Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,645meters above sea level
Barafu Camp is the basecamp for summiting Kilimanjaro for cimbers using the Lemosho Route. On the 8 day Lmeosho Route trek, you will stay at Barafu on Day 7 whereby you will begin your summit push to uhuru Peak. On the 7 day hike of Lemosho, you will sleep at barafu Camp on the sixth day. Barafu Camp gets its name from the Swahili word for “ice,” and it’s one of the final stops before you reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Other nearby camps close to the Kibo summit include Kibo Huts, Arrow Glacier Camp, and School Huts. This campsite sits on the southeastern side at the base of Kibo, the main peak. It’s where climbers rest overnight before the big push to the summit.
Like other high-up camps on Kilimanjaro, Barafu doesn’t have much in the way of buildings—just a Ranger’s hut and some basic pit toilets, a few perched right on the edge of the ridge. If you’re staying here, you need to bring your own tent. When it’s busy, finding a good spot to set up can be tricky because the ground is covered with big rocks and the toilets take up some space.
Location & Weather
Barafu Camp is on top of a ridge, making it easy to see climbers coming up. It’s at the southeastern base of the Kibo volcanic cone. Water is hard to find here—there’s ice around, but not much liquid water. Porters usually carry what’s needed for drinking or cooking. The camp is in the alpine desert zone, so there are no plants or animals because the height and harsh conditions don’t support life. The rocky ground is made of volcanic soil and loose scree (small stones).
The spot is open to strong winds, and the temperature often drops below freezing. It’s dry, with very low humidity, which adds to the cold feel.
Trekking from Barafu Camp to the Summit, Uhuru Peak
From Barafu Camp, climbers head to the summit and then down to Mweka Hut. The height starts at 15,300 feet, climbs to 19,345 feet at the top (Uhuru Peak), and then drops to 10,000 feet at Mweka Hut. The uphill part is 5 kilometers, and the downhill stretch is 12 kilometers. Going up takes about 7 to 8 hours, while coming down takes 4 to 6 hours. This area feels like the Arctic—cold, bare, and windy.
The climb starts very early, between midnight and 2 a.m. You’ll walk northwest between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, pushing through loose scree to reach Stella Point on the crater rim. This part is tough—both on your body and your mind. At Stella Point (18,600 feet), you get a quick break and, if the weather’s clear, a stunning sunrise. From there, it’s another hour to Uhuru Peak, the highest spot in Africa. You might see snow along the way, and fast hikers can catch the sunrise from the top.
After the summit, you head back down to Mweka Hut. You’ll stop at Barafu Camp for lunch on the way. The descent is steep and gravelly, so trekking poles and gaiters help a lot. Mweka Camp is in the upper forest, where it might be misty or rainy by afternoon. That night, you’ll have your final dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved rest.
Barafu Camp is a key spot—cold, rocky, and close to the top. It’s where you gather strength for the last big summit attempt!