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Mt Kilimanjaro snaps second spot as a top global photography destination
What you need to know:
- The April 2025 report awarded the mountain a composite score of 97.3 out of 100, despite being limited to just 50,000 visitors annually, the iconic Tanzanian peak continues to draw global admiration, registering approximately 5.5 million online searches each year
Dar es Salaam. Mount Kilimanjaro has been ranked the second-best photography destination in the world, just behind Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, according to a new global study by Heepsy.
The April 2025 report awarded the mountain a composite score of 97.3 out of 100, despite being limited to just 50,000 visitors annually, the iconic Tanzanian peak continues to draw global admiration, registering approximately 5.5 million online searches each year.
A panorama view of Mount Kilimanjaro from Moshi Town
Kilimanjaro’s strong performance in the ranking is attributed to its striking natural beauty, global popularity, and its controlled tourism model, which ensures the preservation of its pristine environment.
This exclusivity enhances its appeal to photographers seeking untouched and majestic landscapes.
Unlike other popular landmarks that receive millions of tourists annually, Kilimanjaro’s visitor management approach prioritises sustainability.
The limited access allows for a more intimate and undisturbed photographic experience, making each captured moment unique.
The research underscores the growing global fascination with the mountain, even among people who may never have the opportunity to visit it in person.
Vertical margin wall of the Rebmann Glacier on the Kibo summit in Mount Kilimanjaro, with Mount Meru, which is 70km away, in the background
The balance between accessibility and preservation has helped Kilimanjaro emerge as one of the most coveted destinations in travel photography.
Heepsy’s report analysed more than 50 of the world’s most photographed landmarks based on a composite score calculated from entrance fees, visitor arrivals, and Google search popularity.
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai took the top spot in the ranking, followed by Mount Kilimanjaro in second.
France’s Eiffel Tower came in third, Big Ben in London was ranked fourth, and the Galápagos Islands rounded out the top five.
The selection of destinations was informed by trending landmarks on global photo platforms and travel websites.
Data sources included official tourism boards, aviation authorities, landmark websites, and global tourism statistics databases.
Kilimanjaro’s top-tier ranking highlights the success of Tanzania’s conservation-led tourism model and the mountain’s continued resonance as both a national symbol and a global icon.
