Yes. Mount Kilimanjaro is a volcano.

Specifically, it is a stratovolcano, also known as a composite volcano. A stratovolcano is a classic, cone-shaped type of volcano. It’s built from multiple layers of hardened lava, volcanic ash, and rock. Stratovolcanoes typically erupt explosively and grow tall and symmetrical.

Other famous examples include Mount Fuji in Japan and Mount Rainier in the United States.

Kilimanjaro was born from tectonic activity along the East African Rift. This massive fault system is slowly splitting the African continent. As the tectonic plates separated, magma from the mantle rose through the weakened crust.

Three Volcanic Cones

Mount Kilimanjaro isn’t just one volcano. It’s composed of three distinct volcanic cones:

• Shira: The western cone. Formed about 750,000 years ago. Collapsed into a caldera, forming Shira Plateau. Extinct.
• Mawenzi: A jagged peak on the east. Formed roughly 500,000 years ago. Extinct.
• Kibo: The central and highest cone. Began erupting around 460,000 years ago. Dormant.

Kibo holds Kilimanjaro’s summit, Uhuru Peak (19,341 feet/5,895 meters). It went through five main lava-forming stages. The oldest is the Lava Tower group, visible at 15,000 feet (4,600 meters). Over time, successive eruptions built up dense formations that helped Kibo retain its height and shape, unlike the more heavily worn Shira and Mawenzi.

Kibo features a large crater and remnants of glacial ice.

What Is Kilimanjaro Made Of?

Kilimanjaro is primarily composed of volcanic rock:

• Basalt: Dark, iron-rich lava that forms the mountain’s bulk. Basalt is heavy, hard, and common in oceanic and rift zone volcanoes.
• Andesite: A lighter-colored volcanic rock formed from more viscous lava.
• Obsidian: Natural volcanic glass created when lava cools rapidly.
• Phonolite and tephriphonolite: Rare volcanic rocks found in the higher formations of Kibo.

The mix of materials gives Kilimanjaro its distinct coloration, steep structure, and durability.

Is Kilimanjaro Still Active?

Kibo is considered dormant. Its last major eruption was around 360,000 years ago. But volcanic activity may have occurred as recently as 10,000 years ago. It very well may erupt again.

Geothermal activity is still present in the form of hot gas vents near the crater. Scientists continue to monitor the volcano, though there is no sign of imminent eruption.

Shira and Mawenzi, on the other hand, are extinct. Their magma chambers have cooled and solidified.