Toilets on Kilimanjaro: What to Expect (And How to Prepare)

Let's talk about the thing nobody wants to ask about but everyone wonders: what are the toilets like on Kilimanjaro? It's the number one unspoken concern for most climbers, especially first-timers. You've researched routes, read altitude guides, bought expensive gear—but you're still wondering how exactly you're supposed to… you know… handle business at 5,000 meters.

Good news: it's not as bad as you think. Yes, the toilet situation on Kilimanjaro is basic. Yes, you'll encounter long-drop pit latrines that make you question your life choices. But with the right preparation and realistic expectations, bathroom concerns won't ruin your climb. And if you're willing to invest in a private portable toilet (spoiler: you should), the experience becomes genuinely comfortable.

This guide covers everything: what types of toilets you'll encounter on different routes, how public long-drop toilets actually work, what premium operators provide with private toilet upgrades, hygiene tips for staying clean and healthy, what to pack, route-by-route breakdowns, female-specific advice, and answers to every toilet-related question you're too embarrassed to ask your tour operator.

By the end, you'll know exactly what to expect—and you'll feel a lot better about the logistics of spending a week on Africa's highest mountain.

Types of Toilets on Kilimanjaro

There are three main types of toilet facilities you'll encounter on Kilimanjaro, depending on your route and operator:

1. Public Long-Drop Pit Latrines (Standard on Camping Routes)

This is what you'll find at every designated campsite on camping routes (Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Umbwe). Public long-drop toilets are basic structures—think outhouse meets hiking trail.

What they are: A small wooden or concrete shelter (sometimes just wood planks) with a hole cut in the floor. The hole drops into a deep pit dug into the ground. No flush mechanism. No running water. No toilet seat in most cases.

What they look like: Conditions vary wildly by camp and season. At popular camps like Barranco or Barafu, the public toilets get heavy use—hundreds of climbers per day during peak season. This means:

• Smelly: Pit latrines have ventilation issues. The smell ranges from "unpleasant" to "breathtakingly awful," especially in the afternoon after a full day of use.
• Dark: Minimal lighting. Bring a headlamp, even during the day (some structures are windowless).
• Dirty: Waste accumulates around the hole. People miss. It's not pretty.
• No toilet paper: Bring your own. Always.
• No handwashing: No sinks, no soap. Hand sanitizer is essential.

How to use them: You squat or hover over the hole. If there's a raised platform or plank, place your feet on either side and squat. If it's just a hole in the ground, squat directly over it. Hold your breath. Do your business. Drop toilet paper into the pit. Exit quickly. Sanitize your hands immediately.

The reality check: Is it pleasant? No. Is it functional? Yes. Millions of people have used these toilets and survived. You will too. The key is managing expectations—don't expect Western standards, and you won't be disappointed.

2. Flush Toilets in Huts (Marangu Route Only)

The Marangu route is the only route on Kilimanjaro with permanent huts instead of camping. Each hut (Mandara, Horombo, Kibo) has flush toilet facilities.

What they are: Actual flush toilets with toilet seats, running water, and enclosed stalls. They're not luxury hotel bathrooms, but they're a massive upgrade from pit latrines.

Condition: Generally clean and well-maintained, though they can get crowded during peak season. Water pressure is sometimes weak at higher elevations. Toilet paper is usually not provided (bring your own), but the facilities are otherwise functional and relatively hygienic.

Why Marangu is called the "easy" route: The hut-based accommodations and flush toilets are a big part of why Marangu is marketed as the "Coca-Cola Route" (the easiest). However, don't choose Marangu for the toilets alone—the route has poor acclimatization and low summit success rates (50-60%). Flush toilets aren't worth sacrificing summit odds. Choose your route based on acclimatization first, toilet comfort second.

3. Private Portable Toilets (Premium Operator Upgrade)

This is the game-changer. Many mid-range and premium operators offer private portable toilet tents as part of their package or as an optional upgrade.

What they are: A chemical flush toilet (similar to what you'd find in an RV or camping trailer) set up inside a dedicated toilet tent. The tent is pitched at each campsite exclusively for your group.

