Are the Kilimanjaro glaciers disappearing?

Yes. Kilimanjaro has lost approximately 85% of its ice cover since 1912. The remaining glaciers — principally the Northern Icefield and the Furtwangler Glacier — are retreating at an accelerating rate. Scientists project the glaciers may be largely gone by 2050. Climbing Kilimanjaro now means witnessing one of the most dramatic visible effects of climate change on Earth.

Can you see glaciers on Kilimanjaro?

Yes — climbers who reach the crater rim at Gilman's Point (5,685m) or Uhuru Peak (5,895m) pass directly alongside the remaining glaciers. The Northern Icefield and Furtwangler Glacier are visible from the summit plateau. They are smaller than they were a generation ago, but still striking.

What caused the Kilimanjaro glaciers to retreat?

The primary driver is reduced precipitation rather than temperature rise alone. Less snowfall means less replenishment of the ice fields. Solar radiation and sublimation (ice converting directly to vapor in the thin dry air) accelerate the retreat. The combination of these factors has dramatically reduced ice cover over the 20th and 21st centuries.

Kilimanjaro Glaciers & Ice Fields

Where are the glaciers? How much ice remains? What you'll see during your climb.

Quick Facts

Total ice area (2024): ~1.7 km² (down from 11.7 km² in 1912)
Retreat rate: 85% of glaciers lost in the last 110 years
Main glaciers: Kibo (northern), Batian (eastern), Decken (southern)
What you'll see: Ice fields, glacial streams, blue ice formations
Summit: No permanent snow/ice at Uhuru Peak itself (it's high desert)

Where Are the Glaciers?

Kilimanjaro has three main glaciers, all on the summit plateau above 5,500m:

1. Kibo Glacier (Northern Ice Field)

Location: North slope of Kibo crater

Size (2024): ~0.6 km²

The largest remaining glacier. Extends down the north side of the mountain. Visible from some northern routes (Rongai, Northern Circuit). Characterized by steep, crevassed terrain. Most dramatic ice formations on the mountain.

2. Batian Glacier (Eastern Ice Field)

(Named after Mount Kenya's highest peak)

Location: East slope of Kibo crater

Size (2024): ~0.5 km²

Second-largest glacier. Visible from eastern routes (Machame, Lemosho). Feeds into glacial streams below 5,000m that climbers cross during descent. More accessible than Kibo glacier.

3. Decken Glacier (Southern Ice Field)

Location: South slope of Kibo crater

Size (2024): ~0.25 km²

Smallest and most fragmented glacier. Less visible from main climbing routes. Subject to rapid melting due to southern exposure to sun.

Glacier Retreat: The Numbers

Kilimanjaro's glaciers have shrunk dramatically over the past century:

Year	Total Ice Area	% Remaining	Events
1912	11.7 km²	100%	Baseline
1962	6.7 km²	57%	Mid-20th century retreat
1989	3.3 km²	28%	Rapid acceleration begins
2015	1.88 km²	16%	Severe drought years
2024	~1.7 km²	~14%	Continuing retreat

Key insight: The retreat accelerated dramatically after 1989. Scientists predict the glaciers could disappear entirely within 15-30 years if current trends continue.

Why Are the Glaciers Melting?

1. Global Warming

Average temperature in East Africa has risen ~1.3°C since 1900. At 5,895m, even small temperature increases cause rapid ice loss.

2. Reduced Snowfall

Precipitation patterns have changed. Kilimanjaro receives less new snow to replenish glaciers. Paradoxically, the mountain is getting both drier and warmer.

3. Black Carbon / Dust

Dust and soot from biomass burning in East Africa settle on glaciers. Dark surfaces absorb more solar radiation, accelerating melting.

4. Altitude & Exposure

At nearly 6,000m, Kilimanjaro's glaciers are at the edge of sustainability. Small changes in conditions have outsized effects.

What You'll See During Your Climb

The ice you encounter depends on your route and season:

On High Routes (Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Northern Circuit)

Glacial meltwater streams at 4,000-5,000m (you'll cross them)
Ice formations visible on the crater rim (5,500-5,700m)
Blue ice and icicles in crevasses (stunning)
Glacier from a distance on descent
No need for crampons on most climbs (unless icy conditions)

On Marangu Route

Glacial streams visible (you don't directly reach ice)
Ice fields visible from descent if clear weather
Faster ascent = less glacier viewing time

Seasonal Differences

Dry season (June-Oct, Jan-Feb): More visible ice, clearer views
Wet season (Mar-May, Nov-Dec): Clouds obscure glaciers, streams are more active
Winter months (July-Aug): Maximum ice visibility, possible icy conditions

Common Questions

Will the glaciers be gone when I climb?

Not for at least another 15 years. You'll definitely see ice and snow formations at higher elevations. Get photos now if you want to document them — they're shrinking fast.

Do I need crampons for climbing Kili?

Not usually. Most climbers don't encounter ice thick enough to require crampons. In July/August (coldest months), your guide may recommend them. Standard hiking boots with good grip are sufficient for most climbs.

Can you fall into a crevasse?

Crevasses exist above 5,500m. Your guide knows the safe routes. Deaths from crevasses on Kili are extremely rare. The glacier areas are well-traveled and relatively stable compared to other mountains.

What happens if the glaciers disappear?

The mountain will still be climbable. Kilimanjaro's difficulty comes from altitude and distance, not the glaciers. Loss of glaciers affects water supplies for regions below the mountain — a major climate concern for Tanzania.

See the Glaciers Yourself

The glaciers won't last forever. Plan your climb now and witness these magnificent ice formations before they're gone.

Plan Your Climb