Toilets and Hygiene on Kilimanjaro: What to Expect
David M.
Lead Expedition Guide
Managing personal hygiene in a rugged mountain environment. Discover the truth about 'long drop' camp toilets and private portable potties.
"The number one question every climber asks... but is too afraid to ask."
Public Park Toilets vs. Private Loos
Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) provides public long-drop toilets at every campsite. While they have improved, they are still "mountain toilets" and can be shared by hundreds of climbers.
Private Toilet Tents
At KiliGo, we include private portable toilet tents on almost all our treks. These are exclusively for your group, cleaned twice daily, and provide a much more sanitary (and dignified) experience.
Personal Hygiene
Washing water is provided twice a day. We highly recommend bringing "body wipes" (biodegradable) for a full-body wipe-down in your tent after a long hike.
Leave No Trace
Everything must be carried out. Your porters are responsible for the heavy lifting, but on the trails between camps, it's vital to pack out your used toilet paper or tissues.
The PEE-BOTTLE strategy
Getting out of your sleeping bag and into the freezing cold night for a 3 AM bathroom break is brutal. Many experienced climbers use a "pee bottle" (clearly marked!) to stay inside their warm tent.
Managing Period Health
For women, the combination of altitude and physical exhaustion can affect cycles. Bring extra supplies, biodegradable disposal bags, and talk to your guide if you're experiencing unusually bad cramps.
See the full gear suggestions in our Ultimate Packing List.