The working title of the film was Adamson of Africa. The opening and closing cast credits differ slightly in order. Killers of Kilimanjaro marked John Dimech's screen debut. According to a September 1956 Hollywood Reporter news item, Peter Viertel was initially to write the screenplay. According to Hollywood Reporter production charts, location filming was done in Nairobi, Kenya where, according to an undated New York Times article, Warusha warriors were hired as extras in the film. A March 1959 Hollywood Reporter news item adds that three key scenes were shot in London. Director Richard Thorpe was borrowed from M-G-M for the production. Modern sources add Joyce Blair, Barbara Joyce and Christine Pockett to the cast.