Getting the best view of Mount Kilimanjaro is greatly influenced by nearness to the mountain and sky clarity. Towns situated at the base of Kilimanjaro such as Marangu, Moshi, and Arusha are well versed in their own unique combination of national park scenery coupled with rich cultural experiences. We explore, informative and interesting information devoted to each of these towns and detail the attractions, parks, and activities characteristic of each, giving the present-day visitor an idea of where their dollars might be spent. This information is the most enlightening for those considering a trip to Kilimanjaro or national parks who want to diversify their experience outside of the typical safari and add an enriching cultural exchange to their holiday.
The best views of Kilimanjaro from Tanzania can be enjoyed from various vantage points across the region. Here are some of the top locations:
View of Mount Kilimanjaro from Moshi Town
Moshi is the closest town to the mountain and is the base point for the popular Marangu route. Due to its proximity with the mountain, Moshi offers great views of the mountain on a clear day. It’s a medium-sized town and is both the economical and tourist center for the whole of Kilimanjaro region. For trekkers to the mountain, Moshi will be your starting point and endpoint for the journey, as all climbs use the same route to enter Kilimanjaro National Park, before branching off after the first day. This often results in trekkers spending the first and last nights of their climb in Moshi. Here you can hire any equipment you need for the climb and buy any gear that you’re lacking. The town offers a range of accommodation affecting all budgets. There are several good restaurants in Moshi, a few bars, the Kilimanjaro Brewery, and even an internet cafe. Due to the amount of tourists passing through the town, it’s quite hassle-free compared to other areas and the people are friendly. Many also use Moshi as a place to recover after their climb before heading off on a safari or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar. Visit Moshi Town to see Mount Kilimanjaro
View of Kilimanjaro from Mount Meru:
Climbing Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak, offers a spectacular panorama that includes views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days. From the summit of Mount Meru, adventurers are rewarded with an awe-inspiring sight: the majestic silhouette of Kilimanjaro rising above the surrounding landscape. The distant peaks of Kilimanjaro’s Mawenzi and Kibo summits stand out against the horizon, their snow-capped peaks glistening in the sunlight. As the sun sets, the changing hues of the sky cast a warm glow over Kilimanjaro’s slopes, painting a picture-perfect scene that captivates the imagination. For mountaineers and nature enthusiasts alike, the view of Kilimanjaro from Mount Meru is a testament to the breathtaking beauty of East Africa’s highest peaks.
View of Kilimanjaro from Shira Plateau:
The Shira Plateau offers a unique perspective of Mount Kilimanjaro, showcasing its rugged beauty in a serene and remote setting. Situated on the western side of the mountain, the plateau is characterized by vast expanses of open moorland dotted with giant lobelias and other alpine flora. From this elevated vantage point, Kilimanjaro’s towering peaks rise dramatically against the sky, framed by the sweeping plains below. The ever-changing play of light and shadow accentuates the contours of the mountain, casting an ethereal glow over its slopes. Visitors to the Shira Plateau are treated to panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and volcanic formations, providing ample opportunities for photography and reflection amidst the tranquillity of the high-altitude wilderness. See our best day hike to Shira Plateau
View of Mount Kilimanjaro from Boma La Ng’ombe:
From the village of Boma La Ng’ombe, nestled near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, the view of the majestic peak is nothing short of breathtaking. As the sun rises over the horizon, casting a warm glow upon the landscape, the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro emerges in the distance, towering above the surrounding plains. The vibrant hues of dawn paint the sky in shades of pink and orange, creating a stunning backdrop for the iconic silhouette of Africa’s highest mountain. Against this backdrop, the rugged slopes of Kilimanjaro stand in stark contrast, their jagged ridges etched against the morning sky. In the quiet tranquility of the village, the sight of Kilimanjaro serves as a constant reminder of nature’s awe-inspiring beauty, inspiring all who behold it.
View of Kilimanjaro from Machame – Moshi Road:
Driving along the Machame-Moshi Road offers a mesmerizing view of Mount Kilimanjaro. As you traverse through the lush greenery and rolling hills of the Kilimanjaro region, the imposing silhouette of the mountain gradually comes into view. The road provides strategic viewpoints where travellers can pull over and marvel at the sight of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peaks piercing through the clouds. The mountain dominates the horizon, its majestic presence creating a sense of awe and wonder. The contrast between the verdant landscape and the pristine white snow on Kilimanjaro’s summit is a captivating sight that leaves a lasting impression on all who behold it.