How it works: A designated porter or toilet attendant is responsible for the private toilet. They carry it, set it up at each camp, maintain it throughout the climb, add chemical sanitizer, and empty it at designated waste disposal points. The toilet has a flush mechanism (using a small water reservoir and chemical treatment) and a waste holding tank.

What it's like: You get a private, enclosed tent with a real toilet seat, a flush handle, and relative cleanliness. No smell (chemical treatment neutralizes odors), no squatting, no hovering over a pit, and complete privacy. Some operators provide a small mirror, hand sanitizer dispenser, and even a washbasin inside the tent.

Cost: Usually $100-$200 for the entire climb (split among your group if you're sharing). Some premium operators include it in their base package (like our Platinum option).

Is it worth it? Absolutely. This is one of the highest-value upgrades you can invest in. Every client who's used a private toilet says the same thing: "Best decision I made." The comfort, privacy, and hygiene are worth far more than the cost—especially for women, families, or anyone with digestive concerns.

Route-by-Route Toilet Breakdown

Different routes have different toilet experiences. Here's what to expect on each major route:

Marangu Route: Flush Toilets in Huts

Marangu is the only route with flush toilets at every camp (Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, Kibo Hut). You'll sleep in dormitory-style bunk beds in permanent huts, and the toilet facilities are actual flush toilets with running water.

Pros:

• No pit latrines—you get real toilets with seats and flush mechanisms.
• Enclosed stalls with doors for privacy.
• No need for a private portable toilet upgrade (the huts already provide decent facilities).

Cons:

• Toilets can get crowded—you're sharing with dozens or hundreds of other climbers.
• Water pressure weakens at higher elevations.
• No toilet paper provided (bring your own).
• The route's poor acclimatization (5-6 day standard itinerary) means low summit success rates (50-60%)—flush toilets don't offset this disadvantage.

Bottom line: Marangu has the best public toilet facilities, but it's not worth choosing this route solely for toilets. Acclimatization matters more than bathroom comfort.

Machame Route: Public Long-Drop Toilets at Every Camp

Machame is a camping route, so you'll use public pit latrines at every campsite: Machame Camp (3,000m), Shira Camp (3,840m), Barranco Camp (3,960m), Karanga Camp (3,995m), Barafu Camp (4,680m), and Mweka Camp (3,100m on descent).

Toilet quality by camp:

• Machame Camp: Heavily used (it's the first night). Toilets get dirty quickly. Arrive early in the day for cleaner conditions.
• Shira Camp: Decent facilities, less crowded than Machame.
• Barranco Camp: One of the busiest camps on the mountain (Machame and Lemosho routes merge here). Expect heavy use, strong smells, and long lines during peak hours. Go early morning or late evening to avoid crowds.
• Karanga Camp: Smaller camp, less traffic, relatively clean toilets.
• Barafu Camp: High camp before summit. Toilets are basic but functional. Use them before departing for summit night (midnight)—there are no toilets on the trail.

Private toilet recommendation: Highly recommended. Machame is crowded, and the public toilets reflect that. A private portable toilet makes a huge difference in comfort and hygiene.

Lemosho Route: Public Long-Drops, Merges with Machame

Lemosho starts on the western side of the mountain with less crowded camps for the first few days, then merges with Machame at Barranco Camp.

Camps and toilets:

• Mti Mkubwa Camp / Big Tree Camp (2,780m): First night. Less crowded than Machame's first camp. Toilets are basic but cleaner due to lower traffic.
• Shira 1 Camp (3,500m): Scenic plateau camp. Good facilities, relatively clean.
• Shira 2 Camp (3,850m): Also good, though busier than Shira 1.
• Barranco Camp (3,960m): Lemosho merges with Machame here. This is where crowds appear and toilet quality drops. Expect long lines and smelly conditions.
• Karanga, Barafu, Mweka: Same as Machame (shared route from this point).

Private toilet recommendation: Recommended. The first few camps are less crowded, but once you merge with Machame, you'll appreciate having private facilities.

