Free internet on Mount Kilimanjaro is a new exciting development on the highest mountain. Since most of our clients are passionate about Mount Kilimanjaro we thought we give you an update on this interesting service, especially for climbers. Note that climbing Kilimanjaro is not a substitute for Kilimanjaro scenic flight. In fact, we think they can go together. But when you are looking for an alternative to seeing Mount Kilimanjaro, then we highly suggest looking at Kilimanjaro scenic flight as a convenient alternative to trekking Kilimanjaro. You can read a whole article on why we think Kilimanjaro scenic flight is a convenient alternative to climbing Kilimanjaro here.
In this article, we are exploring five common questions you may ask yourself about the internet on mount Kilimanjaro to help you stay up to date on what is the latest development on the beautiful mountain.
Table of Contents
Question 1: Is there internet on Mount Kilimanjaro?
The answer to that is yes. Tweeting, live streaming and video calling while you are on Mount Kilimanjaro is now a reality. Government-run Tanzania Telecommunications Limited (TTCL) installed high-speed internet connectivity on the mountain recently. The government provides the internet free for all at the campsites on the Marangu route at the moment.
Mount Kilimanjaro follows the likes of other big mountains that have a WiFi connection for their climbers. For example, in 2010, the world’s highest mountain, Everest, started to offer free Wi-Fi to its climbers. Another famous mountain that has a WiFi connection is Mount Fuji in Japan.
Question 2: Can you access the internet at the summit of Kilimanjaro?
The answer is, not yet. However, the state-run TTCL is planning to bring internet access to the summit before the end of the year 2022. At the time of publishing this article, internet access is available up to 4720 meters which is Kibo Hut. Kibo Hut is one of the base camps.
Question 3: Is internet access available on all Kilimanjaro routes?
Currently, government-provided internet access is only on the Marangu route. In the coming months, the government plans to ensure internet access is available to climbers on all of Mount Kilimanjaro’s routes. However, you can access the internet on other routes using mobile data from local cellular companies such as Airtel.
Question 4: What do you need to access the internet on Mount Kilimanjaro?
The government is providing Wi-Fi so that you can connect your electronic devices to the internet. You may also use mobile phone data to connect to the internet in some parts of the mountain. You can buy internet packages from local network providers such as Airtel and Vodacom.
Question 5: Why is the government providing Wi-Fi internet access on Mount Kilimanjaro?
The government is citing two main reasons for providing the access to the internet on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The first reason is to improve safety on the mountain: Climbers can use the internet to navigate the mountain, search for weather forecasts and even ask for help when they are in need. For instance, if someone is lost, can simply take a selfie, publish it on Facebook/Twitter, or even better go stream live, and get live feedback from people who can help.
The second reason for giving free internet on Mount Kilimanjaro is to attract more people to come to climb the mountain, as internet access will increase the visibility of the mountain worldwide.
Let us show you the beauty of Kilimanjaro
Yes, you too can see and experience Mount Kilimanjaro in a very unique way through Kilimanjaro scenic flight.
Read here 10 interesting things you can see while you are on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Here are useful things to note before you board a plane for Kilimanjaro scenic flight.
Check available flights you can join here. You can contact us directly via this page.
