Crater Camp is a remarkable destination. Situated at 18,865 feet above sea level, it stands as the highest campsite on Mount Kilimanjaro, a mere 475 feet below the summit. This exclusive experience is available on both the Lemosho and Northern Circuit routes, extending the standard itineraries to the 9-day Lemosho Crater Route and the 10-day Northern Crater Route.
Departing for the summit during daylight hours, we opt to stay at Crater Camp post-summit for enhanced acclimatization. Unlike other Kilimanjaro routes where only guides and clients summit while the support crew remains at high camp (e.g., Barafu), utilizing Crater Camp entails a considerable effort. The entire mountain crew, along with all expedition equipment, must ascend 4,000 feet higher than usual, resulting in added costs for this route.
At Crater Camp, guests have the option to embark on a one-hour hike to Reusch Crater or explore the surrounding areas, including the Furtwangler Glacier. Reusch Crater presents a magnificent sight, boasting an almost perfectly circular shape with an ash pit measuring 400 feet (120 m) deep and 1,300 feet (400 m) wide. This hidden gem is rarely witnessed by tourists, offering a unique perspective showcased in the accompanying video.
We depart from Moshi towards Lemosho Gate, a journey taking approximately 4 hours. At the gate, you will complete entry formalities before commencing the hike through undisturbed forest, which meanders to the first campsite.
Continuing on the trail out of the rainforest, we enter a savannah adorned with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen. Ascending through lush rolling hills and crossing several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira 1 Camp, where the first views of Kibo across the plateau greet us.
Today, we explore the Shira Plateau extensively, walking east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. We then veer off the main trail towards Moir Hut, a lesser-used site at the base of Lent Hills. Numerous walks on Lent Hills offer excellent acclimatization opportunities. Shira Plateau stands as one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Our day begins with a climb up a ridge before heading southeast towards the Lava Tower, a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Descending to Barranco Camp through the beautiful Senecio Forest at an altitude of 13,000 ft, despite starting and ending at the same elevation, spending time at higher altitudes aids acclimatization.
Descending into a ravine, we approach the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Climbing the non-technical yet steep 900 ft cliff, we cross hills and valleys before descending sharply into Karanga Valley. Another steep climb leads us to Karanga Camp, a shorter day designed for acclimatization.
Leaving Karanga, we join the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail, then ascend to Barafu Hut through a rocky section. Completing the Southern Circuit, this vantage point offers varied views of the summit. Here, we rest, dine early, and prepare for summit day, with Mawenzi and Kibo peaks visible.
Embarking on our summit push during daylight hours, this segment proves the most physically and mentally demanding. We ascend steadily, taking frequent short breaks as the trail transforms into heavy scree. Reaching Stella Point at 18,900 ft, the summit sign at Uhuru Peak finally comes into view. Descending briefly to Crater Camp, the staff joins us to set up camp. Options include a hike to Reusch Crater or exploration around Furtwangler Glacier.
Descending from Crater Camp, we continue to Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail, rocky and demanding on the knees, passes through upper forest where mist or rain may occur in the late afternoon. The day concludes with dinner and a well-deserved rest.
On our final day, we descend to Mweka Gate to collect summit certificates. Expect wet and muddy conditions at lower elevations. From the gate, we proceed to Mweka Village, where a vehicle awaits to transfer us back to the hotel in Moshi.
