Does Kilimanjaro have cellphone reception and internet?
Dec 3, 2025
Are you wondering if Kilimanjaro has cellphone reception or internet? Here is everything you need to know about mobile coverage, Tanzania SIM cards, WiFi on the mountain, and what to expect regarding connectivity.
byTrisha Pillay
Dec 3, 2025
9 min read
Most climbers want to stay connected on Mount Kilimanjaro; it could be for safety reasons, navigation, sharing updates with their loved ones, or sending a message home. Until a few years ago, that was difficult. Kilimanjaro was known for long stretches with little or no mobile reception, and internet access was almost non-existent. This changed with Tanzania’s national broadband expansion.
Since August 2022, climbers have been able to use mobile internet up to 12,200 feet after Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation and Huawei Tanzania upgraded the network. The experience is not the same as being in a town or city, but climbers can access voice calls, mobile data, and even hut-based WiFi on selected routes. So, Kilimanjaro’s connectivity is better than many people think. Some parts of the mountain have mobile reception, and high-speed internet now reaches the summit.
Follow Alice will explain what you can expect, including which networks work best, where to buy a SIM card, the reliability of the connection, and how to manage power for your devices during the trek. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to schedule a call with our team.
A turning point came in 2022 when the Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation began extending the national ICT broadband backbone network up the slopes of Kilimanjaro. This project was carried out with support from Huawei Tanzania, which donated much of the specialised equipment needed to withstand the mountain’s extreme conditions. Engineers worked through ice, high winds, and steep rock to install reliable infrastructure from the lower slopes to the summit at 5,895 metres.
Earlier in the rollout, all rest camps below 3,795 metres were connected to high-speed internet. Coverage was later extended to higher elevation camps before finally reaching the top of the mountain. The full system is now in place and continues to operate to date, making it possible for climbers to stay connected through large sections of their trek.
Tanzanian leaders described it as a milestone that strengthened national identity, promoted tourism, and improved safety for visitors. Former Tanzania’s Minister for Information, Communications and Information Technology, Nape Moses Nnauye, at that time spoke of how the connection of Africa’s highest peak symbolised confidence and progress for the country. The result is a stable, high-speed network that now links a UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by around 50,000 trekkers every year. Tourism remains important to Tanzania’s economy, contributing billions of dollars and providing jobs in communities across the country. Improved connectivity strengthens the visitor experience while supporting the long-term development goals of the region.
Mobile reception varies depending on your route, altitude, and the weather. Lower sections near the trailheads usually have a strong signal. As the path climbs through forest and moorland, the signal can weaken or drop entirely before returning at exposed ridges or camps. Higher up, network points installed through the broadband project restore more consistent access.
Voice calls and basic messaging tend to work more reliably than mobile data. Messaging apps usually function whenever you have even a weak connection. Certain areas offer surprisingly strong data speeds, and many climbers manage to upload photos or short videos at camps. It is still important to expect some quiet zones. No high-altitude network is constant, and storms or heavy clouds can interfere with coverage. Guides continue to rely on radios and satellite communication for safety.
Trekker tries to get a signal on Mount Kilimanjaro.
You might be surprised at how much connectivity exists on Kilimanjaro, though it’s far from consistent along the route. Some parts of Kilimanjaro, especially along popular routes like the Marangu Route, now have WiFi hotspots at their main huts. Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, and Kibo Hut are among the locations where climbers can connect. These systems run on solar power, and on good days, the signal is strong enough for calls or even video chats. However, power management means the service may be turned off at night.
Mobile reception is also available in sections of the mountain, but it becomes increasingly patchy as you ascend. Local Tanzanian SIM cards from Vodacom, Airtel, or Tigo offer the best chance of getting a signal at lower and mid-altitude camps.
WiFi and mobile signal on the mountain
There are occasional reports of weak signal or even brief WiFi access near the summit, but these are rare and highly dependent on your exact location, the weather, and network load. Most guides and recent climber accounts advise treating summit day as offline. Even where WiFi is listed, it’s often intermittent, and you may find it unavailable when you need it most.
What this means for climbers
Think of connectivity as a bonus, not a guarantee.
Bring a local SIM and sufficient power backup (power bank or solar charger).
Handle important messages, uploads, or downloads at lower camps or base lodges rather than relying on summit access.
In short, yes, there is WiFi on Kilimanjaro in specific locations, but the mountain is still largely an offline adventure. Summit day is best enjoyed disconnected, letting the experience speak for itself.
As previously mentioned, buying a local SIM card is the easiest way to stay connected during your trek. You can purchase a SIM in Arusha or Moshi before your climb. Registration requires your passport.
The main providers in Tanzania include:
Vodacom Tanzania: This is the most popular choice for Kilimanjaro, with wide national coverage and a strong network presence around the mountain. Vodacom offers a variety of data bundles suitable for short trips.
Airtel Tanzania: Is a major operator with reliable coverage in towns and generally good performance on the mountain. Airtel offers competitive data packages.
Tigo Tanzania: Is known for fast mobile internet in urban centres. Coverage on Kilimanjaro varies by altitude but performs well in many areas.
Halotel: A fast-growing provider with competitive pricing and improving mountain coverage.
Zantel: Has variable coverage but good for travellers heading to Zanzibar before or after their climb. Limited performance at higher elevations on Kilimanjaro.
The best approach is to check coverage maps and compare packages, but most Kilimanjaro operators recommend Vodacom for the most reliable performance on the mountain.
Even with the broadband rollout, mobile internet on Kilimanjaro is not identical to a town-based connection. Data speeds can fluctuate and high-altitude weather may influence the signal. Service is usually strongest at rest camps, especially those located on exposed ridges.
WhatsApp messaging is generally the most dependable communication method. Apps requiring heavy data, such as social media uploads or video streaming, may work at certain points but cannot be relied upon. Climbers often wait until camps or rest spots to upload images or text. At the summit, connectivity is available but sensitive to conditions. Climbers who reach Uhuru Peak early in the morning often find the best chances for a stable connection.
A group of trekkers summit Mount Kilimanjaro.
Charging devices on Kilimanjaro
There are no conventional charging outlets on the mountain. All power must come from what you bring. Power banks are the most reliable method. Bring high-capacity power banks and charge them fully before your trek. Airlines require lithium batteries in carry-on bags, so do not pack them in checked luggage.
Solar chargers are also useful but can be slow and heavy. The thin high-altitude air and cold temperatures reduce their efficiency. Solar devices work best during extended rest periods but should not be your only power source. Cold temperatures drain batteries far faster than usual. Keep your devices and power banks inside your sleeping bag at night to preserve charge.
Should you rely on internet for navigation or safety?
Despite improved coverage, climbers should not depend on internet access for emergencies or navigation. All reputable Kilimanjaro operators like Follow Alice carry radios, satellite communication devices, and trained mountain guides. Connectivity is a bonus for communication and sharing moments, not a replacement for proper safety systems.
Staying connected on Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is one of the few high-altitude destinations where climbers can access mobile reception and internet from the lower slopes all the way to the summit. Tanzania’s broadband project has improved the experience, making it easier to stay in touch with friends, family, and your trekking team. While service is far better than in the past, climbers should still expect variations in signal strength and occasional periods without reception. With the right SIM card, realistic expectations, and a good charging strategy, staying connected on Kilimanjaro is easier than ever before. If you’re ready to climb Kilimanjaro, Follow Alice will make it unforgettable, so book your trek now.
