Fire erupts on Mount Kilimanjaro

Last updated: September 29, 2026

A new wildfire has broken out inside Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, prompting Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) to temporarily suspend two routes used by climbers attempting to reach the summit.

The fire was reported on September 28, 2026, in the Sangarini–Kamwanga area, with the blaze moving toward the Shira Plateau. TANAPA has temporarily closed the Lemosho and Londorosi routes while firefighting and containment operations continue.

Tourists affected by the closures have been advised to use the Machame, Marangu or Rongai routes instead.

The latest incident comes only weeks after a separate wildfire broke out in another part of Mount Kilimanjaro in early September. That earlier fire affected more than 18 square kilometres of natural vegetation before being brought under control.

At present, the September 28 fire remains an active situation. TANAPA has not announced when Lemosho and Londorosi will reopen.

Current Mount Kilimanjaro Fire Situation

Latest update — September 29, 2026

• Fire status: Firefighting and containment operations are underway.
• Current fire location: Sangarini–Kamwanga area, moving toward the Shira Plateau.
• Routes temporarily suspended: Lemosho and Londorosi.
• Alternative routes: Machame, Marangu and Rongai.
• Cause of the fire: Not yet established.
• Reopening date: Not yet announced.
• Mount Kilimanjaro completely closed: No.

The temporary closure of Lemosho and Londorosi does not mean that Mount Kilimanjaro as a whole has been closed to climbers. TANAPA has directed affected visitors toward other established climbing routes while firefighting operations continue.

However, conditions can change, and climbers should confirm the latest situation with their tour operator and TANAPA before beginning a climb.

What Happened on Mount Kilimanjaro?

A new wildfire broke out inside Kilimanjaro National Park on Monday, September 28, 2026, in the Sangarini–Kamwanga area.

According to reports citing TANAPA, the fire was moving toward the Shira Plateau, an important area on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro and part of the route network used by climbers.

Because of the fire and the potential risks to people working or travelling in the affected area, TANAPA temporarily suspended the Lemosho and Londorosi routes.

The decision was described as a precautionary measure intended to protect tourists, employees, conservation personnel and other people involved in tourism and conservation activities on the mountain.

Firefighting and emergency response teams have been deployed to the affected area. The operation involves several institutions and groups, including TANAPA, the Tanzania Fire and Rescue Force, Tanzania Forest Services Agency, Enduimet Wildlife Management Area, the Reserve Force, local residents and other conservation and tourism stakeholders.

At this stage, information about the precise size of the new fire and the total area affected has not been established publicly. The cause of the fire has also not been confirmed.

Are Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes Closed?

Only specific routes have been temporarily suspended.

Lemosho Route — Temporarily Suspended

The Lemosho Route is currently affected by TANAPA's temporary suspension.

Lemosho is one of the most popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and approaches the mountain from the west before joining the higher routes toward Shira Plateau and the summit.

Tourists who had planned to climb via Lemosho should contact their tour operator about alternative arrangements.

Londorosi Route — Temporarily Suspended

The Londorosi route has also been temporarily suspended because of the ongoing fire.

Londorosi is located on the western side of the mountain and is associated with access to the western climbing routes.

TANAPA has not announced a reopening date.

Machame Route — Alternative

Machame is among the routes TANAPA has recommended as an alternative for tourists affected by the Lemosho and Londorosi closures.

Marangu Route — Alternative

Marangu is also available as an alternative route under TANAPA's current guidance, subject to the conditions and operational arrangements in place when a climb begins.

Rongai Route — Alternative

Rongai is the third route identified by TANAPA as an alternative for tourists affected by the temporary suspension of Lemosho and Londorosi.

Is Mount Kilimanjaro Closed Because of the Fire?

No. Mount Kilimanjaro has not been completely closed.

The current suspension applies specifically to the Lemosho and Londorosi routes.

TANAPA has advised affected tourists to use Machame, Marangu or Rongai instead.

This distinction is important because a fire in one part of the mountain does not automatically mean that every climbing route or every tourism activity on Kilimanjaro has been suspended.

Nevertheless, the situation remains subject to change while firefighting and containment efforts continue.

What Does the Fire Mean for Climbers?

If you have already booked a Kilimanjaro climb, the effect of the current situation will depend on your planned route.

If you are booked on Lemosho

Your climb may need to be moved to another route or rescheduled, depending on the advice of your tour operator and the latest instructions from TANAPA.

