Will there be Internet Access on Mt.Kilimanjaro?

A common question to dawn on trekkers, especially in the digital age is ‘is there internet connection on Mount Kilimanjaro?’ Things have now advanced significantly even when it comes to the mountain and about staying digitally connected. On quite a few spots on the mountain you can find cellphone reception as well as internet connection.

Internet Connectivity on Mount Kilimanjaro

In August 2022, the state-owned Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation took a significant step forward by installing broadband infrastructure that enables Kilimanjaro climbers to connect to the internet up to an altitude of 3,720 meters (12,200 feet). This achievement marked a milestone in bringing connectivity to one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders.

With that being said, internet access is still not completely possible on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. You can however connect to our guide’s hotspots if needed to post or share photos of the summit in real-time.

Internet Providers in Tanzania

There are several internet service providers (ISPs) in Tanzania that offer cellphone services and you can buy the SIM card in Arusha or Moshi Town . Some of the popular ISPs in Tanzania include:

1. Vodacom Tanzania: Vodacom is one of the leading mobile network operators in Tanzania and offers a range of internet services for cellphones, including data plans and bundles.
2. Airtel Tanzania: Airtel is another major telecom operator in Tanzania and provides internet services for cellphones. They offer various data plans and bundles to suit different needs.
3. Tigo Tanzania: Tigo is a well-known mobile network operator in Tanzania that offers internet services for cellphones. They provide different data packages and plans for their customers.
4. Halotel: Halotel is a telecommunications company in Tanzania that offers mobile and internet services. They provide cellphone internet services through data plans and bundles. Their maximum internet package price is Tshs 10,000,000 for 4,920MB (Monthly).
5. Zantel: Zantel is a telecom operator in Tanzania that offers mobile and internet services. They provide internet services for cellphones through various data plans.

These are just a few examples of internet providers for cellphones in Tanzania. It’s recommended to check the specific offerings and coverage in your area before choosing a provider.

How Can I Get a Local SIM Card?

You can buy a local SIM card when you land in Tanzania using your passport to register for one. However, we only recommend getting one if you’ll be staying in Tanzania for more than two weeks as the process can be quite time-consuming.

A local SIM card will cost you about TSh 1,000. That’s only US$0.41 or 33.5 Indian Rupees which is not much at all!

Can I Charge My Devices on the Mountain?

The mountain doesn’t have any charging spots so you won’t be able to charge your phone and cameras the conventional way. Other methods can include:

• Power banks: bring one or two power banks (fully charged) with you so you can use the USB cable to charge your phone and cameras. Note: many power banks utilise lithium batteries that are sometimes restricted in travel. To be on the safe side keep these in your carry-on baggage instead of in your checked-in bag as they can be removed or confiscated. Please check with your airlines for more information before travelling.
• Solar Chargers: Many often think of solar chargers when sockets are not available for charging, however, from our experience they aren’t very effective on the mountain. They simply do not store or provide enough power, and are painstakingly slow. They’re also heavy and cumbersome.

---