Climb to Base Camp Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro Base Camp Altitude

Mount Kilimanjaro Base Camp is a term that is sometimes used to describe the base camps located on Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. These base camps are set up at various elevations on the mountain to provide resting and acclimatization points for climbers attempting to reach the summit.

One of the primary base camps on Kilimanjaro is Barafu Camp, situated at an altitude of approximately 4,673 meters (15,330 feet). Barafu Camp serves as the last base camp before the final ascent to the summit, known as Uhuru Peak. It is here that climbers typically rest and prepare for their summit attempt.

Another key base camp is Kibo Hut/Camp, located at about 4,700 meters. Kibo base camp is primarily used by hikers on the Marangu and Rongai routes, and it serves as a point along the route to the sub-summit known as Gilman’s Point.

Base camps on Kilimanjaro are strategically placed to allow climbers to acclimatize to the increasing altitude, which is crucial for a successful summit attempt. The time spent at these camps helps climbers adapt to the lower oxygen levels at higher elevations, reducing the risk of altitude-related illnesses.

While Kilimanjaro doesn’t have a permanent, year-round base camp like Everest, these temporary base camps play a vital role in supporting climbers’ journeys to the summit. Kilimanjaro base camps are often equipped with facilities for overnight stays and essential services.

HOW HIGH IS MOUNT KILIMANJARO BASE CAMP 

Mount Kilimanjaro Base Camp is the last camp before climbers make the final ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The elevation of Barafu Camp or Kibo Hut is approximately 15,331 feet (4,673 meters) above sea level. This high-altitude location serves as a crucial acclimatization point for climbers before they attempt to reach the peak of the highest mountain in Africa.

Marangu Route: 1,800 meters (5,905 feet)

Machame Route:1,830 meters (6,004 feet)

Lemosho Route: 2,100 meters (6,890 feet)

 

Rongai Route: 1,980 meters (6,496 feet)

 

Umbwe Route: 1,600 meters (5,250 feet)

MOUNT KILIMANJARO BASE CAMP ITINERARY

The Mount Kilimanjaro Base Camp Itinerary typically involves a multi-day trek to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. The journey usually starts from Moshi or Arusha in Tanzania, with the trekking route passing through various ecosystems such as rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic conditions. The most popular routes include the Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, and Rongai, each varying in difficulty and duration, typically ranging from 5 to 9 days. The itinerary includes acclimatization days to adjust to the high altitude, with the final ascent often starting at midnight to reach the summit by dawn.

KILIMANJARO BASE CAMP: MARANGU ROUTE 6 DAYS From $1,500/pp

Day 1:Moshi to Marangu gate to Mandara hut

Day 2: Mandara hut to Horombo hut

Day 4: Horombo hut to Kibo hut

Day 5:  Kibo Hut camp to Horombo Hut camp

Day 6: Horombo Huts camp to Marangu Gate to Moshi.

KILIMANJARO BASE CAMP: LEMOSHO ROUTE 6 DAYS From $1,750/pp

This is the sixth part of my day-by-day account of what it was really like to climb the Lemosho Route up Mount Kilimanjaro.

challenge for the day is to get from Karanga campsite at just under 4000m, to Kilimanjaro Base Camp, Barafu, at nearly 4700. Seven hundred meters of vertical ascent, at altitude, when you’ve already been walking for five days straight, is not easy. But as always, we took it nice and slow, just continually putting one foot in front of the other. Or, as the guides kept reminding me, ‘pole pole’, which is Swahili for ‘slowly slowly’, and is something of a mantra on Kilimanjaro. 

Day 1: To Mti Mkubwa Camp 2650m

Day 2: To Moir Hut 4200m

Day 3: To Barranco Camp 3940m

Day 4: To Barafu Camp 4673m

Day 5: To Barafu camp  and Descend to Mweka Hut 3100m

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Moshi.

KILIMANJARO BASE CAMP: RONGAI ROUTE From $1,750/pp

The Rongai route begins on the northern side of the mountain and is the least traveled route. It is a long drive to the starting point but you are rewarded by fantastic views and the likelihood that you will be the only climber around. If you take this route up the mountain you are obliged to descend via the Marangu Route which is the most popular and well-used route. Stay in tents.

Day 1 Kilimanjaro Airport | Moshi

Day 2 Moshi | Rongai Park Gate | 1st Cave Camp

Day 3 1st Cave Camp | 2nd Cave Camp

Day 4 2nd Cave Camp | Mawenzi Turn Camp

Day 5 Mawenzi Turn Camp | Kibo Camp

Day 6 Kibo Camp | Horombo Hut

Day 7 Horombo Hut | Marangu Park Gate | Moshi

Day 8 Moshi | Kilimanjaro Airport.

Tell us your travel dates and reserve your seat, we have a list of mountain guides so you can also choose. These are privately guided Kilimanjaro price deals. If you are planning to book a Kilimanjaro Climb, it is recommended to book your trip at least 6 to 9 months in advance.