If you are booked on Londorosi

The same applies. Londorosi is currently suspended, and there is no confirmed reopening date.

If you are booked on Machame, Marangu or Rongai

These routes have been identified by TANAPA as alternatives for tourists affected by the Lemosho and Londorosi closures. However, climbers should still confirm the latest conditions with their operator before travelling to the mountain.

The most important point for travellers is that the situation is temporary and subject to change. A route that is closed today may reopen once authorities determine that it is safe, while conditions could also change elsewhere on the mountain.

When Will Lemosho and Londorosi Reopen?

TANAPA has not announced a specific reopening date for either route.

The routes remain suspended while authorities focus on firefighting and containment operations.

Climbers should therefore avoid relying on an unofficial reopening date or assuming that a route will be available simply because a previous fire on Kilimanjaro has been contained.

The safest approach is to obtain confirmation from your tour operator and check the latest official information before beginning your climb.

Where Is the Current Fire?

The September 28 fire is in the Sangarini–Kamwanga area of Kilimanjaro National Park and has been reported as moving toward the Shira Plateau.

This is on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, in an area relevant to the Lemosho and Londorosi approaches.

The location helps explain why TANAPA has specifically suspended those routes rather than closing every climbing route on the mountain.

What Caused the New Kilimanjaro Fire?

The cause of the September 28 fire has not yet been established publicly.

It is important not to confuse possible causes of wildfires on Kilimanjaro with the confirmed cause of this particular incident.

Mount Kilimanjaro contains extensive areas of natural vegetation, and fire risk can increase during dry periods. Previous fires on the mountain have been associated with a variety of circumstances, but there is currently insufficient information to say what started the September 28 fire.

Until authorities release further information, the cause should be treated as unknown.

A Separate Kilimanjaro Fire Earlier in September

The latest incident comes only weeks after another wildfire affected Mount Kilimanjaro.

A separate fire began on September 3, 2026, in the Kikelewa area, near the Tanzania–Kenya border.

That fire was different from the September 28 incident.

The earlier blaze affected more than 18 square kilometres of natural vegetation and was reported to be more than 90 percent contained by September 5. Firefighting and containment operations continued before the incident was eventually brought under control.

The September 3 fire therefore should not be confused with the current fire in the Sangarini–Kamwanga area.

September 2026 Kilimanjaro Fire Timeline

September 3: A wildfire breaks out in the Kikelewa area near the Tanzania–Kenya border.

September 5: The earlier fire is reported to be more than 90 percent contained.

September 28: A new wildfire is reported in the Sangarini–Kamwanga area, moving toward the Shira Plateau.

September 28: TANAPA temporarily suspends the Lemosho and Londorosi routes.

September 29: Firefighting and containment operations continue. No reopening date has been announced for the two affected routes.

Why Does Fire Matter on Mount Kilimanjaro?

Fire is a natural part of some ecosystems, but repeated or extensive wildfires can have significant consequences for mountain environments.

Mount Kilimanjaro contains several distinct vegetation zones as altitude increases, ranging from cultivated and forested areas at lower elevations through heath and moorland to alpine desert and the summit environment.

The lower and middle elevations contain vegetation and habitats that can be affected by wildfire.

Kilimanjaro's forest areas are also important for the mountain's water system. Forests help regulate rainfall, water infiltration and runoff, while providing habitat for wildlife and supporting local ecosystems.

Large fires can therefore affect more than the immediate area in which flames are visible.

The impact of any particular fire depends on its location, size, duration, weather conditions and the type of vegetation affected.

Why Does Kilimanjaro Experience Fires?

Wildfires have occurred on Mount Kilimanjaro repeatedly over the years.

Dry vegetation, seasonal weather conditions and strong winds can contribute to the spread of fire once a blaze begins.

Human activity can also create potential fire risks in and around mountain environments. However, these general risk factors should not be interpreted as the confirmed cause of the current September 28 fire.

The cause of an individual wildfire needs to be established separately by the relevant authorities.

Previous Major Fires on Mount Kilimanjaro

The September 2026 fires are part of a longer history of wildfires affecting Mount Kilimanjaro.

Significant fires have also been reported in 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2023, as well as the two separate incidents recorded in September 2026.