Rongai Route: Quieter Camps, Better Toilet Conditions

Rongai approaches from the north (Kenya border side), so it sees less traffic than Machame and Lemosho. Toilet facilities are similar (pit latrines) but generally cleaner due to fewer climbers.

Camps:

• Simba Camp (2,650m): First night. Small camp, basic but clean toilets.
• Second Cave / Kikelewa Camp (3,600m): Less traffic, decent facilities.
• Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m): Beautiful high-altitude camp beneath Mawenzi Peak. Toilets are basic but well-maintained due to low traffic.
• Kibo Hut (4,700m): Rongai merges with Marangu here. This is a hut camp with flush toilets (shared with Marangu climbers). Crowded during peak season.

Private toilet recommendation: Optional. Rongai has the best public toilet conditions of the camping routes due to lower traffic. However, a private toilet is still a comfort upgrade worth considering.

Northern Circuit: Best Toilet Experience (Low Traffic)

The Northern Circuit is the longest and least crowded route. You'll camp at remote sites with minimal traffic, resulting in the cleanest public toilet facilities on the mountain.

Why it's better: Fewer climbers = less wear on facilities. Camps like Moir Hut Camp, Buffalo Camp, and Third Cave Camp see only a fraction of the traffic that Barranco or Barafu get. Public toilets are still pit latrines, but they're cleaner, less smelly, and better maintained.

Private toilet recommendation: Optional. If you want the best public toilet experience without upgrading, Northern Circuit is your route. That said, a private toilet is always more comfortable.

Umbwe Route: Steep, Fast, Tough Toilet Conditions

Umbwe is the steepest route, with fewer camps and faster ascent. Toilet facilities are basic pit latrines, and because Umbwe is less popular, some camps have minimal maintenance.

Private toilet recommendation: Highly recommended. Umbwe is already a brutal route (steep, poor acclimatization). Don't make it harder by dealing with subpar public toilets.

What KiliPeak's Platinum Package Includes: Private Toilet Upgrade

Our Platinum package includes a private portable toilet tent as standard (no extra charge). Here's exactly what you get:

• Chemical flush toilet: Real toilet seat, flush mechanism, odor-neutralizing chemicals.
• Private tent: Enclosed toilet tent set up at every campsite exclusively for your group.
• Dedicated attendant: A porter is assigned to maintain the toilet, set it up and break it down at each camp, add chemicals, and dispose of waste properly at designated sites.
• Hygiene supplies: We provide hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and toilet paper inside the tent.
• Privacy and comfort: No lines, no public toilet smells, no squatting over pit latrines.

Why it's worth it: Clients consistently rate the private toilet as one of the most valuable parts of the Platinum package. It's a small upgrade in cost but a massive upgrade in quality of life—especially on summit day when you're exhausted and just want basic comfort.

If you're booking a standard package with another operator, ask about adding a private toilet upgrade. Most reputable operators offer it for $100-200. It's worth every penny.

Bush Toilets: When Nature Calls Between Camps

Sometimes you can't wait until the next camp. Maybe it's altitude-related digestive issues. Maybe it's bad luck. Either way, you'll need to use a "bush toilet"—a polite term for finding a private spot off the trail and doing your business behind a rock.

When You'll Need a Bush Toilet

• During daily hikes: If you need to go between camps (4-6 hour hiking days), there are no toilets on the trail.
• Summit night: The 6-8 hour ascent from high camp to Uhuru Peak has no facilities. If nature calls, you're finding a rock.
• Digestive issues: Altitude, diet changes, and stress can cause stomach problems. Sometimes you can't make it to camp.

How to Properly Use a Bush Toilet

Step 1: Find privacy. Move at least 50 meters off the trail, away from water sources and campsites. Look for large rocks, boulders, or vegetation to shield yourself from view.

Step 2: Dig a small hole (if possible). Use your trekking pole, a rock, or your boot heel to dig a shallow hole (15-20cm deep). This is for solid waste only.

Step 3: Do your business. Squat over the hole. Try to aim accurately (easier said than done).

