Mount Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania. The whole mountain lies inside Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro National Park, in the northeast of the country, a few kilometres from the border with Kenya. All climbs start and finish in Tanzania.
Why people think it is in Kenya
Many of the best-known photographs of Kilimanjaro are taken from Amboseli National Park in Kenya, with elephants in front of the snow-capped peak. From Amboseli the mountain fills the horizon across the border. That view has appeared in films, books and adverts for decades.
Where exactly it is
- Nearest town: Moshi, at the foot of the southern slopes.
- Nearest city: Arusha, about 80 km to the west.
- Nearest airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), between Moshi and Arusha.
- National park: Kilimanjaro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
Can you climb from Kenya?
No. All the official routes start in Tanzania. The Rongai Route starts closest to the border, on the northern side. Some climbers travel overland from Nairobi, cross the border at Namanga and continue to Moshi. Read our Rongai Route guide.
Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya
| Kilimanjaro | Mount Kenya | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Kenya |
| Height | 5,895 m | 5,199 m |
| Ranking | Highest in Africa | Second highest in Africa |
| Summit | A trek, no technical climbing | Batian and Nelion need rock climbing. Point Lenana, 4,985 m, is a trek. |
Combine the mountain with a safari
From Moshi it is a short drive to Arusha and the northern safari parks. See Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti, or read Kilimanjaro facts.
Frequently asked questions
Tanzania. The whole mountain is inside Kilimanjaro National Park in northeast Tanzania.
Yes. It is clearly visible from Amboseli National Park in Kenya on clear days.
Yes. Kilimanjaro is 5,895 metres; Mount Kenya is 5,199 metres.
