Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. The stratovolcano towering to 5,895 m a.s.l. is one of the few snowcapped mountains near the equator. Being on the northern region of Tanzania and very close to the Kenyan border, the mountain is a familiar sight in different parts of southern Kenya and Northern Tanzania. In this guide we look at some of the best places for viewing and maybe taking a photo of this magnificent feature.
Amboseli
Amboseli is a small park in Kenya’s southern region; right on the foot of the Kilimanjaro. It is well known for its big-tusked elephants, some of the largest in Africa. The Amboseli is on the leeward of the mountain and the view is quite clear most of the time in the year. This makes it the best location for viewing the mountain during a safari. Here, the view comes with stunning wildlife sights in the foreground. The best place inside the park for taking this view is at the observation hill. This is a small pyramid-shaped hill in the middle of the park. Here, you have uninterrupted views of the mountain from the bottom to the top. The best time to take this view of the mountain is in the early morning hours when the air is calm and free of dust.
Moshi
Moshi is a small town in northern Tanzania, right at the base of Kilimanjaro. Being close to Kilimanjaro International Airport, it is the most likely entry for tourists visiting the northern region destinations. The beautiful town is also the base of most Kilimanjaro hiking guides. But one major offering of this town is its uninterrupted view of the mountain. Actually, Moshi town offers the most clear view of Kilimanjaro from Tanzania. Here, you can enjoy the view from the different corners of the town, whether you are standing on the balcony/ decking or just strolling around. The view often comes with stunning sights of the town buildings in the foreground.
Lake Chala
Lake Chala is a crater lake on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, straddling the Kenya and Tanzania border. It features scenic steep crater walls dropping to about 100 m. The wall is majorly covered by volcanic savannah grasslands with sparse woodlands. It is one of the deepest crater lakes in Africa. The lake is fed by underground water flows from Kilimanjaro. Visitors here have an opportunity to indulge in boat safaris and also explore nearby volcanic features. But what will definitely captivate is the stunning vistas of Kilimanjaro from the eastern slopes. For the best experience, make sure to view this from the high-rising Chala crater rim. The unmatched elevation offers a wide view that encompasses the southeastern slopes of Kilimanjaro, with the Chala water-covered crater floor and its vegetation covered crater walls in the foreground.
Lake Jipe
Lake Jipe is a shallow lake straddling the Kenya and Tanzania border near Kilimanjaro. The lake is fed by the Lumi River from Kilimanjaro and by streams from the Pare Mountains. It is also fed by underground flows from Lake Chala and Kilimanjaro. The lake is famous as a canoeing destination. Since the lake lies on open plains, unlike Chala’s deep crater, the view of Mt Kilimanjaro is excellent from inside the lake. Here, the views combine with stunning vistas of the northern Pare mountains. On a clear day, you may even see kili reflecting on the waters of the lake during your boat ride.
Kilimanjaro golf estate
Kilimanjaro Golf and Wildlife Estate is a highland golf course nestled between Mt Meru and Kilimanjaro. It is one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in Tanzania. The golf course, set on an elevation of about 1400 m a.s.l, has some of the most alluring views of the features in the northern region. It is one of the few golf facilities where you can tee off amidst stunning views of the rooftop of Africa. Here, the view of the mountain has the golf estate’s stunning acacia woodlands in the foreground. Besides golfing, the estate offers horse riding and walking safaris, both of which lead to different viewing locations for the magnificent mountain.
Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro crater is part of the northern region’s series of volcanoes. Before it collapsed, Ngorongoro may once have rivalled Kilimanjaro in height. Today, the volcano mostly encompasses one major caldera (Ngorongoro) and two other small craters(Empakaai and Ol Moti). The geological feature has Kilimanjaro views from different locations of the crater rim or atop the two smaller craters. The Empakaai view is, however, the most visually appealing with sights of the nearby savannah lowlands and Lake Natron at a distance, adding to its beauty. The Empakaai rim is accessed on a short hiking trail through the Ngorongoro highlands.
Mt Meru’s Socialist Peak
Mt Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain, towering at 4566 m a.s.l. It is a stratovolcano situated just 70 km west of Kilimanjaro. The mountain is also referred to as Kili’s little sister. Many climbers opt to first tackle Mt Meru in order to acclimatize with the Kili climb. It takes about 3 days to summit the mountain. Besides encountering its incredible alpine geological features and vegetation, the Mt Meru climb is also an opportunity to view Kilimanjaro from a hawk-eye perspective. At its Socialist Peak, you will have a breathtaking view of the snowcapped peak of Kilimanjaro.
Chyulu hills
The volcanoes in the Tsavo ecosystem are among the youngest volcanoes in Africa, with the last major explosion having taken place in the 19th century. Tucked between Amboseli and the Tsavo parks, the volcanoes are an important migration corridor for jumbos migrating between the two parks. The mountains in the heart of Masailand have some of the most outstanding views of Kilimanjaro to the southwest. The view comes with sights of the sweeping Amboseli plains in the foreground. The most rewarding spot for the Kili view is at the Ol Donyo Lodge, located inside the Mbirikani Group Ranch. Right from your decking at the lodge, you can look at the mountain, especially if you are seeking a sunset view.
Arusha national park
Arusha national park is one of the popular game areas in the northern region. The park is situated right at the base of Mt Meru, another famous volcano in the country. The park is known for its unique wildlife varieties and for its stunning Momella lakes. Here, you can view Kilimanjaro on a clear morning from the Momella lakes area and from the rim of Ngurdoto Crater. The view is enhanced by the montane forest of Mt Meru and the floor of Ngurdoto Crater in the foreground, and you also enjoy fine views of Mt Meru itself.
Shira plateau
Shira plateau is a vast area of elevated plains on the western slopes of Kilimanjaro. The plateau is what is left as a result of a collapsed cone of the mountain. It is the best location along the Kilimanjaro hiking routes for watching the peak. You can access this plateau when hiking to the peak via the western routes, i.e., the Lemosho, Shira and Northern Circuit routes. Some tourists also just visit the plateau on a day hike. Other than the spectacular view of the peak, Shira is set amongst some of the most stunning alpine zones in Kilimanjaro. Here, there is stunning volcanic soil covered by groundsels, giant heathers and lobelias. You may also come across a variety of wildlife wandering around the plateau, occasionally eland or even buffalo.
Ready to climb Kilimanjaro? Explore our 7 day Machame Route climb, 7 day Marangu Route climb and 10 day Lemosho Route climb, or contact us and we will help you choose the right route and dates.