Step 4: Dispose of toilet paper properly. Do NOT bury toilet paper or leave it on the ground (it doesn't decompose at high altitude and creates litter). Instead:

• Burn it (if conditions are safe and you have a lighter—only below treeline).
• Pack it out in a ziplock bag (recommended above treeline where burning isn't safe).
• Drop it in the next pit latrine you encounter.

Step 5: Cover the hole. Use dirt, rocks, or snow to cover solid waste. This helps decomposition and prevents attracting animals.

Step 6: Sanitize your hands. Use hand sanitizer immediately. No excuses.

Leave No Trace Principles

Kilimanjaro is a fragile alpine environment. Human waste at high altitude doesn't decompose quickly (cold temperatures and low bacterial activity slow breakdown). Follow these rules:

• Never leave toilet paper on the ground. Pack it out or burn it (below treeline only).
• Stay 50+ meters from water sources. Don't contaminate streams or snowmelt areas.
• Bury solid waste when possible. Dig a small hole, cover it after.
• For urine: Urinate on rocks or bare ground, away from trails and water. Urine is sterile and evaporates quickly.

Respect the mountain. Thousands of climbers use these trails every year. Leave it cleaner than you found it.

Hygiene Tips: Staying Clean and Healthy

Toilet hygiene on Kilimanjaro is critical. Poor hygiene can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, infections, and ruined climbs. Here's how to stay clean and safe:

1. Hand Sanitizer Is Non-Negotiable

Bring at least two 100ml bottles of alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol). Use it religiously:

• After every toilet visit (public, private, or bush)
• Before eating or touching food
• After touching shared surfaces (tent zippers, trekking poles, etc.)

Keep one bottle in your daypack (easily accessible), and one in your duffel (backup supply).

2. Wet Wipes Are Your Best Friend

Bring a pack of biodegradable wet wipes (or baby wipes). Use them for:

• Toilet hygiene: Cleaning yourself after using the toilet (especially when toilet paper alone isn't enough).
• Freshening up: Wiping your face, neck, and armpits at the end of the day (you won't shower for a week).
• Hand cleaning: When hand sanitizer isn't enough (e.g., after a particularly messy bush toilet situation).

Pack used wipes in a ziplock bag and dispose of them properly at designated waste points (do not leave them on the mountain).

3. Headlamp for Nighttime Toilet Visits

You will need to use the toilet at night. Camp toilets have no lighting. Bring a headlamp with fresh batteries and keep it next to your sleeping bag. When nature calls at 2am, you don't want to fumble around in the dark trying to find a pit latrine.

Pro tip: Use your headlamp's red light mode (if it has one) to preserve night vision and avoid blinding yourself or tent-mates.

4. Timing Strategies: Avoid Peak Hours

Public toilets get busiest right after breakfast (everyone goes before starting the day's hike) and right after arriving at camp (people relieve themselves after 4-6 hours of hiking).

Best times to use public toilets:

• Early morning: Wake up 30 minutes before breakfast and use the toilet before the rush.
• Late evening: After dinner, once the post-arrival crowd has cleared.
• During meals: If you're desperate, go while everyone else is eating (but don't skip meals—nutrition matters).

If you have a private toilet, this doesn't matter. Go whenever you want. That's the beauty of it.

5. Digestive Health: Preventing Stomach Issues

Altitude, diet changes, stress, and dehydration can all cause digestive problems on Kilimanjaro. Here's how to minimize issues:

• Stay hydrated: Drink 3-4 liters of water per day. Dehydration worsens altitude sickness and causes constipation.
• Eat fiber (but not too much): Some fiber helps digestion, but don't overdo it (gas at altitude is uncomfortable). Stick to the meals your operator provides—don't bring weird supplements or unfamiliar foods.
• Avoid overeating: Your appetite will drop at altitude. Don't force yourself to overeat; it can cause nausea and stomach cramps.
• Bring Imodium (anti-diarrheal): Pack a small supply in your first aid kit. If you get diarrhea, Imodium can be a lifesaver (but don't use it if you suspect food poisoning—you need to clear the infection, not trap it).
• Probiotics: Some climbers take probiotic supplements before and during the climb to support gut health. It can't hurt.

