When hiking Mount Kilimanjaro with Peaks Vista, you’ll have the choice between staying in mountain huts or camping in tents. The Marangu Route is the only route offering huts, while all other routes require camping in tents, adding an extra element of adventure to your climb.
Camping on Kilimanjaro: A Unique Experience Camping on Kilimanjaro is an integral part of the journey, and after a challenging day on the trail, your tent will be your personal refuge to rest and recharge.
Tents & Accommodation on Kilimanjaro On all routes, except for the Marangu route, which provides mountain huts, your accommodation will be in tents arranged by your tour operator. Our team of porters will transport and set up your tent to ensure a comfortable and secure space for you to relax.
Tents & Mattresses We provide high-quality, four-season Mountain Hardwear tents designed specifically for the harsh conditions of the mountain. These tents are built to accommodate three people, but we limit it to two climbers per tent for extra comfort, leaving ample space for your duffel bag and gear. Additionally, each tent has a vestibule, perfect for storing muddy boots and gear to keep your sleeping area clean.
Our tents are durable and can withstand high winds, heavy rain, and even snow, ensuring your safety and comfort while on the mountain.
Once you reach camp, your tent will already be set up by our team, with all your gear safely inside. Our campsites are carefully selected to be flat and free of any water accumulation, with no sharp rocks beneath your sleeping area. A rugged foam mattress is provided for added comfort, but you’re welcome to bring your own sleeping mat if preferred.
Sleeping Bags on Kilimanjaro We recommend bringing your own sleeping bag, rated to -18°C (0°F). If you don’t have one, we can arrange to rent a suitable sleeping bag for you. Our rental bags are professionally cleaned after each climb and replaced regularly, ensuring hygiene and quality.
If you’re bringing your own sleeping bag, choose a high-quality, expedition-grade sleeping bag—not one designed for summer camping. A sleeping bag liner, such as the Sea to Summit Reactor Fleece, is highly recommended to protect the sleeping bag’s insulation and add extra warmth as you climb higher.
Choosing the Right Sleeping Bag Your sleeping bag should be rated for extreme cold. A 3-season bag will not suffice—opt for a 4-season bag, either down or synthetic, depending on your preference. Mummy-shaped bags are ideal for better insulation, and they come with an insulated hood and neck baffle to prevent heat loss.
Down vs. Synthetic Sleeping Bags While down sleeping bags offer the best warmth-to-weight ratio, they don’t perform as well when wet. Synthetic bags are heavier but have better water resistance and dry faster. Both types are suitable for Kilimanjaro, but if you choose a down bag, be sure to store it in a waterproof compression sack.
Altitude, Fatigue, and Cold on Kilimanjaro At higher altitudes, the air thins, affecting your breathing patterns. This can lead to periodic breathing, known as Cheyne-Stokes breathing, which is common at high elevations and doesn’t pose any danger if no other symptoms are present. However, this can make it harder to sleep.
Fatigue is another factor that can make you feel the cold more acutely. Regardless of your fitness level, it’s important to prioritize warmth during the night.
Top Tips for a Warm & Comfortable Night in Your Tent After countless nights spent on Kilimanjaro, we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you stay comfortable:
Sleep System: As soon as you arrive at camp, unpack your sleeping bag and lay it out on your sleeping mat to allow the insulation to loft up. Keep your bag away from the sides of the tent to avoid condensation and moisture.
Layer Up: Wear a warm base layer (top and bottom) and socks to sleep. At higher camps, you may need more layers. Don’t forget a warm hat, as you lose a lot of heat from your head.
Stay Dry: Avoid wearing wet clothes in your sleeping bag. Moisture will affect the insulation and reduce warmth.
Use a Hot Water Bottle: Before heading to bed, fill your water bottle with hot water and place it inside your sleeping bag to warm your feet or body.
Fuel Up: Eating enough calories helps your body generate heat. Even if your appetite decreases at altitude, try to eat as much as you can.
Pre-Heat Clothes: Put the clothes you’ll wear the next day inside your sleeping bag to keep them warm for the chilly morning.
Earplugs: The wind can be quite noisy, especially at Barafu Camp, and the sounds from other climbers might disrupt your sleep. Bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
Nighttime Toilets: Visit the toilet before you sleep. Waking up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom is never fun, especially when it’s freezing outside.
Sleep Quality: If you have trouble sleeping, work on improving your sleep quality before your climb. Avoid sleeping pills as they can affect your body’s ability to acclimatize properly.
Final Thoughts on Camping on Kilimanjaro Camping on Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable experience. If you’d prefer not to camp, the Marangu route offers dorm-style huts, but for most climbers, tent camping adds a unique aspect to the adventure. Whether you choose to camp or hut, your experience on the mountain will be one you’ll never forget.
For more details on what to bring, check out our complete Kilimanjaro packing guide.
