Karanga Camp Kilimanjaro
Karanga Camp Kilimanjaro – Complete Guide in 2025, Map, FAQ & More!
Everything You Need to Know About Karanga Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro
Karanga Camp is one of the key resting points on Mount Kilimanjaro, located on the popular Machame Route and Lemosho Route. It sits at an altitude of about 3,995 meters (13,106 feet) above sea level. Climbers stay here for a night to help with altitude acclimatization before heading to Barafu Camp, the last stop before the summit.
Here, we will explain what Karanga Camp looks like, how to get there, what to expect, and some useful tips for climbers. Whether you are a first-time trekker or just curious about Kilimanjaro, this guide will help you understand everything about Karanga Camp.
Karanga Camp Kilimanjaro Highlights – The Perfect Rest Stop on Mount Kilimanjaro
- Altitude: 3,995 meters (13,106 feet) – Helps with acclimatization before reaching higher altitudes.
- Famous for: Being the last water point for climbers before the summit.
- Location: Between Barranco Camp and Barafu Camp on the Machame and Lemosho Routes.
- Trekking Challenge: Requires climbing the Barranco Wall, an exciting but doable scramble.
- Wildlife: Few animals due to high altitude, but you may see birds and small rodents.
- Next Stop: Barafu Camp – the final base before summiting Uhuru Peak.
Where is Karanga Camp Located?
Karanga Camp is found on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is positioned between Barranco Camp and Barafu Camp, making it a crucial stop for climbers on their way to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Most climbers reach Karanga Camp after crossing the famous Barranco Wall, a challenging but exciting part of the Kilimanjaro trek. The camp offers breathtaking views of the mountain above and the valleys below.
What Happens After Karanga Camp?
After spending the night at Karanga Camp, climbers wake up early and hike to Barafu Camp (4,673m). This is the final stop before attempting the Uhuru Peak summit.
The journey from Karanga to Barafu takes 3–4 hours, passing through rocky terrain with little vegetation.
At Barafu Camp, climbers rest for a few hours before beginning their midnight summit attempt to Uhuru Peak.
How to Reach Karanga Camp?
You can only reach Karanga Camp by hiking. There are no roads, cars, or cable cars on Kilimanjaro. Most climbers arrive at Karanga Camp from Barranco Camp, which is about 4–5 hours of trekking.
To get to Karanga Camp, you will:
- Climb the Barranco Wall, which takes about 1–2 hours.
- Hike through rocky terrain with little vegetation.
- Walk along a gentle ridge before reaching the camp.
After a night at Karanga Camp, climbers continue to Barafu Camp, the final stop before attempting the summit.
What is Karanga Camp Like?
Karanga Camp is a basic camping site with tents, sleeping areas, and dining tents. Since Kilimanjaro is a protected national park, there are no permanent buildings or lodges.
At Karanga Camp, you will find:
✔️ Tents – Climbers sleep in tents provided by their tour operator.
✔️ Dining Tent – A large tent where meals are served.
✔️ Toilets – Basic toilets (long-drop or chemical toilets).
✔️ Guides & Porters – Seko Tours’ team will set up your camp and prepare meals.
The camp can be very cold at night, so warm clothing is important. The air is also thin due to the high altitude, which can cause shortness of breath.
Weather at Karanga Camp
The weather at Karanga Camp is cold and unpredictable. Here’s what to expect:
🌡️ Daytime Temperature: Between 5°C and 15°C (41°F–59°F)
🌙 Nighttime Temperature: Can drop below 0°C (32°F)
- It can be sunny during the day but extremely cold at night.
- Strong winds are common.
- Sometimes, there is light snow or frost in the morning.
Climbers should wear warm layers, a windproof jacket, and good gloves.
Karanga Camp Kilimanjaro Photos
Altitude Sickness at Karanga Camp
At almost 4,000 meters, Karanga Camp is high enough for some climbers to experience altitude sickness. Symptoms may include:
❌ Headaches
❌ Dizziness
❌ Nausea (feeling sick)
❌ Difficulty sleeping
To reduce altitude sickness:
✔️ Drink lots of water
✔️ Walk slowly (pole pole)
✔️ Eat light meals
✔️ Rest and listen to your guide
If symptoms get worse, guides may recommend going back down to lower altitudes.
Food and Water at Karanga Camp
Seko Tours provides fresh meals at Karanga Camp. Porters carry the food, and chefs prepare hot meals to keep climbers energized.
Typical meals include:
🥣 Breakfast – Porridge, eggs, toast, and tea.
🥘 Lunch/Dinner – Rice, pasta, chicken, vegetables, and soup.
☕ Drinks – Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate.
Water comes from nearby streams but is boiled and treated before drinking. It’s important to stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness.
What to Pack for Karanga Camp?
Packing the right gear is very important for a comfortable stay at Karanga Camp.
🎒 Essential Items:
✔️ Warm sleeping bag (-10°C to -15°C rated)
✔️ Insulated jacket and warm layers
✔️ Thermal socks and gloves
✔️ Trekking poles for balance
✔️ Headlamp for night use
✔️ High-energy snacks (nuts, chocolate)
A good backpack to carry water, snacks, and a rain jacket is also recommended.
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Popular questions about Karanga Camp Kilimanjaro
Karanga Camp is on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, between Barranco Camp and Barafu Camp. It sits at 3,995 meters (13,106 feet) on the Machame and Lemosho routes.
Karanga Camp is an acclimatization stop that helps climbers adjust to the altitude before heading to Barafu Camp and then to the summit. It is also the last reliable water point, where porters collect water for the remaining trek.
Climbers reach Karanga Camp after climbing the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical rock scramble. It takes about 3–4 hours to reach Karanga from Barranco Camp.
Karanga Camp is at 3,995 meters (13,106 feet), making it a key acclimatization point before heading to higher altitudes.
The weather at Karanga Camp is cold and windy. Temperatures can drop below freezing at night, and the air is thin, making it feel colder.
Yes! From Karanga Camp, you get spectacular views of the glaciers near the summit, and on clear nights, you can see the stars shining brightly over the mountain.
Yes, spending a night at Karanga Camp helps climbers adapt to the high altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness before heading to Barafu Camp and the summit.
Karanga Camp sits on a rocky and uneven surface with loose gravel. Tents are placed carefully to ensure stability, but climbers should be prepared for some discomfort when sleeping.
There are no permanent structures at Karanga Camp. Climbers sleep in tents set up by their trekking team. There are basic toilet facilities and a communal dining tent for meals.
Trekkers eat hot, energy-rich meals prepared by the trekking team. Common foods include soups, rice, pasta, potatoes, vegetables, and proteins like chicken or beef. Plenty of tea, coffee, and water is available.
Yes, but they are very basic. There are long-drop toilets, and some trekking companies provide portable toilet tents for extra comfort.
Yes, but the water comes from streams and glaciers, so it must be boiled and treated before drinking. Karanga is the last reliable water point before the summit push.
Due to the high altitude, there is very little wildlife. You might see small rodents, ravens, and other birds looking for food around the camp.
After Karanga Camp, climbers continue to Barafu Camp (4,673 meters / 15,331 feet), the final base camp before attempting to summit Uhuru Peak.
The trek to Karanga Camp includes the challenging Barranco Wall, but it is not technical. Climbers need basic scrambling skills and steady footing.
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