One of the most common — and most practical — questions we hear from Kilimanjaro climbers is: "What are the toilets like?" It may not be the most glamorous topic, but your experience with sanitation on the mountain will directly affect your comfort, hygiene, and even your summit success.
When you book a Kilimanjaro climb, you will be offered a choice: standard camping toilets or private flush toilets. The upgrade costs extra, and many trekkers wonder whether it is truly worth it. After guiding thousands of climbers up all seven routes, we have a clear answer — but it depends on who you are, what you value, and how your body handles altitude.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know: the three types of toilets you will encounter, what each looks like in practice, the real cost, camp-by-camp expectations, and whether the upgrade is worth it for your specific climb.
The toilet question is really about comfort philosophy. Some climbers want a familiar, private experience. Others are perfectly happy roughing it. Neither approach is wrong — but you should decide before you arrive, not at 4,500 metres in the freezing dark.
The Three Types of Toilets on Kilimanjaro
Not all toilets on Kilimanjaro are created equal. The mountain offers three distinct types, each with its own pros, cons, and ideal user. Understanding these differences is essential before you decide whether to upgrade.
Public Squat Toilets
Shared facilities at campsites. Open-air stalls with a hole in the ground. Available on all routes with no extra cost.
Included in base priceLong Drops
Deep pit latrines at designated spots. More structured than squat toilets but still shared. Found at higher elevations on popular routes.
Included in base pricePrivate Flush Toilets
Private tent with a flushable toilet inside. Clean, private, and enclosed. Available as an upgrade with most premium operators.
$150 – $300 extraWhat Each Type Actually Includes
The marketing photos rarely match reality. Here is what you will genuinely find at each toilet type, based on our recent experiences across all major routes.
Cost Breakdown: Is the Upgrade Worth the Price?
The private toilet upgrade is not just a luxury tax — it includes equipment, porters to carry the toilet system, waste management, and daily cleaning. Here is how the costs compare across different operators and climb types.
Public Toilet
- Shared facilities at every camp
- No maintenance guarantee
- No cleaning service
- No lighting or amenities
- Used by all climbers on the route
Private Toilet (Mid-Range)
- Dedicated toilet tent for your group
- Basic flush mechanism
- Daily waste removal
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Porter dedicated to toilet logistics
Private Toilet (Premium)
- Upgraded toilet system with seat
- Handwashing station included
- Lighting inside the tent
- Sanitiser and toilet paper supplied
- Priority placement near your tent
For a group of four climbers sharing one private toilet, the per-person cost drops to between $37 and $75. That is a remarkably small price for seven nights of significantly improved comfort.
Is It Worth It? Honest Assessment
After guiding thousands of climbers, our answer is nuanced. The private toilet upgrade is absolutely worth it for some people and unnecessary for others. Here is how to decide.
✅ Yes, If...
⚠️ Maybe Not, If...
What to Expect at Each Camp: Route-by-Camp Breakdown
Toilet quality varies significantly by camp and route. Here is what you will find at each major camp on the popular Machame route, which is representative of conditions across most routes.
Machame Camp
The first night camp has basic but functional public squat toilets. Located a short walk from the main camp area. Relatively clean since it is the first camp and sees the most maintenance. Toilet paper not provided — bring your own.
Public Squat ToiletsShira Camp 1
Similar setup to Machame Camp. The toilets here are slightly more weathered due to altitude and exposure. Wind can blow the stall walls open. Not the worst, but not pleasant either. The public facilities are adequate for a one-night stay.
Public Squat ToiletsShira Camp 2
Higher elevation brings colder nights and more wind. Public toilets here are more exposed. Facilities are basic — canvas walls and a hole in the ground. Some groups report the area around the toilets being muddy. This is where most climbers start noticing the difference a private toilet makes.
Public Squat ToiletsLava Tower Camp
The highest camp on the route. Facilities here are the most basic. The cold, wind, and altitude make using the toilet a genuinely unpleasant experience. Long drop toilets at this altitude are challenging to use. Many climbers at this point wish they had upgraded. The private toilet tent is a significant comfort at this elevation.
Long Drop ToiletsBaranco Camp
Descending from Lava Tower to Baranco brings some relief. Facilities here are similar to Shira — basic public squat toilets. However, the air is warmer and more pleasant for using outdoor facilities. Still, the private toilet provides consistent comfort.
Public Squat ToiletsBarafu Camp
The base camp for the summit push. Facilities here are the harshest — exposed, windy, cold, and minimal. Most climbers do not eat much here due to altitude, but the need for the toilet does not diminish. The private toilet at Barafu is arguably the most valuable of the entire climb. You will use it multiple times during the night before and after the summit attempt.
Long Drop ToiletsMweka Camp
The descent camp has basic but more tolerable facilities. You are lower, warmer, and it is your last night. Public toilets here are acceptable. The private toilet still provides comfort for tired legs after the long descent from the summit.
