Is Mount Kilimanjaro Going to Erupt? Full Guide to Kilimanjaro's Volcanic Status

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak and one of the world’s most iconic mountains, is a stratovolcano that towers above the plains of Tanzania at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). While millions dream of climbing Kilimanjaro, many travelers and adventure seekers ask an important question:

“Is Mount Kilimanjaro active, and when will it erupt next?”

Let’s explore the geological facts, historical eruption records, and what experts are saying about the mountain’s volcanic future.

📌 Is Mount Kilimanjaro an Active Volcano?

Mount Kilimanjaro is classified as a dormant volcano—not currently erupting, but with the potential to erupt again in the future. Kilimanjaro has three volcanic cones:

• Kibo – The highest peak and only cone that is dormant (could erupt again)

• Mawenzi – Extinct

• Shira – Extinct

🔥 Kibo: The Dormant Giant

Kibo, the central cone and summit of Kilimanjaro, still shows fumarolic activity, which means it emits gases such as sulfur from vents in the crater. These sulfurous gases suggest that magma still exists beneath the surface, although there's no current evidence of movement or pressure buildup that could indicate an impending eruption.

📅 When Was the Last Eruption of Mount Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro’s last major volcanic activity occurred approximately 360,000 years ago, while the most recent minor activity—likely a lava flow—occurred around 200,000 years ago.

Despite being geologically quiet for millennia, volcanic systems like Kilimanjaro can remain dormant for hundreds of thousands of years and still erupt again. However, no eruption has occurred in recorded human history.

🔮 When Will Mount Kilimanjaro Erupt Again?

As of 2025, there is no scientific indication that Mount Kilimanjaro will erupt in the near future. Geological surveys and monitoring show stable conditions, with no seismic activity, ground deformation, or gas emissions that would typically precede an eruption.

✅ Expert Opinions

According to volcanologists and the Geological Survey of Tanzania:

• Kibo is not extinct, but the chances of an eruption within the next several decades are very low.

• Monitoring continues, especially of the crater area where fumaroles exist.

• No evacuation or alert levels are in place for Kilimanjaro as of 2025.

🌍 How Safe is Mount Kilimanjaro for Climbers?

Mount Kilimanjaro is considered very safe for trekking and tourism. Each year, over 35,000 climbers ascend its slopes with no threat from volcanic activity.

The main risks on Kilimanjaro are not volcanic—rather, they include:

• Altitude sickness

• Cold exposure

• Fatigue from high elevation trekking

Tour guides and park authorities monitor weather and health risks closely, and there are established emergency evacuation procedures in place.

🧠 Fun Geological Facts About Kilimanjaro

• Kilimanjaro was formed by volcanic eruptions starting around 750,000 years ago.

• Kibo’s crater is 2.4 km wide, with ash and lava deposits inside.

• Some glacial melt in recent decades has revealed more rock layers—helping geologists study its eruption history.