Where Is Mount Kilimanjaro Located? | Exact Location, Map & How to Get There
If you are planning a Kilimanjaro climb in Tanzania, one of the first questions you may ask is: Where is Mount Kilimanjaro located – in Kenya or in Tanzania?
This guide clearly explains the exact location of Mount Kilimanjaro, where it sits on the world map, how far it is from major cities, and how to get there.
Where Is Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, East Africa.
Although the mountain is very close to the Kenya–Tanzania border and is clearly visible from Kenya, Kilimanjaro lies entirely inside Tanzania and can only be climbed from the Tanzanian side.
Where Is Mount Kilimanjaro on the World Map?
Location details
- Mountain: Mount Kilimanjaro
- Region / Province: Kilimanjaro Region
- Country: Tanzania
- Geographical region: East Africa
- Continent: Africa
Mount Kilimanjaro is found in northeastern Tanzania, about 322 km (200 miles) south of the Equator.
Exact Coordinates of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Latitude: 3.0674° South
- Longitude: 37.3556° East
These coordinates place Kilimanjaro in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania, close to the Kenyan border.
Where Is Tanzania Located?
Tanzania is located in East Africa.
It borders:
- Kenya and Uganda to the north
- Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west
- Zambia and Malawi to the south
- The Indian Ocean to the east
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Tanzania and in the entire African continent.
Where Exactly in Tanzania Is Mount Kilimanjaro?
Within Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is located in:
Kilimanjaro Region, in the Northern Tourism Circuit, near the town of Moshi.
Distances from Major Cities
Mount Kilimanjaro is approximately:
- 30 km from Moshi
- 82 km from Arusha
- 208 km from Nairobi (Kenya)
- 460 km from Dar es Salaam
Moshi is the main base town for most Kilimanjaro climbs.
How to Get to Mount Kilimanjaro
Nearest airport
The nearest international airport is:
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
JRO is located between Arusha and Moshi and is the main arrival airport for climbers.
International flight options
You can fly directly to JRO from:
- The Middle East (Qatar Airways, Emirates)
- Europe (KLM and other seasonal carriers)
Alternative airports
You can also fly to:
- Dar es Salaam (DAR) and then take a domestic flight to Kilimanjaro, or
- Nairobi – Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and connect to JRO
Overland travel from Kenya
It is also possible to travel by road from Kenya to Moshi or Arusha using buses and shuttle services. This option is cheaper but slower and less comfortable.
Is Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya or Tanzania?
Mount Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania, not Kenya.
The mountain lies very close to the international border, which is why many people mistakenly believe it is in Kenya. However, all official climbing routes and park entrances are located in Tanzania.
Can You See Mount Kilimanjaro from Kenya?
Yes.
Can you see Kilimanjaro from Nairobi?
On very clear days, it is sometimes possible to see both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya from high buildings in Nairobi, such as the KICC tower.
Can you see Kilimanjaro from Amboseli National Park?
Yes.
Amboseli National Park offers one of the best views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The classic photographs of elephants with Kilimanjaro in the background are taken from Amboseli in Kenya.
Why Is Mount Kilimanjaro Famous?
Mount Kilimanjaro is famous because:
- It is the highest mountain in Africa
- It is the highest free-standing mountain in the world
- It is one of the Seven Summits
How High Is Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro stands at:
5,895 metres (19,341 feet) above sea level
It is considered a free-standing mountain because it does not belong to a major mountain range such as the Himalayas or the Alps.
Mount Kilimanjaro and the Seven Summits
Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the Seven Summits, which represent the highest mountains on each continent.
Kilimanjaro ranks as the fourth highest of the commonly recognised Seven Summits.
For Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) is the designated continental high point.
How Far Is Mount Kilimanjaro from Nairobi?
Mount Kilimanjaro is located about 208 km from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city.
Which Town Is Closest to Mount Kilimanjaro?
Moshi is the closest major town to Mount Kilimanjaro.
It serves as the main operational base for:
- hotels and lodges
- climbing operators
- equipment stores
- banks and transport services
Most climbers stay in Moshi before and after their trek.
Do People Live Around Mount Kilimanjaro?
Yes.
Large communities live on the southern and eastern slopes of the mountain.
The main ethnic group living around Kilimanjaro is the Chagga people, who traditionally practice agriculture on the fertile volcanic soils.
Which Town Lies on the Leeward Side of Mount Kilimanjaro?
Loitokitok (Oloitokitok), on the Kenya–Tanzania border, lies on the leeward (drier) side of Mount Kilimanjaro.
This is where the Rongai Route begins.
Because this route starts on the drier side of the mountain, it receives less rainfall and is often recommended during the rainy seasons.
Where Do You Fly to for a Kilimanjaro Climb?
The best airport for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is:
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
The airport is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Moshi.
Where Is Mount Kilimanjaro Located in Africa?
In Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro is located in:
Tanzania, East Africa, close to the Kenyan border.
Summary – Where Is Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro is located in northeastern Tanzania, in the Kilimanjaro Region, near the town of Moshi.
Although the mountain is clearly visible from Kenya, Kilimanjaro is entirely within Tanzania and all climbing routes start in Tanzania.
Which Country Is Mount Kilimanjaro In?
Tanzania is the home of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Tanzania lies on the eastern side of Africa, borders the Indian Ocean to the east, and shares land borders with Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Malawi.
Mount Kilimanjaro is Tanzania’s most iconic natural landmark and Africa’s highest mountain.
