Is Kilimanjaro in Kenya or Tanzania?

Many iconic photos of African wildlife feature Mount Kilimanjaro in the background, often leading people to believe the mountain is in Kenya. However, Kilimanjaro is entirely within Tanzania. In this article, we clarify its location and the best ways to experience it.

Mount Kilimanjaro is not subject to territorial disputes: it is located in northeastern Tanzania, approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from the border with Kenya. Because of its location, Kilimanjaro is visible from Kenyan national parks, where it appears incredibly photogenic as it towers 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) over the African landscape. Naturally, the local tourism industry takes advantage of this, which explains the abundance of picturesque photos taken from the other side of the border. However, there are nuances to this aesthetic.

Kilimanjaro: Kenya. Land of giants and man-eating lions.

From this angle, Kilimanjaro can only be seen in clear weather and only from a distance. Tour operators promising a journey to the highest mountain in Africa from Kenya will first bring you to Tanzania. There is no other way to reach the volcano's slopes. Adventurers who aim to climb Kilimanjaro also start their journey in northern Tabzania. But if a safari with breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro has long been your dream, welcome to Amboseli or Tsavo West. Let's explore each in detail.

Amboseli National Park

Features. One of Kenya's most popular wildlife reserves, covering an area of 392 square kilometers (151 square miles). It is located in the Rift Valley Province, 240 km (149 miles) south of the capital, Nairobi. In June 2023, the park was added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Around 450 bird species inhabit the park, along with many large African predators and mammals, including buffalo, giraffes, zebras, gazelles, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and many more. However, Amboseli's main attraction is its large elephant population — about 1,800 individuals. Because of this, the national park is often called the "Land of Giants" and is one of the best places to get close to these majestic creatures freely roaming the savanna against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro.

How to get there: Amboseli is accessible via two routes—Nairobi-Arusha (through Namanga and Meshanani Gate) and Nairobi-Mombasa (through Emali and Tsavo West National Park). Travelers can also fly in, as the park has a small airstrip.

Best time to visit: The best months for visiting Amboseli are January-February and June-September. The least favorable months are April, May, November, and December due to frequent rains.

Tsavo West National Park

Features. Located in Taita-Taveta County near the Tanzanian border, Tsavo West covers about 9,000 square kilometers (3,475 square miles), and together with Tsavo East, it spans more than 21,000 square kilometers (8,108 square miles), making them Kenya's largest protected areas. Like Amboseli, Kilimanjaro is visible from here on clear days.

Although wildlife density is lower than in other Kenyan reserves and especially in Tanzania, Tsavo West still offers chances to see Africa's "Big Five" — lions, buffalo, leopards, rare black rhinos, and elephants  —along with giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and other savanna dwellers. However, for wildlife photography, Maasai Mara is the preferred destination. We discuss this in detail in our comparison of Maasai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park — the best place to witness the Great Migration.

How to get there: The main access points are Chyulu Gate from Amboseli and Mtito Andei Gate from Nairobi. From Mombasa, you can reach the park via the Tsavo road through Manyani. In both cases, the distance is about 245 km (152 miles). There are also airstrips with flights from Nairobi and other national parks.

Best time to visit: Peak seasons are July-September and December-March. Rainy months offer fewer visitors and greener landscapes.

Kilimanjaro: Tanzania. From the equator to the Arctic

So, to see the volcano, which is entirely within Tanzania, where should you travel? That's right – Tanzania. Besides Kilimanjaro, this country boasts many other unique destinations that should be on every traveler's list, whether they love adventure, history, wildlife, or outdoor activities.

Kilimanjaro National Park

Located in the eponymous region in northern Tanzania, East Africa, this park protects one of the country’s most iconic natural wonders – Mount Kilimanjaro. In 1987, Kilimanjaro National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the same session, similar recognition was granted to the Acropolis of Athens and the Great Wall of China.

If you look at a map, Kilimanjaro might seem smaller than it actually is. This illusion comes from the lush greenery surrounding the peak, which isn’t lowland vegetation at the base but rather the dense rainforest zone on the mountain’s slopes. These rainforests thrive at elevations between 1,800 and 2,800 meters (5,900 and 9,200 feet) above sea level.