Public Squat ToiletsHow to Use a Squat Toilet: 6-Step Guide
If you are not familiar with squat toilets — or if you simply want to be prepared — here is a practical guide. Squat toilets are standard across East Africa, and using them correctly makes the experience far less stressful.
Check the Stall
Before entering, check that the door locks and the floor is not wet or slippery. If the door does not lock, use your backpack as a doorstop.
Roll Up Your Pants
Lift and roll your hiking pants above your knees. If you are wearing gaiters, remove them first. This prevents anything from touching the floor.
Squat Low
Position yourself over the hole with feet flat on the ground, shoulder-width apart. Squat as low as possible. Keep your balance by leaning slightly forward. Do not squat on your toes — you will lose balance.
Use Toilet Paper
Always bring your own toilet paper. Use a small amount and place it in the waste bin next to the toilet — not down the hole. Most public toilets on Kilimanjaro cannot handle toilet paper in the drain.
Stand Carefully
Stand up slowly, especially at altitude where you may feel dizzy. Use the wall or a support if needed. Check your pants before pulling them up.
Sanitise Thoroughly
Use hand sanitiser immediately after. There is no running water at most public toilets. Carry sanitiser in a pocket for easy access. Clean your hands before touching anything.
Pro Tip from Our Guides
Practice squatting at home before your climb. It sounds silly, but five minutes of practice makes a world of difference at 4,000 metres. Your knees and balance will thank you.
The Night-Time Challenge
Using a toilet at night on Kilimanjaro is a completely different experience from the daytime. Here are the specific challenges you will face and how to prepare for them.
Total Darkness
There are no lights at public toilet stalls. You need a headlamp, and you need to use it while navigating rocky, uneven ground. Always keep your headlamp within arm's reach of your tent.
Freezing Temperatures
Night temperatures at higher camps drop well below zero. You will be fumbling with clothing in -5°C or colder. Dress in a warm top layer before leaving your tent, even for a quick trip.
Wildlife Concerns
Kilimanjaro's camps are home to hyraxes, mice, and occasionally larger animals. Nocturnal wildlife is more active at night. Use your headlamp to scan the area before walking to the toilet.
Altitude Effects
At altitude, you need to urinate more frequently, especially at night. The combination of cold, darkness, and altitude creates a perfect storm of discomfort that private toilets largely eliminate.
Sharing Facilities
At popular camps, you may queue for the toilet. During the early morning hours before summit day, the wait can be 10–15 minutes. Private toilets eliminate this entirely.
What to Pack for Toilet Hygiene
Whether you choose public or private toilets, you need specific items for toilet hygiene on Kilimanjaro. Do not underestimate the importance of these basics.
The Environmental Aspect
Toilet systems on Kilimanjaro have a direct environmental impact. The mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and waste management is a serious concern. Here is how each toilet type affects the environment.
Public Squat Toilets
Use open pit systems that are not always properly managed. Waste decomposition is slow at altitude. Contamination of soil and water sources is a known risk at overcrowded camps. Minimal environmental monitoring.
Long Drop Systems
Deep pit latrines are slightly better managed but still have significant environmental risks. At high altitudes, decomposition is extremely slow. Many long drops are near water sources, creating contamination risk during rainy seasons.
Private Portable Toilets
Portable toilet systems collect waste in sealed containers that are carried down the mountain and disposed of properly in Moshi. This is the most environmentally responsible option. Waste is contained, tracked, and managed through proper channels.
The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) and the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority have been working to improve sanitation standards across the mountain. Choosing a private toilet system directly supports these environmental initiatives by reducing the burden on overloaded pit systems at popular campsites.
The Verdict: Our Recommendation
After years of guiding climbers and listening to their feedback, here is our honest recommendation.
Our Official Recommendation
For the vast majority of climbers, the private toilet upgrade is worth the cost. It is one of the highest-value upgrades available on Kilimanjaro. The per-person cost is minimal — typically $37–75 for a group of four — and the improvement in comfort, hygiene, and peace of mind is substantial. This is especially true for first-time trekkers, women, anyone with digestive sensitivities, and climbers on routes longer than six days. The only scenario where we would not recommend it is for experienced outdoor trekkers on a very tight budget who are comfortable with basic pit latrines. Even then, we gently suggest the upgrade because the summit night experience alone justifies the cost.
The private toilet is not about luxury or being soft. It is about maintaining your hygiene and energy for the climb that matters most. When you are at 4,600 metres in the freezing dark at 2 AM and you need to use the toilet, you will be incredibly grateful for a private, lit, clean facility right beside your tent. That comfort translates to better sleep, less stress, and more energy for the summit push.
Think of it this way: you are investing thousands of dollars in the climb of a lifetime. The private toilet upgrade is typically less than 2% of your total climb cost, and it improves your experience for every single night on the mountain. It is one of the few upgrades where the value per dollar is genuinely high.
Ready to Climb Kilimanjaro?
Every Bush Lion Tours climb includes the option for private toilet upgrades. Let us help you plan the most comfortable climb possible.