View of Mount Kilimanjaro from Lake Jipe:
Located in the heart of Tsavo West National Park, Lake Jipe offers a picturesque setting for viewing Mount Kilimanjaro. As the waters of the lake shimmer in the sunlight, reflecting the azure sky above, the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro looms in the distance, casting a majestic reflection upon the tranquil surface below. Towering above the surrounding savannah, the mountain commands attention, its sheer magnitude and grandeur leaving visitors in awe. From the shores of Lake Jipe, framed by lush vegetation and teeming wildlife, the view of Kilimanjaro is nothing short of spectacular, offering a glimpse into the natural wonders of East Africa.
View of Mount Kilimanjaro from Lake Chala:
Nestled on the border between Kenya and Tanzania, Lake Chala provides a stunning vantage point for admiring the beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro. As the sun sets over the horizon, casting a golden glow upon the landscape, the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro rises majestically in the distance, its towering presence reflected in the tranquil waters of the lake. Against the backdrop of the African sky, ablaze with hues of pink and purple, the mountain stands as a symbol of strength and resilience. From the shores of Lake Chala, surrounded by rugged cliffs and verdant forests, the view of Kilimanjaro is nothing short of mesmerizing, offering a glimpse into the timeless beauty of the African wilderness
View of Mount Kilimanjaro from Marangu
One of the reasons why Marangu is a very popular route on Kilimanjaro is because many years ago, climbers used to start from this small picturesque town and hike up through the fertile farmland before entering the forest. There was once a very well-defined trail which went all the way to the summit. Unfortunately, the use of this trail has been discontinued and the Marangu route offers very little in the way of acclimatization and is not recommended as ideal preparation for summiting the mountain. It is, however, a great walk for those who are not so interested in reaching the top and would prefer to avoid the more “dusty” trails. The walk takes 5 days in total and the huts on this route are some of the best available with bunk beds and simple dining mess huts. This is also the only route where the climbers are accompanied by porters and a cook all the way to the highest point in the country, Kibo. Unfortunately, due to the popularity of the route, it may feel somewhat crowded during the high season. High season dates for 2024 – 2025 can be viewed here.
View of Mount Kilimanjaro from Machame
Machame, lying at the southern base of the mountain, is the starting point of a popular climb in which trekkers ascend a steep ridge, affording views of both the mountain and the surrounding country. The site of this route was chosen in 1891 by Dr. Meyer prior to the first ascent. He was accompanied by a Swiss guide and two local traders. Meyer and his party were the first non-Africans to venture upon the mountain. Meyer attempted the summit but did not succeed. It has since been established that this was due to the unfavourable season and some medical complications, most likely High Altitude Pulmonary Edema. At this time Meyer to his disappointment named the mountain the “Hausberg” or Home Mountain. Aside from the route up the mountain, there are a number of cultural tourism activities which can be conducted from Machame. Not too far from the village an old Chagga cave can be reached by foot. Nearby there is also the beautiful Materuni waterfall. Both make for good half-day trips. A visit to Machame and the area surrounding the village is also a good chance to experience Chagga culture and traditional life. There are various local guides who are able to take visitors around the area and explain all about the traditional ways of Chagga life. These activities work towards providing local people with an alternative income to farming and hopefully will reduce the level of unnecessary tree cutting which is regularly seen.
Which side of the plane to sit on for takeoff to see Kilimanjaro
Which National Parks have the best view of Mount Kilimanjaro?
The three national parks on the Tanzanian side of Kilimanjaro are all very different; however, all give the opportunity to view the mountain without the disruption of the crowds that can be encountered on the Kenyan side. If the snows and glaciers are what you are after, and elephants in marshes with Mt Kilimanjaro in the background is not your scene, then perhaps the bleak and desolate moorland around the southern flanks of the mountain in Kilimanjaro National Park is your best bet. A tough call to make as each park has something special about it, but for the purposes of seeing Kilimanjaro, we would have to suggest a place on the dusty plains of Amboseli National Park in Kenya. From here there are absolutely stunning views of the mountain.
