Fischer's Camp
Elevation: 3,885 meters above sea level
Fischer’s Camp is situated on the Shira Plateau of Mount Kilimanjaro, at an altitude of approximately 3,885 meters (12,745 feet), along the Lemosho Route. Named after Scott Fischer, a legendary mountaineer who pioneered this route, the camp is now abandoned but remains a notable landmark. It seems to offer a quieter, more secluded experience, often used by higher-end operators as an overnight stop or lunch spot off the main trail.Scott Eugene Fischer, born on December 24, 1955, was an American mountaineer and mountain guide whose life was defined by his passion for climbing and his commitment to guiding others. His journey into mountaineering began at a young age, inspired by a documentary about the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) that he watched with his father in 1970. This led him to Wyoming’s Wind River Range, where he developed a deep love for the mountains. At 14, Fischer dropped out of school to pursue mountaineering full-time, a decision that shaped his extraordinary career.
In 1984, Fischer, along with Wes Krause, co-founded Mountain Madness, a guiding company specializing in high-altitude expeditions. That same year, they pioneered the Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro, an achievement that highlighted Fischer’s innovative approach to mountaineering. The Lemosho Route, considered one of the most scenic and effective paths to the summit, offers a longer, more gradual ascent, improving acclimatization and increasing summit success rates. This route’s design reflected Fischer’s dedication to ensuring climbers had the best possible experience, balancing challenge with safety.
Fischer’s accomplishments extended beyond Kilimanjaro. He was the first American to summit Lhotse, the world’s fourth-highest mountain, and summitted K2 without supplemental oxygen, showcasing his exceptional physical and mental strength. Known as “Mr. Rescue” for his heroic efforts to save others, Fischer’s life was tragically cut short during the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, where he died while guiding clients during a sudden storm. His legacy, however, lives on through the routes he pioneered, including the Lemosho Route, and the camp named in his honor, Fischer’s Camp.
Listen to an audio call of Scott Fischer talking about Mt. Kilimanjaro and the teamwork of mountain climbing when he called over a cell-phone on January 17, 1996 from the slopes of Kilimanjaro. This is probably the last time he got to climb Kilimanjaro, considering a few months later he would perish in the ’96 Everest disaster. This Kilimanjaro climb was during an ascent for the 50th anniversary of CARE.
Location & Weather
Fischer’s Camp is situated on the Shira Plateau of Mount Kilimanjaro at an altitude of approximately 3,885 meters (12,745 feet), as confirmed by various trekking itineraries. The Shira Plateau is a vast, high-altitude plain formed by the collapse of a volcanic crater, offering a unique landscape of rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and sparse vegetation. The camp is located along the Lemosho Route, one of the most scenic and popular paths to the summit, starting from Londorossi Gate in the west.
The camp is noted to be off the main trail, requiring a slight detour, which adds to its seclusion and tranquility. It is often used by higher-end operators as an alternative to more crowded camps like Shira Camp 1 (3,500 meters) and Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters), which are nearby on Lemosho Route Day 3. Given its altitude, Fischer’s Camp lies in the heath and moorland zone, characterized by low-growing vegetation such as giant senecio and lobelia plants, adapted to the harsh conditions. This zone marks a transition from the lush rainforests below to the alpine desert higher up, making it a critical point for acclimatization.
The camp’s location is significant not only for its ecological context but also for its historical association with Scott Fischer. While it is now abandoned, meaning it is no longer officially maintained or used by most operators, some higher-end trekking companies still utilize it as an overnight stop or lunch spot, appreciating its quieter setting.
Weather Conditions
The weather at Fischer’s Camp, given its high elevation on the Shira Plateau, is influenced by the mountain’s altitude and climate patterns. Research suggests day temperatures typically range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), based on general climate data for the Shira Plateau . However, nights can drop significantly below freezing, a common occurrence at this altitude, with low humidity and minimal rainfall outside the wet seasons (March to May and November). Climbers should be prepared for sudden weather changes, as strong winds and potential snow or ice are possible, especially given the exposed nature of the plateau.
The ecological zone around Fischer’s Camp, being heath and moorland, experiences these conditions due to its high elevation, with the sparse vegetation reflecting the harsh climate. This makes it essential for trekkers to pack adequate gear, including warm clothing and windproof layers, to handle the temperature swings and potential weather shifts.
