Kilimanjaro Hygiene

Let's address the question everyone asks but few travel companies answer honestly: what are the toilets actually like on Kilimanjaro? Every established camp has shared pit latrines maintained by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA). These are long-drop toilets — essentially a deep hole in the ground with a wooden or concrete structure around it for privacy. There is no flushing mechanism, no running water, and no lighting.

The quality and cleanliness of these shared facilities varies dramatically depending on the camp, the route, the season, and how many trekkers are sharing them. During peak season on the Machame and Marangu routes, hundreds of climbers may share the same small number of latrines at a single camp. Lower-traffic routes like Lemosho and Rongai — which pass through quieter climate zones — tend to have less-used and therefore cleaner facilities.

If you take one thing from this guide, make it this: hand hygiene is the single most critical health practice on Kilimanjaro. Gastrointestinal illness — diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps — is actually more common than severe altitude sickness and is a more frequent cause of failed summit attempts. The culprit is almost always faecal-oral transmission from inadequate hand washing after using the shared latrines.

Our crew sets up a hand-washing station with warm water and soap at camp before every meal on the mountain. Use it every single time — no exceptions. Between meals and on the trail, use antibacterial hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol content. Apply it after every toilet visit, before eating trail snacks, after blowing your nose, and after touching shared surfaces like cabin doors on the Marangu route.

Bring at least 200ml of hand sanitiser for a 7-day trek — more than you think you need. Decant it into a small bottle that clips to your daypack harness so it is always within reach. Do not share water bottles with other climbers, and avoid touching your face on the trail. These simple habits are more protective than any medication you can carry.

Let's be honest: you will not smell great on Kilimanjaro. Neither will anyone else. After the first two days, everyone on the mountain has accepted this reality, and it ceases to matter. But there are practical strategies that make a genuine difference to how comfortable you feel, even if you cannot achieve true cleanliness.

Managing menstruation on Kilimanjaro is straightforward with preparation. The most important thing to know is that altitude and intense physical exertion can disrupt your menstrual cycle — periods may arrive early, late, be heavier than normal, or skip entirely. Bring supplies regardless of your expected timing.

A menstrual cup is the most practical option for the mountain. It can be worn for up to 12 hours, creates no waste, requires only a rinse with clean water (which you can request from the crew), and eliminates the need to carry and dispose of used products. If you prefer pads or tampons, bring more than you think you need and carry ziplock bags for used products — there are no waste bins in the latrines.

The private portable toilet is particularly valuable for women managing their periods, as it provides complete privacy for changing menstrual products without the time pressure and discomfort of shared latrines. Our female guides have extensive experience supporting women on the mountain and are approachable about any concerns — nothing surprises them, and nothing is too personal to ask.

For more detailed advice on climbing Kilimanjaro as a woman — covering fitness, clothing, safety, and the social experience — see our dedicated women's guide to climbing Kilimanjaro.

Frequently Asked Questions