Crater Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro – Sleep Near the Summit of Africa
Crater Camp is Mount Kilimanjaro’s highest campsite at 5,730m. Discover what makes this extreme overnight stop near Uhuru Peak a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Crater Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro: The Highest Camping Spot in Africa
Crater Camp is one of the most extraordinary and extreme places to sleep on Earth. Perched at a breathtaking 5,730 meters (18,800 feet) above sea level, it is the highest campsite on Mount Kilimanjaro and in all of Africa. Nestled just below Uhuru Peak, Crater Camp offers a surreal and unforgettable experience for those bold enough to spend the night near the summit of Africa’s tallest mountain.
What is Crater Camp?
Crater Camp is located inside the Kibo Crater, a wide, otherworldly expanse of volcanic ash and rock that surrounds the dormant inner cone of Mount Kilimanjaro. From this remote and barren landscape, trekkers can marvel at the shimmering Furtwängler Glacier, the last remnants of the mountain’s once-extensive ice cap.
Unlike the usual early-morning summit attempt from Barafu Camp or School Hut, those who sleep at Crater Camp reach Uhuru Peak the next morning with a short 1-hour hike an unforgettable sunrise ascent at the very top of Africa.
Why Choose Crater Camp?
Crater Camp is not for every climber. It’s a high-risk, high-reward option typically reserved for experienced trekkers who have adapted well to the altitude. However, if your body handles the climb well, camping in the crater is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here’s why:
✅ Exclusive and Remote – Very few climbers get to overnight at this location.
✅ Stunning Night Skies – With no light pollution, the stars feel like they’re within reach.
✅ Less Rush to the Summit – Instead of waking at midnight, you rest and summit in the morning.
✅ Up-Close View of the Glaciers – Walk right up to the Furtwängler Glacier.
✅ Shorter Descent Day – After summiting, the descent to lower camps is more manageable.
Is Crater Camp Safe?
Due to the high elevation, Crater Camp is not recommended for everyone. Altitude sickness is a serious concern, and climbers must be well-acclimatized before spending the night here. This is why Crater Camp is only offered on longer itineraries like the:
These routes allow for gradual acclimatization, making it safer for trekkers to handle the extreme altitude of Crater Camp.
Crater Camp Highlights
📍 Altitude: 5,730 meters (18,800 ft)
🌋 Terrain: Volcanic ash, glaciers, crater floor
🏕️ Experience Level: Advanced, for well-acclimatized trekkers
🌅 Access Point: School Hut or Barafu Camp
❄️ Nearby Sights: Furtwängler Glacier, Ash Pit, Uhuru Peak
What to Expect
Expect extreme cold, thin air, and a surreal, moon-like landscape. Despite the harsh conditions, many climbers say the peaceful silence, stargazing, and sunrise summit from Crater Camp are worth every challenge. Your guides will monitor your health closely and provide oxygen if needed.
Final Thoughts
Camping at Crater Camp is the ultimate Kilimanjaro adventure. It’s not easy, and it’s not for everyone, but for the few who make it, it’s an experience they never forget. If you’re planning a Kilimanjaro climb and want to push your limits, ask Hike Kilimanjaro about including Crater Camp in your itinerary.
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