Where to Sleep on Mount Kilimanjaro
Where to Sleep on Mount Kilimanjaro
When climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, your accommodation depends on the route you choose. The mountain offers two main types of overnight stays: camping and mountain huts. Each option provides a unique experience, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Kilimanjaro while resting after a long day of trekking.
Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro
For most routes, such as the Machame, Lemosho, and Rongai routes, trekkers sleep in tents. These tents are set up each evening by the mountain crew and are dismantled every morning before continuing the trek. The tents are spacious enough to accommodate two climbers comfortably, providing a cozy and secure shelter. The camping experience on these routes is enhanced by the incredible views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes. At night, you can enjoy stargazing under the clear African sky, far from city lights.
Trekkers don’t need to bring their own tents or heavy camping gear, as reputable tour operators like Bush Lion Trekking and Tours provide high-quality tents, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags for your comfort. These items are carefully selected to withstand the mountain’s varying weather conditions, ensuring you remain warm and dry throughout your climb.

Hut Accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
For those choosing the Marangu Route, the experience is slightly different. This route is unique because it offers overnight stays in shared mountain huts instead of tents. The huts have bunk beds with mattresses, making it a more comfortable option for climbers who prefer a bit more shelter and stability. The huts also have communal dining areas, allowing trekkers to share meals and stories with fellow climbers. While the huts provide basic accommodation, they are well-maintained and offer a good level of comfort for climbers.
The sleeping arrangements on Kilimanjaro are designed to provide you with a balance of comfort and adventure. However, it’s important to note that temperatures on the mountain can drop significantly, especially at higher altitudes. Nights can be very cold, with temperatures sometimes falling below freezing. This is why having proper sleeping gear, like a high-quality sleeping bag, is essential to staying warm and well-rested.
Regardless of the route, you’ll find that sleeping on Mount Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable part of your adventure. Whether you’re camping under the stars or staying in a mountain hut, the experience allows you to connect with nature, recharge for the next day’s climb, and fully embrace the journey to the summit of Africa’s highest peak.

Booking Your Stay with Bush Lion Tours
At Bush Lion Tours, we help you select the best hotels based on your preferences, needs, and budget. Our goal is to ensure you have a comfortable stay before and after your trek, so you’re well-rested and ready for the adventure ahead. Whether you’re looking for luxury or a more affordable stay, we have the perfect options for you. Our team is always available to assist with hotel reservations and any other needs you may have.
Climbing
Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages
Explore our Kilimanjaro climbing packages for unforgettable adventures. Choose from top routes and enjoy guided climbs with expert support.
What They Say About Us
EXCELLENT Based on 55 reviews Tumpe K2025-04-10Verified A Journey of love and Altitude As a couple, climbing Kilimanjaro together was a personal dream, and Bush Lion Tours made that dream feel safe, exciting, and deeply meaningful. We took the 7-day Machame Route, and every single day brought us closer not just to the summit, but to each other. The trail challenged us in new ways, but the support from the team made it feel possible. Our guide was patient and kind, always checking on us and explaining what to expect each day. The gear provided; tents, sleeping bags, mats was clean, warm, and reliable, even on the coldest nights.What made the experience so special was the energy of the whole team. The porters, cook, and guides felt like family. They cheered us on, made us laugh, and even surprised us with a celebration song after reaching the summit. We’ll never forget sharing tea at Shira Camp under the stars, or watching the sunrise hand in hand at Uhuru Peak. It wasn’t just about climbing a mountain it was about sharing something powerful and emotional. Thank you, Bush Lion Tours, for making this journey the highlight of our lives. Magreth G2025-04-07Verified A Family Adventure to the Top of Kilimanjaro We traveled as a family with Bush Lion Tours on the Machame route, and it was an adventure we'll always cherish. Jackson and his team ensured that the climb was safe and enjoyable for everyone, including our kids. The guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and extremely patient with us. They made sure we took breaks when needed and even shared stories about the mountain’s history. The whole experience exceeded our expectations, and we will forever be grateful for Jackson’s leadership and the amazing service. Janny G2025-04-06Verified Fantastic Lemosho Route Climb Bush Lion Tours made my Kilimanjaro dream come true! The Lemosho Route was quiet, scenic, and full of adventure. Great food, friendly porters, and expert guides. 