View of Mount Kilimanjaro from the Kenyan side
The view of Mount Kilimanjaro from the Kenyan side offers a unique perspective of this iconic peak. While the mountain itself is located in Tanzania, its towering presence can still be appreciated from various points in Kenya, particularly from areas near the border such as Amboseli National Park. From these vantage points, Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped summit rises majestically above the savannah plains, creating a striking contrast against the surrounding landscape. The sight of the mountain against the backdrop of the African wilderness is truly awe-inspiring, offering photographers and visitors alike an opportunity to capture its beauty from a different angle. Whether observed from a distance or framed by the acacia trees of Amboseli, the view of Mount Kilimanjaro from the Kenyan side while on safari is a sight to behold, showcasing the natural wonders of East Africa.
Amboseli National Park
Located just across the border from Tanzania, Amboseli offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro towering above the savannah, especially during sunrise and sunset with a backdrop of the mountain showcasing the large herd of elephants at the forefront.
See our 3 day Kilimanjaro view safari to Amboseli National Park
View of Mount Kilimanjaro from the Tanzanian Side
The view of Mount Kilimanjaro from the Tanzanian side is truly breathtaking. As one approaches the mountain, its majestic peak dominates the horizon, towering above the surrounding landscape. From various vantage points in Tanzania, such as Moshi Town or along the Machame-Moshi Road, the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro is often visible on clear days. Its sheer size and prominence make it an awe-inspiring sight, evoking a sense of wonder and admiration for nature’s grandeur. Whether glimpsed from afar or admired up close, the view of Mount Kilimanjaro from the Tanzanian side is a testament to the splendour of Africa’s highest peak. Below are the best national parks from where you can catch a clear view of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Kilimanjaro National Park
The Kilimanjaro National Park is a national park in Tanzania, located near the city of Moshi and about 300 kilometres south of the equator. The park includes the whole of Mount Kilimanjaro above the tree line and the surrounding montane forest belt above 1,820 meters. It covers an area of 753 square kilometres. The park is administered by the Tanzania National Parks Authority. The area is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Tanzania. The park rangers have a saying “There are five ecological zones in the park, everything from the tree to the ice cap”. These are the lower slopes, montane forest, heath and moorland, the alpine desert, and the summit. The lower slopes are home to a variety of animals such as elephants, buffalo, leopards, and monkeys. Route up and its bunk house is said by many to be the most ‘interesting’ route it is also the most used as it is the only Kili route that is a ‘through’ route i.e. ascend and descend at opposite ends. The forest is ‘imprisoning’ trees a canopy way above. It is not uncommon to see blue monkeys and even the odd elephant in the forest. The trail is often muddy on the wettest of the Kili trails. The end of the forest section sees the emergence of giant heather plants lasting for several km before reaching the first hut Mandara. The huts are like bunk houses, with dormitory-style sleeping and basic toilet facilities. After Mandara, it is a steep climb through the remaining forest to reach an area of giant heather. The trail is often shrouded in mist and cold. The hike to the second hut Horombo is much the same as the one on the previous day, passing through giant heather and mist. The mountain finally shows itself just above the huts.
Arusha National Park
Lodging in Arusha National Park There are two lodges in Arusha National Park, both of which are found in the heart of the park. The luxury Ngurdoto Lodge has been likened to an African safari lodge. The main building has a colonial feel, with exposed brick, wooden beams, and a central fireplace. The lodge boasts 125 rooms and facilities include a swimming pool and a gym. The new and ultra-modern Momela Wildlife Lodge, however, still claims to fame as being the only place in Northern Tanzania where guests can overnight in a tree house built on stilts.
Arusha National Park was established in 1960 and it covers 137 sq km, of which 127 sq km are in the national park. Arusha National Park is unique in the fact that it is the only place on Tanzania’s Northern Circuit where the black and white colobus monkey is easily seen. Another attraction of the national park is the view of the Momela Lakes. These lakes are shallow alkaline lakes and they change from blue to green or from pink to orange. This colour change is due to the varying algae levels. In addition to the variety of landscapes and views in the national park, Mt Meru is also an added attraction. Although there are no publicized statistics, research claims that 60% of those climbing Mt Meru do see the summit. This could be an added extra to a Tanzania visit where those climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, even though tired after their climb, could face Mt Meru and say “I’ve been up there”. This is part of the extra flavour that Tanzania could add to a holiday.
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