Crater Camp is a campsite located near the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Situated at an altitude of approximately 18,800 feet, it is nestled in the mountain’s crater, next to the Furtwangler Glacier. The camp is not frequently used due to its high altitude and the associated health risks, but it offers climbers a unique opportunity to explore the glaciers and ash pit of Kilimanjaro. It is typically used by climbers on longer routes who want to spend an extra day acclimatizing or exploring the summit area.
The Kilimanjaro Ash Pit is a volcanic crater located at the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. It is part of the dormant Kibo volcano, one of the three volcanic cones of Mount Kilimanjaro. The ash pit is approximately 140 meters deep and 360 meters wide, and it is considered one of the most perfectly formed volcanic craters in the world. Despite the harsh conditions at the summit, the ash pit is a popular destination for climbers and adventurers.
Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, is the highest mountain in Africa and is a popular destination for climbers. However, the difficulty of climbing Kilimanjaro should not be underestimated. Despite not requiring technical climbing skills, the trek is physically demanding due to the high altitude, low temperature, and occasional high winds. The main challenge for most climbers is altitude sickness, which can be life-threatening if not managed properly. Proper acclimatization, physical preparation, and a slow ascent can increase the chances of a successful climb.
The trek involves daily hiking for 5 to 8 hours, with significant elevation gains of 1,000 to 2,000+ feet (305 to 610+ meters) per day. This demanding level of trekking will be experienced throughout the trip, and you should be in excellent physical shape to undertake the climb. Before attempting the trek, it is recommended to engage in regular workouts, including at least 4 one-hour sessions per week. Ideally, some of these workouts should involve hiking with a small backpack, gradually increasing the duration and altitude gain if possible.
The distance covered on the Kilimanjaro trek is not the main challenge; a seven-night trek can add up to as little as 150 kilometers or 100 miles, and about half of it is optional. The focus lies on the elevation gain and acclimatization process. Each day on the trail usually starts with a 2-4 hour morning walk, covering most, if not all, of the distance between camps. In the afternoons, trekkers are encouraged to participate in additional acclimatization treks, which take them higher in altitude before returning to camp to sleep at a lower altitude. This acclimatization process helps the body adjust to the altitude and reduces the risk of altitude sickness. These treks typically last for 2-5 hours.
The summit day of Mount Kilimanjaro is particularly challenging, involving around 12-15 hours of continuous walking to reach the top. It’s a long and grueling day, often with cold temperatures and difficult terrain.
For a seven-night trek, you can expect a total of around 56 hours of walking. However, the average walking speed tends to be quite slow due to the high altitude and challenging conditions.