Kilimanjaro Toilets and Hygiene: What to Expect
An honest look at toilets, washing and hygiene on Kilimanjaro, with practical tips to stay clean, comfortable and healthy throughout the climb.
It is one of the questions climbers most want to ask but often feel shy about: what are the toilets like on Kilimanjaro? The honest answer is basic, but manageable with a little preparation.
Good hygiene is also one of the simplest ways to stay healthy on the mountain. Stomach upsets can drain your energy and hurt your chances of reaching the summit.
Quick tips
- Consider a private toilet tent for comfort and better hygiene.
- Use hand sanitizer before every meal and after every toilet stop.
- Pack wet wipes and dry shampoo to freshen up.
- Carry a headlamp for nighttime toilet trips.
- Pack out all used wipes, paper and sanitary products.
Public toilets at camps
Most campsites have shared long-drop toilets, which are simple wooden or concrete structures over a pit. Standards vary, and at busy camps they can be unpleasant, especially higher up where cleaning is harder.
On the trail between camps, there are few facilities. Your guide will advise you on where to go and how to do so responsibly.
Some camps also have newer, cleaner toilet blocks, but facilities can differ greatly from one camp to the next, and you should not count on them being well maintained. Bringing your own toilet paper and sanitizer means you are prepared wherever you stop.
Private toilet tents
Many climbers choose a private portable toilet, set up in its own small tent near your sleeping tents and serviced by a member of the crew. It is far more comfortable, especially at night, and many climbers say it was the best decision they made.
If this matters to you, ask your operator whether a private toilet is included or available.
Washing on the mountain
There are no showers on Kilimanjaro. Each morning and evening, the crew typically provides a small bowl of warm water for washing your face and hands. Beyond that, you will rely on wet wipes and dry shampoo.
Most climbers accept a few days without a proper shower as part of the adventure. A hot shower back in Moshi or Arusha has never felt better.
Clean hands are your best protection against stomach problems. Wash or sanitize before eating, avoid sharing snacks from open bags, and only drink water that your crew has treated or boiled. Your cook and crew follow hygiene routines in the kitchen tent, and they will be glad to explain how drinking water is prepared.
What to pack for hygiene
A small, well-organized hygiene kit makes life much easier on the mountain.
- Biodegradable wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer, used before every meal and after the toilet
- Toilet paper in a waterproof container
- A reusable, sealable pouch for carrying used wipes and paper off the mountain
- Toothbrush, small toothpaste and lip balm with sunscreen
- Menstrual products, plus extras in case of changes at altitude
Leave no trace
Kilimanjaro is a national park, and keeping it clean is everyone's responsibility. Never leave toilet paper, wipes or sanitary products on the trail. Pack them out and dispose of them properly at camp or at the end of the climb.
Remember that Tanzania has banned single-use plastic carrier bags since 2019, so use reusable pouches or containers for waste and toiletries instead.
Small habits add up. If every climber packs out what they bring in, the trails stay cleaner for the porters, guides and climbers who follow.
Frequently asked questions
Are there toilets on Kilimanjaro?
Yes. Most camps have shared long-drop toilets, and many climbers hire a private portable toilet tent that is set up at each camp.
Can I shower on Kilimanjaro?
No. There are no showers on the mountain. The crew usually provides warm water for washing hands and face, and wet wipes do the rest.
How do I manage my period on Kilimanjaro?
Bring enough products for the whole climb plus extras, as altitude can affect cycles. Use a sealed reusable pouch to pack out used items, and ask your guide if you need privacy.