate for the Crater Camp routes are the same as their standard versions since the overnight stay at Crater Camp takes place after the summit.
What is the estimated cost to climb Kilimanjaro on the Crater Camp Route?
The cost of climbing the crater camp routes varies depending on the operator. Our current rates for a private expedition go somewhere around $ 2395 per person.
7 Day Lemosho Crater Camp Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted and driven to your hotel in Moshi town. There you will meet our safari guide who will provide a detailed briefing about your upcoming climb and conduct a thorough equipment check to ensure you are fully prepared. Any missing gear can conveniently be rented on this day.
Elevation: 6000ft to 8700ftt
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 6km (4 miles)
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast and a short briefing, you will drive to the Lemosho Park Gate. From there,a vehicle will take you along a forest track to the Lemosho Glades. You will then begin your trek, following scenic forest trails that lead to Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Elevation: 2,650m to 3,850m
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Distance: 14 km
Habitat:Moorland / Heath
This hike is simultaneously tough and rewarding, strategically designed to have additional time for the next Crater Camp stay. The first part of the hike takes us through the rainforest, then we move up sharply into the heath and moorland zone, finally reaching the magnificent Shira Plateau. Instead of stopping at Shira 1 Camp, our trek brings us to the vast, old volcanic plain, where we are going to be on Shira 2 Camp. One of the stunning perspectives of Kibo Peak in the east and Mount Meru in the west will be seen right after you come here.
Elevation: 3,850m to 4,600m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 7 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We depart from the moorlands and enter the amazing, vast terrain of the Alpine desert. The Lava Tower, a 300-foot volcanic formation that is the most remarkable feature of the area, is the goal for today. Contrary to the majority of trekking teams that stop here for a short lunch and then descend to Barranco, we will set up our tent at the bottom of the tower. Overnight stay at the height of 4,600 meters gives essential acclimatization for the climb to Western Breach that is coming soon.
Elevation: 4,600m to 4,870m
Hiking Time:1-2 hours
Distance:2 km
Habitat:Alpine Desert / Rock debris
The trek is short but intentionally steep, taking us deep into the rugged high alpine zone. Leaving the main trails behind, we ascend toward the dramatic base of the Western Breach. Our campsite at Arrow Glacier sits amid striking rock formations, directly beneath the steep route to the summit. The afternoon is reserved for rest and final preparations for the next day’s climb.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 5 Km ( 3 miles)
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,870m to 5,750m
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance:2.5 km (steep vertical gain)
Habitat:Arctic / Glacial Zone
We start our climb at first light to take advantage of the frozen, stable rock. Helmets are essential for this section, as the path involves scrambling over jagged rocks and steep scree slopes. The climb itself is exhilarating, culminating not as the summit but along the Crater Rim. From this vantage point, the breathtaking Northern Ice Fields stretch out before us. We then descend a short distance onto the Crater’s ash floor, where we set up camp beside the impressive Furtwangler Glacier. Spending the night inside the crater is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Elevation:5,750m to 5,895m (Summit) down to 3,950m (Millennium)
Hiking Time:8-10 hours
Distance:12 km Total (~1km to summit, ~11km descent)
Habitat:Glacial Zone descending to Heath
Rising at 5,750 meters, the most challenging part of the climb is already behind us. The last stretch to Uhuru Peak is a brief, roughly one-hour trek up a snow-dusted slope to Africa’s highest point. We will likely reach the summit ahead of the main trekking groups, savoring a peaceful, private moment at the top. After celebrating, we will start the long descent, skipping Barafu and continuing directly down to the treeline, where we will spend our final night at Millennium Camp.
Elevation: 3,800 m to 1800m
Hiking Time:4-5 hours
Distance:10 km
Habitat: Montane Forest
Take a leisurely hike down through lush forest trails, soaking in the sense of accomplishment before arriving back in Moshi for a restful evening.