6. Female-Specific Hygiene Tips

Women face additional hygiene challenges on Kilimanjaro. Here's what helps:

Urination Devices (She-Wee, GoGirl, etc.)

Many women bring a portable urination device (FUD—female urination device) to avoid squatting or hovering over pit latrines. Devices like the She-Wee, GoGirl, or pStyle allow you to urinate while standing.

Pros:

• No need to squat over smelly pit latrines or expose yourself in the cold.
• Easier to use during summit night (just step off the trail, stand, and go).
• More hygienic (no contact with toilet surfaces).

Cons:

• Takes practice to use correctly (test it at home before the trip!).
• Requires good aim (spillage can happen).
• Needs to be rinsed or wiped after use (pack wet wipes).

Recommendation: If you've never used one, practice at home in the shower until you're comfortable. It's a learning curve, but many women swear by them for Kilimanjaro.

Menstrual Products

If your climb coincides with your period, plan ahead:

• Bring sufficient supplies: Pack tampons, pads, or a menstrual cup. Assume you'll need more than usual (altitude and stress can affect your cycle).
• Disposal: Do NOT leave used menstrual products on the mountain. Pack them in ziplock bags and dispose of them properly at designated waste areas (usually at the park gate after your climb).
• Menstrual cups: Some women prefer menstrual cups (DivaCup, MoonCup, etc.) for multi-day treks because they're reusable and generate less waste. However, cleaning them in camp (limited water, no privacy) can be tricky. Bring a bottle of water for rinsing.
• Hygiene: Wet wipes are essential for staying clean. Change products regularly to prevent infections.

Can you delay your period? Some women take hormonal birth control to skip their period during the climb. Consult your doctor if this is something you want to consider.

Privacy Concerns

Public pit latrines often lack doors or have broken latches. Bring a small carabiner or safety pin to secure the door from the inside if needed. If you're using a bush toilet, ask a friend to stand guard and signal if someone approaches.

A private portable toilet completely eliminates privacy concerns. If this is a major worry for you, invest in the upgrade.

What to Bring: Toilet & Hygiene Packing List

Here's everything you need to pack for toilet and hygiene purposes on Kilimanjaro:

Essential Items (Bring These No Matter What)

• Toilet paper: One full roll per 2-3 days. Pack in a ziplock bag to keep it dry. Public toilets do not provide toilet paper.
• Hand sanitizer: Two 100ml bottles minimum (60%+ alcohol). Use after every toilet visit and before eating.
• Wet wipes: One pack (biodegradable if possible). For cleaning yourself and freshening up.
• Ziplock bags (gallon size): 5-10 bags for packing out used toilet paper, wet wipes, and menstrual products. Double-bag for odor control.
• Headlamp with extra batteries: For nighttime toilet visits. Keep it next to your sleeping bag.
• Small trowel or digging tool (optional): For bush toilets, if you want to dig catholes properly. A trekking pole or rock usually works fine.

Highly Recommended

• Female urination device (FUD): She-Wee, GoGirl, pStyle, etc. Practice at home before the trip.
• Imodium (anti-diarrheal): Small pack (6-10 tablets) in your first aid kit.
• Probiotics: To support digestive health during the climb.
• Sunscreen for sensitive areas: If you're squatting in the sun at high altitude, UV exposure can cause unexpected sunburn. (Yes, really.)

For Women

• Menstrual products: Tampons, pads, or menstrual cup. Pack more than you think you'll need.
• Extra ziplock bags: For disposing of used menstrual products.
• Carabiner or safety pin: To secure toilet doors that don't latch properly.

Optional (If You Want Extra Comfort)

• Travel bidet bottle: Portable squeeze bottle for personal hygiene. More effective than toilet paper alone.
• Camping toilet seat: Portable folding toilet seat that fits over pit latrines (gives you something to sit on instead of squatting). Some people love them; others find them unnecessary.
• Small mirror: For checking yourself after toilet use (especially helpful for women). Some operators include this in private toilet tents.

