West Kilimanjaro
Wild, uncrowded plains beneath Kilimanjaro's western slopes, shared by elephants and Maasai herders.
- Area
- Between Kilimanjaro and Amboseli
- Best time
- Jun–Oct & Jan–Feb
- Known for
- Walking safaris & Kilimanjaro views
- From Arusha
- About 2 hours by road
Discover West Kilimanjaro
West Kilimanjaro is one of northern Tanzania's best-kept secrets: a wide, open landscape of savannah, acacia woodland and seasonal swamps on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, stretching towards Kenya's Amboseli National Park. Much of the area lies within community-managed wildlife areas such as Enduimet, where Maasai communities live alongside wildlife, and it offers a very different safari to the national parks: fewer vehicles, more freedom and breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.
Wildlife
West Kilimanjaro is an important corridor for elephants moving between Amboseli and the forests of Kilimanjaro, and large herds are regularly seen with the mountain as a backdrop. Giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, eland and dry-country species such as gerenuk and lesser kudu are found here, together with predators including hyenas, jackals and, less often, lions and cheetahs.
A Different Kind of Safari
Because much of the area is outside the national parks, activities here go beyond game drives. Guided walking safaris with Maasai guides, cultural visits to local communities and night drives are all possible, and it is an ideal place to unwind before or after climbing Kilimanjaro.
Getting There
West Kilimanjaro is around two hours' drive from Arusha and about an hour and a half from Kilimanjaro International Airport, making it an easy addition at the beginning or end of a trip.
Where It Is
West Kilimanjaro on the Map
Why Go
Highlights of West Kilimanjaro
- Kilimanjaro viewsElephants and giraffes with Africa's highest mountain as a backdrop.
- Elephant corridorA key migration route for elephants between Amboseli and Kilimanjaro.
- Walking safarisExplore on foot with experienced Maasai guides.
- Few vehiclesAn exclusive, uncrowded wilderness experience.
- Maasai cultureAuthentic visits to the communities who share the land with wildlife.
- Dry-country speciesGerenuk, lesser kudu and eland, rarely seen on the classic circuit.
Signature Journeys
West Kilimanjaro Safaris
Good to Know
West Kilimanjaro FAQs
Where is West Kilimanjaro? +
West Kilimanjaro is the area on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, between the mountain and the Kenyan border near Amboseli National Park. It is about two hours' drive from Arusha.
What can I do in West Kilimanjaro? +
Game drives, walking safaris with Maasai guides, cultural visits and night drives, all with spectacular views of Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.
Can I combine West Kilimanjaro with a Kilimanjaro climb? +
Yes. It is an ideal place to relax and see wildlife after your climb, and the Lemosho and Shira routes start on this side of the mountain.
Is West Kilimanjaro good for elephants? +
Yes. It lies on an important elephant corridor between Amboseli and Kilimanjaro, and elephant sightings with the mountain in the background are one of its highlights.
Keep Exploring
More Tanzania Destinations
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