Mount Kilimanjaro reopens three routes on 8 October

Mount Kilimanjaro and its three reopened climbing routes drew renewed attention in Moshi after Tanzania National Parks Authority restored access on 8 October 2026. The mountain, also called Kilimanjaro, is in northern Tanzania and remains a working national park rather than a single summit trail.

Three climbing routes reopened after the fire

TANAPA announced that Lemosho, Londorosi and Rongai were open again after temporary wildfire restrictions. The reopening covered the routes themselves, not a new attraction or a separate summit event, and gave climbers access to the approaches that had been unavailable during the emergency response.

The authority’s public notice was dated 8 October 2026. TANAPA reopening details reported the three routes by name and identified the notice as the basis for the change. A separate account said the reopened routes were considered safe for tourist activities and that climbers and licensed operators could resume their planned approaches.

The change followed a fire affecting the mountain’s western side and the Shira area. The Lemosho and Londorosi approaches had been suspended on 28 September, while Rongai was also included in the later restriction. The route reopening report said the notice allowed tourists and licensed operators to resume climbing through the three routes.

Mount Kilimanjaro links the reopening to a protected landscape

The reopening matters because the affected trails lead through different parts of the mountain’s protected landscape. Lemosho and Londorosi approach from the west towards the Shira Plateau, while Rongai reaches the mountain from the north. Machame and Marangu were used as alternatives during the restrictions.

The mountain rises to 5,895 metres (19,341 ft), making it Africa’s highest point. Its principal volcanic peaks are Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira, while the slopes contain forest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and the summit zone. TANAPA’s park profile describes the summit routes and the mountain’s three named peaks.

Kilimanjaro National Park was established in 1973 and became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. UNESCO’s site record describes the park as protecting the largest free-standing volcanic mass in the world and five main vegetation zones. The route reopening therefore restores access across a landscape whose conservation status is part of its identity.

Visiting Mount Kilimanjaro: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The reopening took effect on 8 October 2026 and covered Lemosho, Londorosi and Rongai in Kilimanjaro National Park.
• The three routes were made available again after wildfire restrictions, while route conditions remain subject to park management.
• Moshi is the main regional reference point, and Kilimanjaro International Airport is the principal air gateway named by the park authority.
• The terrain rises from forest through heath and moorland and alpine desert to a 5,895-metre summit, so a climb involves substantial altitude and changing mountain environments.
• Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.

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Frequently asked questions about Mount Kilimanjaro

When did the Mount Kilimanjaro route reopening take place?

TANAPA reopened Lemosho, Londorosi and Rongai on 8 October 2026 after temporary wildfire restrictions.

What is Mount Kilimanjaro?

It is a 5,895-metre volcanic mountain in northern Tanzania and the highest point in Africa. Kilimanjaro National Park around it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987.

Where is Mount Kilimanjaro and how do you get there?

The mountain is in northern Tanzania near Moshi. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the main air gateway for visitors travelling to the park.