2018

A major wildfire affected Mount Kilimanjaro in 2018 and drew attention to the vulnerability of the mountain's vegetation and forest ecosystems.

2020

Another significant fire occurred in 2020, affecting a substantial area of vegetation on the mountain.

2022

Wildfires were again reported on Kilimanjaro in 2022.

2023

Another fire affected the mountain in 2023, continuing the pattern of recurring wildfire incidents.

2026

September 2026 has seen two separate reported fires:

• The Kikelewa fire, beginning September 3.
• The Sangarini–Kamwanga fire, reported September 28.

The recurrence of fires has increased attention on wildfire prevention, preparedness and conservation on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Is It Safe to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro During the Fire?

There is no single answer for every route because the situation depends on where the fire is located and the instructions issued by park authorities.

TANAPA's decision to suspend Lemosho and Londorosi reflects the need to keep people away from the affected area while firefighting operations continue.

If your planned route is affected, follow the instructions of TANAPA and your licensed tour operator rather than attempting to enter a closed area.

If your climb is scheduled on another route, confirm the current status before travelling because conditions can change.

What Should Tourists With Existing Bookings Do?

If you have an upcoming Kilimanjaro climb, contact your tour operator and ask for confirmation of:

1. Which route your climb will use.
2. Whether that route is currently operating.
3. Whether TANAPA has approved the planned itinerary.
4. Whether an alternative route is required.
5. Whether any changes to your itinerary or travel dates are necessary.

If you are booked for Lemosho or Londorosi, do not assume that your original itinerary will proceed unchanged.

TANAPA has already identified Machame, Marangu and Rongai as alternative routes for affected tourists.

Will the Kilimanjaro Fire Affect the Summit?

The current fire and route closures do not mean that the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is closed.

The affected area is associated with the western side of the mountain and the Lemosho and Londorosi approaches.

However, climbers should not interpret this as a guarantee that conditions elsewhere on the mountain will remain unchanged. Park authorities can modify access arrangements depending on the development of the fire and firefighting operations.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Mount Kilimanjaro Fire

Is Kilimanjaro closed because of the fire?

No. Mount Kilimanjaro is not completely closed. TANAPA has temporarily suspended the Lemosho and Londorosi routes because of the ongoing wildfire in the Sangarini–Kamwanga area. Tourists affected by the closures have been advised to use Machame, Marangu or Rongai instead.

Is it still possible to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Yes. The current fire has not resulted in a complete suspension of Kilimanjaro climbing. TANAPA has directed tourists affected by the Lemosho and Londorosi closures toward Machame, Marangu and Rongai.

However, climbers should confirm the current situation with their tour operator before travelling because conditions and route access can change.

Which Kilimanjaro routes are currently closed?

The Lemosho and Londorosi routes are temporarily suspended because of the fire. TANAPA has not announced when either route will reopen.

Is the Lemosho Route closed?

Yes. TANAPA has temporarily suspended the use of the Lemosho Route while firefighting and containment operations continue.

If you are booked on Lemosho, contact your tour operator about whether your itinerary can be changed to another route.

Is the Londorosi Route closed?

Yes. The Londorosi Route has also been temporarily suspended because of the ongoing fire.

There is currently no announced reopening date.

Which routes can I use instead of Lemosho or Londorosi?

TANAPA has advised tourists affected by the closures to use:

• Machame Route
• Marangu Route
• Rongai Route

Whether a particular alternative is suitable for your trip will depend on your itinerary, permits, operator arrangements and the latest conditions on the mountain.

Is the Machame Route open?

Machame has been identified by TANAPA as an alternative for tourists affected by the Lemosho and Londorosi closures.

Travellers should still confirm the latest operating conditions with their tour operator before starting their climb.

Is the Marangu Route open?

Marangu has also been identified by TANAPA as an alternative route for affected tourists.

As with all Kilimanjaro climbs, confirm the current situation before travelling.

Is the Rongai Route open?

Rongai is another route identified by TANAPA as an alternative for tourists affected by the temporary Lemosho and Londorosi closures.

Where is the Kilimanjaro fire?

The current fire is in the Sangarini–Kamwanga area, with the fire reported to be moving toward the Shira Plateau.

This is on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro and is relevant to the Lemosho and Londorosi approaches.

Is the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro closed?

There has been no announcement that the summit itself has been closed.

