Accommodation and Toilet Options on Mount Kilimanjaro:
What to Expect with Kijani African Safaris
Planning to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro is an exciting adventure, but understanding the logistics of accommodation and facilities is crucial for a smooth experience. With Kijani African Safaris, we make sure that your trek is not only memorable but also comfortable, by ensuring you’re well-informed about what to expect during your climb.
Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, offers trekkers a unique challenge. However, its remoteness and extreme altitude mean that luxury accommodations are not part of the journey. Instead, you’ll experience camping or staying in mountain huts, depending on the route you choose. Here’s a detailed look at the types of accommodation and toilet facilities you’ll encounter on your Kilimanjaro trek.
Accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
The type of accommodation you’ll have on Kilimanjaro depends on the route you select. Generally, there are two main options: camping and mountain huts.
- Camping Tents
- Routes with camping: Lemosho, Machame, Rongai, and Northern Circuit
- What to expect: On most of the popular Kilimanjaro routes, trekkers sleep in tents at designated campsites along the trail. These campsites are pre-set along the route and provide a safe and structured environment to rest after a day of trekking. Tents are usually two-person, spacious, and weather-resistant, designed to withstand Kilimanjaro’s unpredictable weather conditions. Kijani African Safaris provides high-quality, durable tents to ensure you stay warm and dry throughout the night.
- Comfort: Foam mattresses are provided to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. You’ll also have access to pillows, and it’s recommended to bring a high-quality sleeping bag suited for cold temperatures, especially as you ascend to higher altitudes.
- Setup and management: Our experienced team of porters will handle the setting up and dismantling of tents at each campsite. This allows you to relax and focus on the trek while our crew ensures everything is in order.
Mountain Huts
- Routes with huts: Marangu (Coca-Cola Route)
- What to expect: The Marangu route is unique because it offers the use of basic mountain huts instead of tents. These huts are a preferred option for trekkers who may want more protection from the elements. The huts are communal dormitory-style buildings with bunk beds that sleep between 4 to 10 people in each hut.
- Comfort: The huts offer basic shelter but provide mattresses and pillows, so you won’t need a tent or mat. However, just like camping, you’ll still need a high-quality sleeping bag to stay warm, as temperatures can drop significantly at night.
- Shared Spaces: The huts also have communal dining areas where trekkers can enjoy meals together, offering a bit more social interaction than the more secluded camping routes.
Toilet Facilities on Mount Kilimanjaro
Proper sanitation is essential for comfort during your trek, and Kilimanjaro’s remote nature presents some challenges. Toilets on the mountain range from very basic public facilities to private portable toilets, which you can arrange with Kijani African Safaris for added convenience.
Public Long-Drop Toilets
- Availability: At every campsite and along the trail on all routes, you’ll find public toilets. These toilets are long-drop latrines—essentially deep holes in the ground enclosed by a small structure. The conditions of these toilets vary, and they can sometimes be less than ideal due to heavy use by many trekkers.
- Hygiene and Maintenance: While the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities make efforts to maintain these facilities, the sanitation levels can be basic, especially on more crowded routes.
- Expectations: It’s good to be prepared for the simplicity of these facilities by carrying your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as these essentials are not provided at the public toilets.
Private Portable Toilets
- Luxury Option with Kijani African Safaris: For trekkers looking for more comfort and privacy, Kijani African Safaris offers the option to rent a portable toilet. These private toilets are carried and set up by our porters at each campsite, ensuring you have a clean and accessible facility during your trek.
- Benefits: The portable toilet option guarantees better hygiene and privacy. These portable toilets come with a small enclosed tent for privacy and are regularly cleaned by our staff throughout the trek.
- Hygiene and Convenience: This option gives trekkers peace of mind, knowing that they have access to clean facilities throughout the climb. We highly recommend this option for couples, older trekkers, or those who prioritize comfort.
Hygiene and Waste Management on the Mountain
Maintaining hygiene on Mount Kilimanjaro can be challenging due to limited water resources and the remote nature of the trek. However, Kijani African Safaris ensures you’re as comfortable as possible with the following considerations:
- Handwashing: At campsites, our team sets up portable handwashing stations. It’s also advisable to bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer for use throughout the day.
- Wet Wipes: Since showers are not available on the mountain, wet wipes or biodegradable body wipes can be used to freshen up at the end of the day.
- Environmental Responsibility: Kijani African Safaris is committed to responsible tourism. We adhere to “Leave No Trace” principles, which means all waste produced by our team and trekkers is carried down the mountain. This helps preserve the pristine beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro for future generations.
Packing Tips for Comfort
To make your accommodation and toilet experience more comfortable, here are a few items you may want to include in your packing list:
- High-Quality Sleeping Bag: Choose a sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures. Even on the lower slopes, nights can get cold.
- Inflatable Pillow: While we provide pillows, bringing your own inflatable pillow can add extra comfort.
- Sleeping Mat (if camping): A foam mattress is provided, but some trekkers prefer an additional inflatable mat for extra padding.
- Toilet Paper: Public facilities do not provide toilet paper, so bring your own supply.
- Hand Sanitizer: Essential for maintaining hygiene when soap and water are not available.
- Wet Wipes: A convenient alternative to showering, helping you stay clean during the trek.
Conclusion
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an incredible adventure, and with Kijani African Safaris, we ensure your accommodation and toilet facilities are well-organized to make your trek as comfortable as possible. While the mountain offers rustic and basic facilities, understanding what to expect and being prepared will make your journey more enjoyable.
Whether you opt for camping tents or the mountain huts on the Marangu route, and whether you stick to the public toilets or choose a private portable toilet for added comfort, Kijani African Safaris will make sure you have everything you need to focus on your ultimate goal: reaching the summit of Africa’s highest peak!
Contact Kijani African Safaris today to start planning your Kilimanjaro adventure and enjoy the highest standards of comfort and care on your journey to the top!