For a complete packing list (clothing, gear, toiletries, etc.), see our comprehensive Kilimanjaro packing guide.

Summit Night Toilet Strategy

Summit night is the longest, hardest day of your climb—and there are no toilets on the trail. Here's how to manage:

Before Departing High Camp (11:00pm - Midnight)

Use the toilet one last time. Even if you don't feel like you need to go, try. You'll be hiking for 6-8 hours with no facilities. Empty your bladder and bowels before leaving camp.

Limit fluid intake. Drink enough to stay hydrated, but don't chug a liter of water right before departing. Sip small amounts. You don't want to be desperately searching for a bush toilet at 5,500m in the dark.

Avoid heavy meals. Dinner at high camp should be light and easy to digest. Don't overeat. Altitude already suppresses appetite and slows digestion—adding a heavy meal increases the risk of stomach issues during summit night.

During the Ascent (Midnight to 6:00am)

If you need to go, find a rock. Step off the trail (at least 10-20 meters), find a large boulder or rock outcropping for privacy, and do your business. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer in your daypack (you should already have these).

For urination: Women can use a FUD while standing, or squat behind a rock. Men have it easier (just step off the trail). Choose a spot away from the main trail and other climbers.

For solid waste: This is rare during summit night (most people don't eat much and adrenaline suppresses digestion), but if it happens, find privacy, dig a small hole if possible, do your business, pack out toilet paper, and cover the hole.

After Summiting (Descent Back to High Camp)

Once you return to high camp (2-3 hours after summiting), use the toilet before breaking camp and descending further. You'll be exhausted, but don't skip this—your body will thank you.

Pro Tips for Summit Night

• Bring a small pack of tissues or toilet paper in your jacket pocket. Don't bury it in your daypack where you have to dig for it in the dark.
• Practice using your headlamp with gloves on. You'll be wearing insulated gloves on summit night. Make sure you can operate your headlamp, unzip layers, and handle toilet paper without removing gloves (cold fingers = misery).
• Tell your guide if you need a bathroom break. Don't suffer in silence. Guides are used to this. They'll help you find a private spot and wait for you.

Toilet Etiquette & Cultural Considerations

You're climbing in Tanzania, on a mountain sacred to local communities. Respect local customs and environmental ethics:

Respect the Crew

Your guides and porters work incredibly hard to make your climb successful. If you have a private toilet, thank the porter who maintains it. Tip appropriately at the end of the climb (industry standard is $250-350 total for the entire crew, distributed among guides, assistant guides, cook, and porters).

Keep Campsites Clean

Don't litter. Pack out all toilet paper, wet wipes, and personal waste. Don't leave trash near toilet areas. The next group of climbers shouldn't have to deal with your mess.

Don't Contaminate Water Sources

Never use the toilet near streams, rivers, or snowmelt areas. Human waste can contaminate water sources used by wildlife and downstream communities. Stay at least 50 meters away from water.

Be Patient and Kind

Public toilets get busy. If there's a line, wait your turn. Don't rush people. Everyone's dealing with the same challenges. A little patience and humor go a long way.

Final Thoughts: It's Really Not That Bad

If you've made it this far, you now know more about Kilimanjaro toilets than you ever thought you'd need to know. And here's the truth: it's not as bad as you think.

Yes, public pit latrines are basic. Yes, they smell. Yes, you'll squat over holes and wonder how you ended up here. But millions of people have done this before you. You will survive. You'll laugh about it later. And if you invest in a private portable toilet, you'll wonder why you even worried.

The key is preparation. Bring toilet paper, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and a headlamp. Manage your expectations. Choose an operator that offers private toilet upgrades. And remember: the summit sunrise makes every uncomfortable toilet visit worth it.

Toilets are just one small part of the Kilimanjaro experience. Don't let bathroom anxiety stop you from climbing Africa's highest peak. With the right knowledge and preparation, you'll handle it just fine.

Ready to start planning your climb? We'll help you choose the best route, answer all your questions (even the embarrassing ones), and prepare you for every aspect of the journey—including the toilets.

Frequently Asked Questions