Kilimanjaro Accommodation: Camps & Moshi Hotels
Where to stay on Kilimanjaro — mountain tent camps from Machame to Barafu, Moshi gateway hotels and what operators provide.
Hiked by Lee
Guided
Last verified
On the mountain, you sleep in tents — porters pitch camp before you arrive. Moshi (or Arusha) is your pre- and post-trek hotel base. Only the Marangu Route uses huts.
Also read: Complete Guide · Itinerary · Food guide
On-mountain: camping (Machame)
| Provided by operator | You bring |
|---|---|
| Tent (shared or single supplement) | Sleeping bag (–15 °C rated) |
| Sleeping pad (usually) | Sleeping bag liner |
| Dining tent | Personal toiletries |
| Toilet tent (upgrade) | Headlamp |
Lee's crew had tents ready at every camp with hot tea and snacks on arrival — the porter team makes camp life work.
Machame camp sequence
| Camp | Elevation (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Machame Camp | ~3,000 m | Rainforest; first night |
| Shira Camp | ~3,840 m | Plateau views |
| Barranco Camp | ~3,960 m | Below Barranco Wall |
| Barafu High Camp | ~4,640 m | Summit-eve camp; very cold |
| Mweka Camp | ~3,100 m | Post-summit descent |
Barafu is the highest sleep — expect –10 °C or colder. Layer up in the tent before summit alarm.
Camp facilities reality
| Facility | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Toilets | Communal long-drop — busy on popular routes |
| Showers | None on mountain |
| Charging | Limited or none — bring power bank |
| Private toilet | Worth the upgrade if offered |
Lee's pro tip: private portable toilet is a genuine luxury with hundreds of hikers sharing facilities.
Moshi / Arusha (pre- and post-trek)
| Tier | USD/night | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget hostel | $15–30 | Social, basic |
| Mid-range hotel | $30–60 | Lee's choice — hot shower post-trek |
| Lodge / luxury | $80–200+ | Spa, Kili views, celebration stay |
Moshi is the classic Kilimanjaro gateway — buzzing with climbers starting and finishing. Arusha works if combining safari.
Marangu Route alternative — huts
The only Kilimanjaro route with A-frame huts instead of tents:
| Pro | Con |
|---|---|
| No tent setup | Faster ascent — more AMS risk |
| Slightly more shelter | Less scenic than Machame |
| "Coca-Cola Route" nickname | More crowded |
Lee hiked Machame for better acclimatisation and scenery.
What to confirm with your operator
- Single tent supplement available?
- Sleeping pad included or bring your own?
- Private toilet option and cost?
- Hotel nights in Moshi included in package?
- Storage for city clothes while on mountain?
Related planning
- Packing list — sleep kit for tents
- Cost guide — hotel + upgrade costs
- Itinerary — camp sequence
- Getting there — Moshi access
Next guide
Kilimanjaro Food Guide: Camp Meals & Trail Snacks
What to eat on Kilimanjaro — crew-cooked camp meals, altitude appetite loss, summit-night snacks and Moshi pre-trek stocking up.