10/10! Caroline S2025-04-02Verified Amazing Experience with Bush Lion Tours We had an incredible time with Bush Lion Tours! Jackson was very helpful from the start, and he organized everything perfectly for us. He made sure we had all the details in place, and his communication was always clear and fast.The whole experience, from the 7-day Machame route trek to the 4-day safari, was unforgettable. The team was so friendly and professional. They took care of everything, ensuring we were always safe, comfortable, and well-informed. The guides were amazing, always there to support us and share their knowledge. Thanks to them, we felt confident and enjoyed every moment of our adventure.We highly recommend Bush Lion Tours! Jackson and his team made this trip unforgettable, and we are so grateful for their excellent service. If you're looking for a well-organized and memorable trip, don’t hesitate to book with them! Yǔ tóng L2025-03-31Verified Amazing 8-Day Lemosho Route and 6-Day Safari with Bush Lion Tours I had an unforgettable experience with Bush Lion Tours! We contacted Jackson, who helped us organize an amazing trip. He was very helpful and made sure everything was well planned for us.The 8-day Lemosho route trek was incredible! The views were breathtaking, and the guides were professional and friendly. They made sure we were comfortable and safe throughout the hike. We reached the summit of Kilimanjaro with their great support!After the trek, we went on a 6-day safari, and it was just as amazing! We saw so many animals up close, and the guides were knowledgeable and passionate about wildlife. The accommodations were excellent, and we felt very well taken care of.Thank you, Jackson and Bush Lion Tours, for making this trip so special! Highly recommend this company for anyone planning a safari or Kilimanjaro trek! Bianca M2025-03-05Verified Unforgettable Safari Experience This was the best safari experience ever! I reached out to Jackson regarding our trip as we were a group of 4. Initially, we were deciding between the 7-day Machame route or the 8-day Lemosho route, with an additional 4-day private safari. With Jackson’s expert guidance, we decided to go for the 8-day Lemosho route combined with the safari, and everything turned out to be perfect. From the pickup, to the service, and the hotels, every detail was handled beautifully. I highly recommend this company for an unforgettable experience. Farzaneh R2025-02-08Verified Safari and climbing mount Kilimanjaro I must say that every thing was great. We climbed mount Kilimanjaro and had a two days Safari. The food was great during climbing and team members specially main guides, Mohammad, Yahya and Luma were so friendly and kind. Also we were in touch with Jacson all the time and he handled our requests even helped us rearranging some of our plans. I am so greatful for having such a great experience with this amazing team. 宇威 顾2025-02-04Verified Mount adventure I was soloing going to Tanzania for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, I contacted with Jackson, he showed every details for the route and pricing, it is all clear. And the whole team is great during the climbing period. Thanks a lot for making a n amazing adventure, I successfully get to the summit with the team. Masoud Farahbakhsh2025-02-03Verified great experience We climbed Kilimanjaro from Marangu route with this company. I am a mountain guide in Iran and I should say Jackson, Janeth and the team worked very hard and well for us. Good services, friendly porters, delicious food suitable for the altitude, leaders Mohammad, Yahya and Luma were inspiring and everything was good. I recommend working with this company and for the next time i cooperate again with Bush lion tours. Rossella G2025-01-30Verified Amazing 8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek – Highly Recommended! The team was absolutely fantastic! The cook prepared different, delicious, and well-balanced meals every day. One team member was always ready with a hot drink in the tent, and everyone was incredibly friendly, smiling, and always helpful.We were provided with everything needed—nothing was missing. The gear check was very professional, ensuring we had the right equipment for the trek. The organization was impeccable, from landing to departure.Highly recommended!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more