Kilimanjaro’s distinct altitude zones are particularly remarkable, as the journey from its lower slopes to the summit is like traveling from the equator — just 350 km (220 miles) away — to the Arctic. The ascent begins in the Cultivation Zone, which gradually transitions into the tropical Rainforest Zone. Beyond that lie the Heath and Moorland Zone, the Alpine Desert, and finally, the Arctic Summit Zone. Each of these unique ecosystems is explored in detail in our article, "The climate zones of Mount Kilimanjaro."

Climbing Kilimanjaro

Each year, tens of thousands of travelers visit this region to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, which ranks fourth among the legendary "Seven Summits" and holds the title of the world's tallest freestanding mountain. However, climbing does not require mountaineering skills — just good physical fitness and about a week of free time. A safe and comfortable ascent to the “Roof of Africa” takes about that long. There are eight main routes:

• Lemosho. A classic scenic route favored by beginners due to its gradual acclimatization profile and stunning scenery, including views of Cathedral Peak.
• Marangu. Also called the "Coca-Cola Route." The only route where climbers stay in huts rather than tents. It follows the path taken by Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller, the first to summit Kilimanjaro in 1889.
• Machame. Also known as the "Whiskey Route." One of the most popular trails, covering all of Kilimanjaro’s climate zones.
• Rongai. The only route to Uhuru Peak from the northern side. It also passes through all climate zones.
• Northern Circuit. The newest and longest route, ideal for experienced trekkers due to its extended itinerary.
• Umbwe. The least crowded and most challenging trail. Preferred by those who have summited other peaks before.
• Kilema. Designed for mountain biking, this route runs parallel to Marangu on Kilimanjaro’s eastern slope.
• Western Breach. A challenging and risky route due to frequent rockfalls, traversing the western slope of the mountain.

To help you choose the best route, the Altezza Travel team has created a detailed guide with expert recommendations.

Short hikes on Kilimanjaro

For those traveling with children or not yet ready for a full climb, there are shorter two-day trekking tours on the volcano’s slopes. A classic itinerary follows the Marangu Route, starting in the tropical rainforest and leading to the Mandara Hut camp at 2,700 meters (8,858 feet).

After spending a night at Mandara Hut, visitors can choose between two options: either continue to the Horombo Hut at 3,720 meters (12,205 feet) or go to Maundi Crater at 2,760 meters (9,055 feet). The tour then descends back to the park entrance, often leaving visitors inspired to return for a full ascent.

Activities and excursions near Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is not only a volcano and national park but also an entire region with Moshi as its administrative center. The surrounding area offers numerous hotels with views of Kilimanjaro and attractions that showcase this region's natural beauty and cultural richness.

Popular attractions include:

• Materuni Waterfall
• Coffee plantations
• Chemka Hot Springs
• Lake Chala
• Mau Forest Reserve

For more information, check out our guide: “Top 13 excursions near Kilimanjaro.”

How to get to Mt Kilimanjaro: The easiest way to reach Kilimanjaro is to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is just 60 km (37 miles) from the national park’s entrance. This airport also serves travelers heading to other Tanzanian safari destinations like Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro. Alternatively, visitors can take a nine-hour bus ride from Dar es Salaam to Moshi.

The best time to visit: Tanzania’s peak tourist seasons coincide with the dry seasons, the preferred time for most visitors to climb Mount Kilimanjaro:

• June to September (cool and dry)
• December to March (warmer and dry)

However, the rainy seasons should not be dismissed entirely. Even during these months, Kilimanjaro climbs continue, safari parks become lush and green, and hotels often offer better rates.

FAQs

What mountain is between Kenya and Tanzania?

There is no single mountain that sits exactly between Kenya and Tanzania, but Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania near the border, is the most prominent peak visible from both countries. Mount Meru, also in Tanzania, is another significant mountain near the border.

Can you see Kilimanjaro in Kenya?

Yes, Kilimanjaro can be seen from parts of Kenya, especially from Amboseli National Park, which offers some of the best views of the mountain. However, the peak itself is entirely within Tanzania.

Is Mt. Kenya the same as Kilimanjaro?

No, Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro are different mountains. Mount Kenya, located in central Kenya, is the second-highest mountain in Africa at 5,199 meters (17,057 feet), while Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, is the highest at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).

What is the closest town to Mount Kilimanjaro?

Moshi is the closest major town to Mount Kilimanjaro. It serves as the main gateway for climbers and travelers visiting the mountain and is known for its coffee plantations, local markets, and views of Kilimanjaro.

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