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Kilimanjaro Crater: Guide to Camping, Routes, Costs & Tips for Visits
Exploring the Kilimanjaro crater? The Reusch Crater (also called Ash Pit) is a stunning volcanic feature near Uhuru Peak at 18,865 feet (5,750 meters), offering a rare overnight camping experience inside Mount Kilimanjaro‘s summit caldera—one of the world’s highest craters. This add-on elevates your climb with otherworldly views, glacial exploration, and a sense of isolation. However, it’s challenging due to extreme altitude—only for fit climbers on extended routes. At Mount Kilimanjaro Guide, we offer ethical, high-success crater camp packages on routes like Northern Circuit or Lemosho—our expert-led treks achieve 95-98% success rates with safety protocols. Over 50,000 climbers visit annually, but crater camping is elite (add $500-$1,000)—read on for routes, costs, tips, dangers, and more.
The crater, formed by Kibo’s volcanic activity, is ~1 km wide and features fumaroles, ash pits, and glaciers— a must for adventurous summiteers. Visiting requires an overnight at Crater Camp (18,800 ft/5,730 m), adding 1-2 days.
What is the Kilimanjaro Crater? Overview & Unique Features
The Kilimanjaro crater is the volcanic caldera at the summit of Kibo, one of Kilimanjaro’s three cones. Key details:
- Size & Depth: ~1 km (0.6 miles) diameter, 200m deep.
- Features: Reusch Ash Pit (fumaroles at 18,865 ft), Furtwangler Glacier remnants, volcanic rocks.
- Significance: Rare high-altitude crater camp—sleep near the roof of Africa.
- Accessibility: Only via add-on on long routes; descent to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft) next day.
It’s not the main summit but an optional highlight—extreme cold (-20°C) and thin air (50% oxygen) make it demanding.
Best Routes to Visit Kilimanjaro Crater & Camp
For kilimanjaro camp at crater, add 1-2 days to long routes for acclimatization.
| Route | Duration (with Crater) | Difficulty | Success Rate | Best For | Cost Add-On (USD pp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Circuit | 9-10 Days | Moderate | 95%+ | Max acclimatization, 360° views | $500-$800 |
| Lemosho Crater | 8-9 Days | Moderate | 90-98% | Scenic Shira Plateau, wildlife | $600-$1,000 |
| Machame Crater | 7-8 Days | Moderate-Hard | 85-92% | Barranco Wall, diverse terrain | $500-$800 |
- Northern Circuit: Longest (89 km/53.5 miles), circles mountain—best for crater (sleep at 18,800 ft).
- Lemosho: Starts west (72 km/43.5 miles with crater), merges with Machame—stunning but 6-8 hour summit ascent.
- Machame: Popular (whiskey route), add crater for unique twist.
Crater camp: Tents at 18,800 ft—extreme, but panoramic. Our packages include oxygen, medics.
Costs for Kilimanjaro Crater Camp
Kilimanjaro crater add-on costs $500-$1,000+ pp, on top of base climb ($2,000-$6,000). Breakdown (7-9 day luxury with crater):
| Category | Cost Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crater Add-On (Fees/Camp) | $500-$800 | Extra permits, logistics at high altitude. |
| Base Climb Package | $2,000-$5,000 | Guides, porters, meals, tents. |
| Flights | $800-$1,500 | To JRO. |
| Visa/Insurance | $150-$300 | Evac coverage. |
| Gear/Tips | $300-$600 | High-altitude extras; tips $250+. |
| Hotels/Extras | $200-$500 | Pre/post, safaris. |
Total with Crater: $4,000-$8,000+. Group discounts save 10-20%; book early.
Tips & Dangers for Kilimanjaro Crater Visits
Tips:
- Fitness/Acclimatization: Train for altitude; longer routes essential—AMS risks high at crater.
- Gear: Extra warm layers (-20°C), oxygen mask.
- Best Time: Dry (Jan-Mar/Jun-Oct)—avoid rains for safety.
- Health: Diamox, daily checks; descend if symptoms.
- Ethics: KPAP for fair porters—crater logistics demanding.
Dangers: Severe AMS (75% risk higher), cold, isolation—only for experienced; evacs challenging.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kilimanjaro Crater
- What is Kilimanjaro crater? Volcanic caldera at summit, ~1 km wide.
- Kilimanjaro camp at crater—possible? Yes, on extended routes like Northern Circuit.
- Mount Kilimanjaro crater cost? Add $500-$1,000 to base.
- Mt Kilimanjaro crater routes? Northern Circuit, Lemosho, Machame with add-on.
- Kilimanjaro+camp+at+crater dangers? High AMS, cold—prep essential.
Book Your Kilimanjaro Crater Adventure Today
Ready to explore the Kilimanjaro crater? At Mount Kilimanjaro Guide, our luxury packages include crater options. Get a free quote—experience the extraordinary!