Experience on the Lemosho Route
Trekking the Lemosho Route to Fischer’s Camp is an immersive experience that combines physical challenge with natural beauty. The journey begins at Londorossi Gate, where climbers enter Kilimanjaro National Park. The trail initially winds through lush rainforests, offering opportunities to spot wildlife such as colobus monkeys and various bird species. As climbers ascend, they pass through the heath and moorland zones, where the landscape opens up to reveal the vast Shira Plateau, with its rolling hills and rocky outcrops.
Fischer’s Camp is reached after a detour off the main trail, typically on Day 3 of a standard 7-8 day itinerary, as part of the trek from Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut Camp. This detour adds to the camp’s seclusion, making it a quieter option compared to more crowded camps like Shira Camp 2. The camp itself is basic, consisting of tent sites with minimal facilities, but its location offers stunning views of the surrounding terrain, including the distant peak of Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s highest summit.
The experience at Fischer’s Camp is part of a longer acclimatization process, allowing climbers to adjust to the thinning air before attempting higher altitudes. Many operators use it as an overnight stop, while others may use it as a lunch spot before continuing to higher camps like Moir Huts (4,140 meters) or Barranco Camp. The camp’s location marks a transition from the moorland to the alpine desert, offering a unique perspective of the mountain’s diverse ecosystems.
Personal accounts suggest that the trek to Fischer’s Camp involves relatively flat terrain initially, with steeper sections as climbers approach the camp, passing through areas with rocky ground and low grasses. The camp’s historical significance, named after Scott Fischer, adds a layer of connection to the mountaineering community, with some trekkers noting memorial plaques and a sense of reflection at the site .
Historical and Current Status
Fischer’s Camp is named after Scott Fischer, who, along with Wes Krause, pioneered the Lemosho Route in 1984, establishing it as a popular and successful alternative to other routes . The camp was once used as a campsite by climbers, but it is now abandoned, meaning it is no longer officially maintained by park authorities. However, some higher-end operators still use it, either as an overnight stop or a lunch spot, appreciating its quieter and more secluded location off the main trail. This dual status—abandoned yet still utilized—adds to its mystique, serving as a reminder of the history and challenges of climbing Kilimanjaro.
The camp’s abandonment may be due to its off-trail location and the preference for more established camps like Shira Camp 1 and 2, which offer better facilities and are on the main route. Despite this, Fischer’s Camp remains a notable landmark, with trekkers often passing by and noting its historical significance, including memorial plaques dedicated to Scott Fischer, reflecting his impact on the mountaineering community.
Comparison with Other Routes and Camps
The Lemosho Route, pioneered by Fischer, is often compared to other popular routes like Machame and Marangu. It is considered more scenic and less crowded, especially in its early stages, with a higher success rate due to its longer acclimatization profile. Fischer’s Camp, at 3,885 meters, is similar in altitude to Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters), but its off-trail location makes it quieter and more exclusive, appealing to higher-end operators .
Compared to other camps, Fischer’s Camp offers a basic setup with tent sites and minimal facilities, contrasting with more developed camps like Barafu Camp, which serves as a base for summit attempts. Its location on the Shira Plateau provides unique views and a sense of wilderness, but the lack of official maintenance means climbers must be prepared for basic conditions.
Table: Comparison of Key Camps on Lemosho Route
Camp Name | Altitude (m/ft) | Typical Use | Facilities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2,820 / 9,252 | Overnight stop, Day 1 | Basic tent sites | Start of rainforest section | |
3,500 / 11,483 | Overnight stop, Day 2 | Basic, crowded | Main trail, good views | |
Fischer’s Camp | 3,885 / 12,745 | Overnight/lunch, optional | Minimal, abandoned | Off-trail, quieter, historical |
3,850 / 12,631 | Overnight stop, Day 3 | Basic, exposed | Near Fischer’s, main route | |
4,140 / 13,579 | Overnight, acclimatization | Basic, protected | Higher altitude, next stop |
This table highlights Fischer’s Camp’s unique position as an optional, quieter stop compared to other camps on the route, reflecting its historical and ecological significance.