Third Cave Camp

Third Cave Camp is one of Kilimanjaro’s quieter, more “out there” overnight camps—set on the northern side of the mountain where the air feels drier, the views open wide, and the crowds thin out fast. Sitting at roughly 3,930 m (12,893 ft), it lies right on the transition between the heath/moorland and alpine desert zones, which is why you’ll often notice a landscape shift here: hardy shrubs and tussocks give way to rockier, dustier ground and scattered scree.

It’s called “Third Cave” because it’s near an older cave feature that was historically used as shelter—but park authorities no longer allow sleeping in caves for safety reasons, so today the camp is a tented campsite (no cabins), typically with basic pit latrines and a quiet footprint.

Third Cave Camp at a glance

Detail What it means for trekkers
Altitude ~3,930 m—high enough that many people start to feel altitude more seriously (sleep can get lighter, breathing feels “thin”).
Where North / Northeast Kilimanjaro, near the boundary of moorland and alpine desert.
Routes that use it Primarily Rongai Route; also used on the Northern Circuit traverse.
Accommodation Tents only (no huts/cabins).
Facilities Usually pit latrines; otherwise minimal—bring everything via your crew (water/food/gear).
Vibe Remote, calm, big-sky camping—especially compared to the busier southern routes.

Where Third Cave Camp sits on the mountain

On the Rongai Route (north side approach)

Third Cave is commonly the third named camp in Rongai itineraries (after Simba/Second Cave), and it’s often used as a purposeful acclimatization step before you move higher toward Mawenzi Tarn and then the saddle toward Kibo.

Typical sequence (one common 7-day style):
Simba Camp → Second Cave → Third Cave → Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut → summit → descend via Horombo.

Note: Operators vary—some versions place an extra camp like Kikelewa/Kikelelwa Cave between Second Cave and Mawenzi Tarn, while others explicitly overnight at Third Cave. That’s normal; the north side has multiple “cave” camps used to shape acclimatization and pacing.

On the Northern Circuit

On the Northern Circuit traverse (approach from the west, then circle the quieter north), Third Cave is used later in the trip as you come around from camps like Pofu/Buffalo and continue toward School Hut for summit night.

What it’s actually like at Third Cave (the “real feel”)

It’s quieter than you expect. Rongai and the Northern Circuit see fewer trekkers than the “headline” routes, so Third Cave often feels like a calm staging point—people arrive, hydrate, eat, watch the light shift on Mawenzi, then tuck in early.

The landscape becomes more lunar. This is where many hikers visually feel the change toward alpine desert: fewer plants, more rock, more wind exposure, and a sharper temperature drop after sunset.

Nights can be stunning. Clear northern skies can be spectacular for stars—especially when clouds sit lower on the mountain and you’re camping above them.

Terrain, vegetation, and scenery

Third Cave sits near the top edge of the heath/moorland band and close to the start of the alpine desert zone. Expect:

  • Rocky ground and scree in places (a “crunchy” volcanic feel underfoot).
  • Scattered shrubs and tough, low plants rather than lush vegetation.
  • Dramatic views of Mawenzi’s jagged spires when the weather is clear—one of the most photogenic silhouettes on Kilimanjaro’s north side.

Facilities and logistics

This is not a hut camp. Think of Third Cave as a designated camping area where your team sets up:

  • Tents (sleeping + mess tent if your operator uses one)
  • Pit latrines (basic wooden/metal structures)
  • Water/food is managed by your crew—many descriptions emphasize that trekkers should expect to bring/receive supplies via their team, not rely on fixed infrastructure.

Because the camp is quiet and minimal, the big comfort upgrades are usually about your operator: warm meals, hot drinks, good tent setup, and a smart pacing plan.

Typical weather at Third Cave Camp (and what to pack for it)

At ~3,930 m, you’re right in the zone where Kilimanjaro’s daily swings become obvious:

  • Daytime: often cool to mild with strong sun when skies are clear
  • Night: frequently near freezing (or below with wind chill), and the camp can feel exposed

Temperature guides for Kilimanjaro’s heath/moorland (3,000–4,000 m) and the alpine desert (4,000–5,000 m)consistently show chilly nights and rapid weather shifts.

Practical packing notes for this camp:

  • A proper 4-season sleeping bag (or an appropriately rated bag + liner)
  • Warm hat + gloves for evenings
  • Layers you can add/remove fast (sun to cold can happen within hours)

Why Third Cave helps with acclimatization

Third Cave is often used as a “stepping stone” camp: not as high as the major summit staging camps, but high enough to encourage adaptation before you move toward the higher alpine desert camps.

Many Rongai itineraries explicitly frame the day into/through Third Cave as acclimatization-focused (resting part of the day, then a shorter hike), which helps reduce the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness later

What acclimatization looks like here:

  • Hydrate aggressively
  • Move slowly (“pole pole” pace)
  • Consider a short, gentle acclimatization walk after lunch if your guide recommends it
  • Prioritize sleep hygiene (warmth, calories, and minimizing unnecessary exertion)

What comes after Third Cave?

It depends on your route:

  • Rongai Route: typically onward toward Mawenzi Tarn and then across the saddle to Kibo Hut (where you prepare for summit night).
  • Northern Circuit: typically onward toward School Hut (a quieter summit staging area than Kibo in many itineraries).

Third Cave Camp vs “busier” Kilimanjaro camps

If you’re comparing camps across Kilimanjaro, Third Cave’s biggest distinction is the feel:

  • Less traffic (especially compared to Marangu/Machame corridors)
  • More “remote mountain” atmosphere
  • Simpler footprint (no huts), so your comfort comes from your team and your gear

That’s why this camp is a strong fit for trekkers who value quiet scenery and a steadier acclimatization build—the exact strengths that make the Northern Circuit and Rongai appealing in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions (In Depth)

What’s the typical weather like at Third Cave Camp?

Expect cool days and cold nights, with conditions shaped more by altitude and time of day than by “season” in the usual sense. At ~3,930 m you’re near the top of the moorland zone, approaching alpine desert—so the sun can feel strong when it’s out, but temperatures drop quickly after sunset and can hover around freezing overnight.
Bring warm layers for camp, and plan on wind exposure.

Describe the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route in more detail

The Rongai Route is Kilimanjaro’s classic north side approach, valued for its quieter trails and a drier feel in some seasons compared with the south. A typical Rongai climb starts in the north, works through forest and moorland, then rises toward camps such as Second Cave and Third Cave, before reaching the dramatic Mawenzi Tarn area. From there, trekkers usually cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to Kibo Hut, then attempt the summit and descend via the Marangu corridor.

What are some popular trekking routes on Kilimanjaro that use Third Cave Camp?

Third Cave Camp is most closely associated with:

  • Rongai Route (primary)
  • Northern Circuit Route (used during the northern traverse as you move toward School Hut)

If you’d like help planning your Kilimanjaro climb

If you need help choosing the right route, building the best acclimatization plan, or booking your trip to Tanzania with Climbing Kilimanjaro, tell me your travel month, preferred number of days, and your fitness/trekking background—and I’ll recommend the best itinerary (and camps) to match your goal.