Lava Tower

Approach

During your Kilimanjaro trek, if you use the Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Western Breach or Umbwe Route you will approach the Lava Tower. Don't miss to climb on the top of the Lava Tower : it's an easy and funny short climb on volcanic rock at 4695 meters !
Approach :
- From Machame Route, the Lava Tower is between Shira Camp and Barranco Huts.
- From Shira Route, over Simba Cave Campside and Shira II Camp, you reach the Machame Route 1 hour before the Lava Tower.
- From Lemosho Route over Shira I and Shira II Camp.
- From Umbwe Route over Barranco Hut direction Western Breach.

GPS Waypoints :
Lava Tower Base (Camp)
3 deg 04.071 south
37 deg 19.636 east
4642 meters

Lava Tower Top
3 deg 04.108 south
37 deg 19.622 east
4695 meters

Route Description

The Lava Tower Camp is the start point just beneath the Tower. The camp is used by the trekkers who want to climb on Kilimanjaro over the Arrow Camp and the Western Breach. Most people using the Machame route arrive at Lava Tower Camp at lunch time. The climb of the tower needs max 1 hour. Conturn the west face of the tower and climb through a little gully. Traverse to the right (III) over an exposed ditch. Then climb easy in south direction. After 100 meters, turn to the left, climb over leaning rocks (II) and then easier on the ridge to the summit. The view down on the Tower Camp is amazing.

Essential Gear

The volcanic rock of the Lava Tower is easy to climb and no rope is necessary.

Images

View Lava Tower Image Gallery - 6 Images