Kilimanjaro Now Has High-Speed Internet
For decades, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro meant disconnecting from the outside world, stepping into the wild, and embracing the silence of Africa’s highest peak. Today, however, things are changing. Tanzania has introduced high-speed internet on the mountain, giving climbers a way to stay connected even as they trek toward Uhuru Peak. This development has sparked both excitement and debate, but there’s no denying that it is transforming the Kilimanjaro experience.
A New Era on the Roof of Africa
In August 2022, Tanzania announced the installation of broadband towers along Mount Kilimanjaro, bringing high-speed internet to one of the world’s most iconic climbs. The service first reached Horombo Huts, at 3,720 meters (12,200 ft), and the long-term goal is to extend coverage all the way to the summit. The government highlighted two key reasons for this move: enhancing safety on the mountain and making it easier for climbers to share their journey with the world in real time.
What It Means for Climbers
For travelers, this means that the climb no longer has to mean complete digital isolation. Climbers can update family, post photographs, and even live-stream parts of their trek. More importantly, the internet connection improves safety by allowing faster communication in case of emergencies, as rescue teams and park authorities can respond more efficiently.
At the same time, reliable internet access helps with logistics — weather updates, navigation tools, and coordination between guides and porters become easier and more accurate. For tour operators, this is an opportunity to offer smoother, safer expeditions with more reliable communication at higher altitudes.
The Debate Around Connectivity
Not everyone welcomes this development. Many climbers see Kilimanjaro as a chance to unplug, to escape the noise of modern life and immerse themselves fully in the wilderness. The idea of WiFi signals at campfires and WhatsApp messages at midnight feels like an intrusion to those who value the mountain’s solitude. On the other hand, others embrace the change, noting that technology is part of modern adventure travel and that safety should always come first.
Preparing for Internet on the Mountain
If you are planning to climb Kilimanjaro, you can expect internet access at least in the lower and middle camps. The summit’s connectivity may still be limited or variable depending on your provider and weather conditions. Keep in mind that “high-speed” in remote high-altitude settings doesn’t always match what you’re used to at home. Battery life drains faster in the cold, so power banks or solar chargers remain essential.
