Kilimanjaro National Park

Sheltering the highest freestanding mountain in the world, the Kilimanjaro National Park is a very popular destination for visitors, mountain lovers and adventure seekers. The Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano with three cones ‘Shira’ ‘mawenzi’ and ‘Kibo’. Rising sharply from the open plains, capped by snow and frequently fringed by clouds, it is truly a sight to behold.

A Complete Overview

Location and Accessibility

Location: Northern Tanzania, near the Kenyan border, approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) south of Nairobi and 550 kilometers (342 miles) north of Dar es Salaam.
Coordinates: Latitude 3°4′33″S, Longitude 37°21′12″E.
Size: Covers about 1,688 square kilometers (652 square miles).
Accessibility:
- By Road:
  - About a 2-hour drive from Arusha.
  - The park’s main gate, Marangu Gate, is easily accessible via well-maintained roads.
- By Air:
  - Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the nearest airport, just 50 kilometers (31 miles) away.

Key Features and Ecosystems

Mount Kilimanjaro

A freestanding stratovolcano with three volcanic cones: Kibo (dormant), Mawenzi (dormant), and Shira (extinct).

Kibo is the highest peak, with Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level.

Ecosystems
Kilimanjaro is known for its ecological diversity, featuring five distinct zones:

Cultivation Zone: Fertile lands around the mountain, cultivated by local communities.

Montane Forest: Dense forests with unique flora and fauna.

Heath and Moorland: Characterized by giant heathers and other unique plant species.

Alpine Desert: Sparse vegetation with dramatic landscapes.

Arctic Summit: Snowfields and glaciers near the peak.

Glaciers and Icefields

Though receding due to climate change, Kilimanjaro’s glaciers are a stunning feature, adding to the mountain’s allure.

Wildlife

Kilimanjaro National Park hosts a variety of wildlife, particularly in its lower and forested zones:

Mammals

Elephants, leopards, and buffaloes inhabit the montane forests.

Smaller mammals include bush babies, colobus monkeys, and duikers.

Birdlife

Over 180 bird species, including the African crowned eagle, hornbills, and sunbirds, thrive in the park.

Migratory and endemic species are common in the forests.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Chameleons, lizards, and frogs adapted to high-altitude environments can be found.

Activities

Kilimanjaro National Park offers an array of activities for adventurers and nature lovers alike:

Mountain Climbing
- The highlight of any visit, with multiple routes to the summit:
  - Marangu Route: Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” it is the easiest and most popular.
  - Machame Route: The “Whiskey Route” is scenic and challenging.
  - Lemosho Route: Offers breathtaking views and a high success rate.
  - Rongai Route: Approaches from the north, less crowded.
  - Umbwe Route: The steepest and most demanding.
Hiking and Nature Walks
- Shorter trails for those not aiming for the summit, exploring the lower slopes and forests.
Wildlife Safaris
- Spot wildlife in the lower zones of the park, particularly around the montane forests.
Cultural Tours
- Visit Chagga villages around the mountain to learn about local traditions, coffee farming, and traditional cuisine.
Photography
- Capture Kilimanjaro’s majestic landscapes, unique flora, and awe-inspiring glaciers.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (June to October)

Best for climbing and clear views of the summit.

Lower rainfall and stable weather conditions.

Wet Season (March to May, November)

The forest is lush, and fewer crowds make for a serene experience.

However, climbing conditions can be challenging due to slippery trails.

Accommodations

Inside the Park

Campsites are available along climbing routes.

Basic huts, such as Mandara and Horombo Huts on the Marangu Route, offer shelter to climbers.

Outside the Park

Luxury lodges, mid-range hotels, and budget guesthouses in towns like Moshi and Marangu.

Why Visit Kilimanjaro National Park?

Iconic Mountain: Experience the challenge and reward of climbing Africa’s highest peak.

Diverse Ecosystems: Explore a range of habitats, from tropical forests to arctic-like summit zones.

Cultural Enrichment: Engage with the Chagga community and their rich heritage.

Scenic Beauty: Witness awe-inspiring sunrises, glaciers, and panoramic views of the African plains.

Attractions of the Park

The park also offers other attraction apart from the mountain with zonation vegetation and a band of montane forest providing amazing nature trails and beautiful vegetation. Sightings of some rare and endemic species of flora and fauna like the impatiens kilimanjaro. Some visitors can opt for mountain bicycling as another activity offered by the Park.

Bird watching is another major activity at the park, with over 150 species of birds occurring in different vegetation zones provide bird lovers with an experience to remember. Resident and migratory birds from the African fish eagles, goshawks, kites and many others.

Other activities such as walking safaris, paragliding, mountain cycling, picnicking and filming are also available at the park

Most visitors trying to conquer the Kilimanjaro do so with success when necessary health precautions are taken and in which tourists climb the mountain by using routes available. Total climb normally take five to six days and involves four or five overnight stays in comfortable mountain huts.

There are several routes including Marangu, the easiest to climb and therefore the more popular, Machame, Shira, Umbwe and Rongai are other routes.

Best time to visit

The dry months of December to March and June to September are the best times to try attempt hiking the Kilimanjaro. The wet seasons are dangerous to attempt hiking due to wet and slippery trails of snow and mud.