The current TANAPA suspension specifically concerns the Lemosho and Londorosi routes. However, access arrangements can change as firefighting operations continue, so climbers should follow the latest instructions from park authorities.

Is the current fire the same fire that started on September 3?

No. The September 28 fire is a separate incident from the fire reported on September 3.

The earlier September fire occurred in the Kikelewa area, while the latest fire was reported in the Sangarini–Kamwanga area toward the Shira Plateau.

Keeping the two incidents separate is important when assessing the current situation.

How serious is the current Kilimanjaro fire?

The fire is serious enough that TANAPA has temporarily suspended two climbing routes and deployed firefighting and response teams.

However, the full size of the area affected by the September 28 fire has not yet been publicly established. It is therefore too early to give a reliable figure for the total area burned.

How much of Kilimanjaro has burned?

There is currently no confirmed public figure for the total area affected by the September 28 fire.

Figures reported for the earlier September 3 fire should not be attributed to the current incident.

What caused the Kilimanjaro fire?

The cause of the September 28 fire has not been publicly established.

There are various factors that can contribute to wildfire risk in mountain environments, but these should not be presented as the cause of this particular fire unless authorities confirm them.

Is the September 2026 Kilimanjaro fire caused by climate change?

It is too early to make that claim about the current fire.

Dry conditions, vegetation, weather and human activity can all influence wildfire risk, but establishing whether climate change contributed to a specific fire requires scientific analysis and evidence.

Is it safe to climb Kilimanjaro during the fire?

Safety depends on the route and the conditions at the time of the climb.

TANAPA has already suspended Lemosho and Londorosi as a precaution while firefighting operations continue. Climbers should follow official instructions and should never attempt to enter a closed route.

If you are booked on another route, check with your tour operator before travelling.

I am booked on Lemosho. Do I need to cancel my trip?

Not necessarily.

TANAPA has advised tourists affected by the Lemosho and Londorosi closures to use Machame, Marangu or Rongai instead.

Speak with your tour operator about whether your climb can be moved to one of these routes or whether your dates need to change.

I am already in Tanzania. Can I still climb Kilimanjaro?

Potentially, yes. The current situation is not a blanket closure of Kilimanjaro.

However, your route must comply with the latest instructions from TANAPA. If your planned route is Lemosho or Londorosi, you should speak with your operator about an alternative.

When will the Lemosho Route reopen?

TANAPA has not announced a reopening date.

The route will remain suspended while authorities continue firefighting and containment efforts.

When will the Londorosi Route reopen?

There is currently no announced reopening date for Londorosi.

The route remains suspended until authorities determine that conditions allow it to reopen.

Will the fire affect my Kilimanjaro trekking itinerary?

It may, particularly if your itinerary uses Lemosho or Londorosi.

Tour operators may need to arrange an alternative route, depending on availability and TANAPA's current instructions.

Travellers should confirm their route before arriving at the mountain rather than assuming their original itinerary will operate unchanged.

Will the Kilimanjaro fire affect wildlife?

Wildfires can affect vegetation and wildlife habitat, but the specific ecological impact of the September 28 fire has not yet been established publicly.

The eventual impact will depend on the area burned, vegetation affected, fire intensity and other environmental factors.

Are there other fires on Mount Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro has experienced significant wildfires in previous years, including incidents reported in 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2023.

September 2026 has also seen two separate reported fires: the September 3 Kikelewa fire and the September 28 Sangarini–Kamwanga fire.

Is the September 28 fire expected to affect all Kilimanjaro routes?

There is no indication that all routes have been closed.

At present, TANAPA's announced suspension concerns Lemosho and Londorosi, with Machame, Marangu and Rongai identified as alternatives for affected tourists.

Where can I get the latest information about the fire?

The situation can change as firefighting operations continue.

Travellers should check the latest information from TANAPA and their licensed Kilimanjaro tour operator before beginning their climb.

This page will also be updated as reliable new information becomes available.

One SEO change I'd make: I'd put “Is Kilimanjaro closed because of the fire?” as the first FAQ, not halfway down the section. That's probably the single most important question a prospective climber has after seeing news about the fire, and it gives you a very clear answer immediately.

Source note: This article is based on information reported by Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) and reporting from Tanzanian and international news organizations covering the September 2026 fires. Because the situation is ongoing, details including the size of the current fire, its cause and the reopening date for affected routes may change as authorities release additional information.

Last updated: September 29, 2026