All climbing routes on Mount Kilimanjaro were confirmed open as of 8 October 2026, following temporary closures caused by two wildfires that broke out on the mountain in September. The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) announced that fire suppression operations involving Tanzanian military personnel and community firefighting teams had brought both blazes under control.
What Happened
The first fire started on 3 September in the Kikererwa area near the Tanzania-Kenya border, within the heath zone of Kilimanjaro National Park. It was more than 90% contained by 5 September and caused no injuries or fatalities among trekking groups.
A second, larger fire broke out in the Sangarini-Kamwanga area and spread toward Shira Plateau. TANAPA temporarily suspended the Lemosho Route and Londorosi Route while firefighting operations were underway. A third fire in the Rongai zone later in September led to temporary closure of the Rongai Route as well.
By early October, TANAPA declared all routes safe for resumption. The cause of both fires is still under investigation.
Current Conditions on the Mountain
Trekkers on the Lemosho, Londorosi, and Rongai routes in October can expect visible fire damage in the heath and moorland zones. This means sections of burned vegetation, blackened tree heath, and the distinctive smell of scorched ground in the lower and middle mountain bands. The ice cap and summit zones above approximately 4,000 metres were not affected.
Guides with experience of post-fire conditions on Kilimanjaro note that the upper alpine desert and summit sections remain unchanged, and that the views and physical challenge of the summit push are not altered by fire damage at lower elevations.
What Trekkers Should Know Before Going
Permits are required as normal. TANAPA limits daily trekker numbers on each route, and the reopening has not changed permit conditions. If you had a booking for September and were turned back by the closures, contact your operator about rescheduling.
Route conditions may be drier than usual. Post-fire ground on the lower slopes retains less moisture, which can make some trail surfaces loose. Trekking poles and solid ankle support are standard advice for any Kilimanjaro ascent; they are particularly useful in sections where the normal vegetation cover has been thinned.
Booking lead times matter. The Machame Route and Lemosho Route are the most popular and fill earliest in the October-November dry season window. If you are planning a November climb, permit availability for the premium routes should be checked now. Our Kilimanjaro routes guide compares the major options by difficulty, duration, and scenery.
The Rongai Route approaches from the northeast and was less severely affected by the later fire than the western routes. It offers a drier, quieter alternative to Machame and Lemosho for trekkers who prefer to avoid the heaviest post-fire sections. For full route detail, see our Rongai Route guide.
Kilimanjaro’s Fire History
Wildfires on Kilimanjaro are not new. The mountain experienced significant fires in 2012 and 2022. The moorland and heath zones between 2,800 and 4,000 metres are composed of highly combustible vegetation, particularly giant heather, and the dry seasons of July-October create conditions where accidental or deliberately set fires spread quickly. TANAPA has been working with community rangers to establish firebreaks and early detection systems following previous events.
October and November represent the end of Tanzania’s main dry season and historically the best weather window for summit attempts before the short rains arrive in November.