Positioned at 3,870 meters near ancient lava caves on Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes, Third Cave Camp provides essential acclimatization for Rongai and Northern Circuit climbers while connecting modern adventurers to the mountain’s geological past.
| Elevation | 3,870 meters (12,697 feet) |
| GPS Coordinates | Approximately 3.0833°S, 37.4167°E |
| Mountain Zone | Alpine desert / moorland transition |
| Position | Northern slopes, between Moir Hut/Second Cave and summit camps |
| Distance to Summit / Peak | Approximately 5-6 kilometers (3-4 hours) |
| Routes Served | Northern Circuit Route |
Third Cave Camp Kilimanjaro occupies a strategic position on the mountain’s less-traveled northern slopes, serving climbers on both the Rongai Route and the extended Northern Circuit. At 3,870 meters (12,697 feet), this camp represents a critical acclimatization stop where climbers gain elevation while benefiting from the northern approach’s gradual profile. Furthermore, the camp’s name derives from its proximity to ancient lava caves—volcanic tubes that once channeled molten rock down the mountainside and now provide geological interest and historic shelter options.
The progression of cave camps—First Cave (no longer used), Second Cave, and Third Cave—reflects the Rongai Route’s development as climbers established stopping points along the northern ascent. Third Cave Camp sits at the upper end of this sequence, positioned at elevation where the alpine desert environment dominates and views toward the summit become increasingly dramatic. Additionally, the relative solitude of the northern routes means Third Cave Camp maintains a wilderness atmosphere largely absent from the busier southern approaches.
Third Cave Camp Kilimanjaro serves different roles depending on the climbing itinerary. For standard Rongai Route climbers, it provides an alternative to Kikelewa Camp, offering slightly higher sleeping elevation. For Northern Circuit climbers arriving from Moir Hut, Third Cave represents the continuation of their circumnavigation before joining the Rongai summit approach. Moreover, the camp’s position allows excellent acclimatization walks toward higher elevations while providing reasonable sleeping altitude.
RYDER Signature guides appreciate Third Cave’s strategic flexibility and geological interest. The ancient lava caves nearby offer tangible connection to Kilimanjaro’s volcanic origins, while the camp’s elevation profile supports optimal acclimatization for summit success.
Understanding Third Cave Camp Kilimanjaro’s specifications helps climbers prepare for this northern approach experience.
Elevation: 3,870 meters (12,697 feet)
GPS Coordinates: Approximately 3.0833°S, 37.4167°E
Mountain Zone: Alpine desert / moorland transition
Position: Northern slopes, between Moir Hut/Second Cave and summit camps
Routes Served: Rongai Route, Northern Circuit
Distance from Second Cave: Approximately 4-5 kilometers (2-3 hours)
Distance from Moir Hut: Approximately 5-6 kilometers (3-4 hours)
The nearby lava caves provide geological interest:
Formation: Created by flowing lava during volcanic activity
Size: Various sizes; some large enough to shelter in
Historical Use: Early climbers used caves for shelter
Current Use: Geological interest; emergency shelter only
Exploration: Brief visits possible during camp stay
The caves represent volcanic tubes—channels where lava once flowed beneath hardened surface rock, leaving hollow passages when activity ceased.
Third Cave Camp Kilimanjaro provides standard wilderness camping:
Tent Sites: Scattered across rocky terrain with limited flat areas
Toilet Facilities: Basic; RYDER Signature provides portable systems
Water Source: Carried or from seasonal streams; treatment required
Cave Shelters: Available for emergency use only
Ranger Presence: Minimal at this remote camp
Capacity: Moderate—lower traffic than southern camps
The northern alpine desert environment creates distinctive conditions requiring appropriate preparation.
Daytime: 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) in calm conditions
Nighttime: -3°C to 5°C (27°F to 41°F); frost possible
Wind Factor: Northern exposure can create significant wind chill
Sun Intensity: Strong UV at this altitude; protection essential
At 3,870 meters, altitude effects become noticeable:
Common Experiences:
Positive Signs:
This elevation represents important acclimatization territory—significant enough to trigger adaptation while remaining below the most challenging altitudes ahead.
