Overview

Moir Hut is a mountain camping facility located at 4,200 meters on the Shira Plateau of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Situated at the base of the Lent Hills, it functions as a critical intermediate camp on two major Kilimanjaro routes: the Lemosho Route and the Northern Circuit Route. The site is accessed on Day 3 of the Lemosho itinerary (from Shira 1 Camp) and Day 4 of the Northern Circuit route (from Shira Two Camp via Lava Tower). Known for: being one of the least-crowded camps on Kilimanjaro; exceptional acclimatization opportunities through optional Lent Hills hikes; and dramatic alpine desert scenery with visibility extending to the Kenyan border plains. Best for: trekkers using the Lemosho or Northern Circuit routes seeking quieter mountain experiences; climbers prioritizing altitude acclimatization before the final push to the summit; photographers capturing alpine desert landscapes and distant plains views; and experienced hikers interested in off-trail exploration of the Lent Hills.

Accommodation & Rooms

Moir Hut operates exclusively as a camping facility with double-occupancy tent accommodation. Standard setup includes two-person mountain tents with proper insulation for the extreme alpine environment. Each tent is equipped with sleeping mats, blankets, and pillows. Tents feature mosquito nets for protection against high-altitude insects, though insect presence is minimal at this elevation. There are no private facilities within individual tents; climbers use communal washroom areas with heated water provided by camp staff. The campsite layout includes a central dining/communal tent where all meals are served and climbers gather for evening briefings. Tents are positioned to provide shelter from the intense wind patterns common to the Shira Plateau while offering views toward Kibo when weather permits.

Dining & Cuisine

All three daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included at Moir Hut and prepared by camp chefs trained in high-altitude nutrition and food safety. Breakfast typically includes porridge, eggs, fresh fruit, bread, jam, and hot beverages (tea, coffee, hot chocolate). Lunch is served either at the campsite or at a designated rest point during the day's trek, featuring soups, sandwiches, fresh vegetables, and energy-dense foods designed for altitude acclimatization. Dinner consists of hearty main courses—typically rice or pasta with vegetable or meat-based sauces—supplemented with vegetables and bread. Camp operators accommodate vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences with advance notice. Drinking water is provided in unlimited quantities, treated and heated for safety. High-altitude dietary considerations are incorporated, including foods rich in carbohydrates and calories to support the body's increased energy demands at elevation. Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, biscuits) are available throughout the day.

Wildlife & Activities

While Moir Hut itself sits in the alpine desert zone where large wildlife is absent, the site serves as a base for exploring the Lent Hills ecosystem. Optional afternoon and early morning walks on the Lent Hills provide opportunities to observe alpine vegetation including giant groundsels (Senecio kilimanjari) and lobelias, adapted to extreme altitude and temperature fluctuations. The primary activity at Moir Hut is acclimatization hiking, which improves physiological adaptation to the 4,200-meter elevation. Guided walks vary in difficulty and duration—from gentle 1-2 hour strolls to more challenging 3-4 hour summit hikes of the Lent Hills peaks. These walks serve the critical mountaineering principle of "climb high, sleep low," allowing climbers to ascend to higher elevations during the day and return to Moir Hut's 4,200-meter altitude for sleeping, which maximizes acclimatization benefits. The surrounding terrain offers photography opportunities of the alpine desert, distant views of Kibo's western slopes, and on clear days, panoramic vistas across the northern plains toward Kenya.

Location & How to Get There

Moir Hut is located at coordinates approximately 3°04'S, 37°19'E on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro at 4,200 meters elevation. The campsite sits at the base of the Lent Hills, approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) southeast of Shira Two Camp and roughly 7 kilometers northwest of Barranco Camp. Access to Moir Hut is exclusively on foot via established trekking routes; there is no vehicle access at this altitude. Trekkers reach Moir Hut from Shira One or Shira Two Camp following a 5-7 hour hiking day that crosses the Shira Plateau moorland and traverses toward Lava Tower (4,600m) before descending to Moir Hut. On the Northern Circuit route, trekkers ascend from Shira Two through alpine desert terrain to Lava Tower, then branch off from the main trail to reach Moir Hut in the mid-afternoon, typically arriving between 2:00-4:00 PM. The trek to Moir Hut from Shira camps covers approximately 11-14 kilometers with elevation gains of 400-600 meters, depending on the exact route taken. All trekkers are accompanied by certified mountain guides and porter teams provided by their climbing operator.

Best Time to Visit

Moir Hut is accessible year-round as part of scheduled Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, though seasonal conditions significantly impact the experience. The long dry season (June to October) offers the most stable weather, clearest skies for summit views, and the highest probability of successful summit attempts. During this period, temperatures at Moir Hut range from -5°C to 5°C (23-41°F) during the day, dropping to -10°C to -15°C (14-5°F) at night. Afternoon cloud coverage is minimal, providing excellent visibility for Lent Hills walks and panoramic views. The short dry season (January to February) provides a secondary optimal window with similar conditions but slightly warmer temperatures. The rainy seasons (March-May and November-December) bring cloud cover, reduced visibility, and challenging trail conditions, though climbing is still possible with proper preparation. October represents the transition into the rainy season, with increasing cloud cover but still generally favorable conditions. January and February see the warmest temperatures at this altitude but also increased afternoon cloud formation. Acclimatization success at Moir Hut is enhanced during the drier months when physical exertion is less compromised by weather conditions.

Conservation & Community

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, which encompasses Moir Hut and all climbing routes, operates under strict conservation protocols managed by Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). All climbing fees (ranging from $70-100 USD per person per day) contribute directly to park management, trail maintenance, rescue operations, and ranger patrols that protect the mountain ecosystem. Operators using Moir Hut are required to adhere to Leave No Trace principles, including waste management (all non-organic waste is packed out), water protection measures, and restrictions on campfire use to preserve alpine vegetation. Many climbing operators partner with local Chagga and Maasai communities for porter employment, guide training, and economic benefit-sharing. Some operators support community education initiatives, including school sponsorships in villages surrounding Kilimanjaro's lower slopes. Conservation efforts focus on protecting the alpine ecosystem from overuse impacts and maintaining the integrity of the Shira Plateau environment. Climbers are briefed on responsible trekking practices, including staying on established trails and respecting wildlife corridors, though large wildlife presence is minimal at Moir Hut's elevation.

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