Is Mount Kilimanjaro an Active Volcano?

Mount Kilimanjaro is more than just Africa’s highest peak—it is also one of the world’s most iconic volcanoes. Rising majestically above the plains of Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is made up of three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. This volcanic origin often leads travelers and climbers to wonder whether Kilimanjaro is still active and if there is any risk of eruption in the future.

Kilimanjaro’s Volcanic History

Kilimanjaro began forming about two to three million years ago during the Great Rift Valley tectonic activity. Shira was the first cone to erupt, followed by Mawenzi and then Kibo. Over time, Shira collapsed, leaving behind a vast plateau, while Mawenzi eroded into sharp ridges. Kibo, the tallest of the three cones at 5,895 meters, remains the dominant summit and is the part most climbers aim to conquer.

Is Kilimanjaro Active, Dormant, or Extinct?

Technically, Kilimanjaro is classified as a dormant volcano. This means that while it has not erupted in recent history, it still possesses the potential to erupt again. Geological studies show evidence of volcanic activity, such as fumaroles (gas-emitting openings) near the summit of Kibo, particularly within the crater. However, no major eruption has occurred for thousands of years, and the last significant volcanic activity is believed to have taken place over 360,000 years ago, with smaller events occurring about 200,000 years ago.

Signs of Remaining Activity

The clearest sign that Kilimanjaro is not extinct lies within Kibo’s crater. Here, steam and gas still escape through vents in the earth, indicating underlying geothermal heat. These fumaroles reassure scientists that there is still magma deep below the mountain, though it remains dormant and stable.

Should Climbers Worry About an Eruption?

There is no immediate danger to those climbing Kilimanjaro. Scientists closely monitor the region for seismic or volcanic activity, and no signs point toward an imminent eruption. The dormant status simply reflects its potential, not an active threat. For climbers, the main challenges remain altitude, weather, and stamina rather than volcanic risk.

A Symbol of Geological Majesty

Kilimanjaro’s volcanic roots add to its mystique and grandeur. The vast Shira Plateau, the rugged ridges of Mawenzi, and the massive crater atop Kibo are all legacies of its fiery past. Today, the mountain stands as a dormant giant—its volcanic heart still alive but resting—providing a unique backdrop for those who take on the challenge of climbing to its icy peak.