The lava caves near Third Cave Camp Kilimanjaro connect climbers to the mountain’s violent geological history.
Lava tubes form through specific volcanic processes:
Initial Flow: Molten lava flows down the volcano’s slopes
Surface Cooling: Outer lava hardens while interior remains molten
Drainage: Inner lava drains away, leaving hollow tubes
Result: Cave-like passages through solidified rock
These features occur on many volcanic mountains but Kilimanjaro’s examples remain well-preserved due to the mountain’s relatively recent geological activity.
Brief cave exploration may be possible:
Timing: During afternoon acclimatization walks
Duration: 15-30 minutes for nearby caves
Requirements: Headlamp, careful footing, guide supervision
Interest: Geological formations, volcanic history
Caves should be approached cautiously—uneven surfaces, low ceilings, and limited light require attention.
Third Cave Camp Kilimanjaro serves different functions depending on the route and itinerary selected.
On the standard Rongai Route:
6-Day Itinerary:
7-Day Itinerary (Recommended):
The extended itinerary provides better acclimatization between camps.
On the Northern Circuit:
8-9 Day Itinerary:
The Northern Circuit uses Third Cave as a continuation point after the dramatic Moir Hut experience.
Understanding camp routine helps climbers optimize rest and acclimatization.
Most groups reach Third Cave Camp Kilimanjaro between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM:
Immediate Priorities:
Guides often recommend afternoon walks:
Destination: Higher terrain toward School Hut direction
Elevation Gain: 100-200 meters above camp
Duration: 1-2 hours round trip
Purpose: “Climb high, sleep low” acclimatization
Optional cave exploration may also be incorporated if time and conditions permit.
2:00-3:00 PM: Arrival and initial rest
3:00-4:30 PM: Acclimatization walk or cave exploration
4:30-5:30 PM: Return to camp, rest, warm drinks
5:30-6:30 PM: Dinner
6:30-7:00 PM: Briefing on next day’s route
7:00 PM onwards: Rest and sleep
6:00 AM: Wake-up call
6:30-7:00 AM: Breakfast
7:00-7:30 AM: Pack personal items
7:30-8:00 AM: Depart for School Hut or next destination
Third Cave Camp Kilimanjaro occupies the transition zone between moorland and true alpine desert.
Limited plant life persists at this elevation:
Everlasting Flowers: Hardy Helichrysum species in sheltered areas
Lichens: Colorful patches on exposed rock surfaces
Mosses: Occasional clumps in moisture-collecting spots
Giant Groundsels: Occasional specimens in lower areas near camp
The vegetation gradient becomes increasingly stark as elevation increases above camp.
Wildlife presence is limited:
Birds:
Mammals:
The reduced wildlife activity contributes to the remote, wilderness atmosphere.
Experienced guides offer specific advice for this camp.
If exploring nearby caves:
Optimize your altitude adaptation:
Northern camps can be windy:
Both serve similar elevations on the Rongai Route but offer different characters. Third Cave (3,870m) sits slightly higher than Kikelewa (3,630m) and features the lava cave geological interest. Kikelewa offers more dramatic Mawenzi views. Some itineraries use one, some the other, depending on operator preference and timing.
Brief exploration of stable cave entrances is possible with guide supervision and proper lighting. However, extensive caving is not part of standard itineraries, and safety considerations limit exploration to accessible areas only.
Third Cave sits approximately 420 meters higher (3,870m vs 3,450m), representing meaningful elevation gain for acclimatization. The terrain becomes more barren, views more expansive, and conditions colder at Third Cave compared to the lower Second Cave Camp.
Yes—Northern Circuit climbers arriving from Moir Hut may use Third Cave Camp before continuing to School Hut for summit staging. The camp serves as a connection point between the western circumnavigation and the eastern summit approach.
Tell us your dates and route preference, and we will take it from there.
See our Tanzania Travel Guide for the wider trip.