Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is  national park located in Kilimanjaro region, near Moshi City. The park can be accessed by road or flight via Kilimanjaro International Airport – about 45km to the west. The Park Headquarters and one of the ascending gates are located at Marangu, about 41Km from Moshi town and 86km from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The other seven gates of Rongai, Machame, Londorosi, Lemosho, Kilema, Mweka and Umbwe are located around the mountain base and can be reached by road throughout the year.

The park includes the whole of Mount Kilimanjaro above the tree line and the surrounding Montana belt above 1,820 meters and covers an area of 1,688 square kilometers. At the height of 5,895 meter is the Kilimanjaro Mountain, the highest point in Africa. This volcanic massif stands in splendid isolation above the surrounding plains, with its snowy peak looming over the savannah. The park is encircled by mountain forest. Numerous wild mammals of which many of them are endangered species live in the park.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park covering an area of some 75,575 ha protects the largest free standing volcanic mass in the world and the highest mountain in Africa, rising 4877m above surrounding plains to 5895m at its peak. With its snow-capped peak, the Kilimanjaro is a superlative natural phenomenon, standing in isolation above the surrounding plains overlooking the savannah.

The Best time of your safaris at Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park experiences two rainy seasons in a year. The wet season from March to May during which it rains around the mountain base and snow accumulates on its peak. The dry season from June to September during which the nights are cool and the days are completely clear.

The uniqueness of Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is endowed with a diverse variety of attractions ranging from terrestrial wilderness to permanent glaciers on the mountain peaks.  Mt. Kilimanjaro as part of the ark is the tallest mountain on the African continent and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. … Kilimanjaro has three volcanic cones, Mawenzi, Shira and Kibo. Mawenzi and Shira are extinct but Kibo, the highest peak (5,895m) covered by snow throughout the year despite being close to the equator, is dormant and could erupt again. Conquering this peak is an adventure of a lifetime. Mawenzi Peak Is the second highest peak which forms Mount Kilimanjaro 5,149m. It is rugged and maintains the features of glaciation. Shira peak with an altitude of 3,962m, is the oldest peak that collapsed and forms a Shira plateau with outstanding scenic beauty on the mountain with several kinds of migratory large mammals such as buffaloes, elephants and especially elands.

 

Montane Forest

This wide cluster of exceptionally beautiful montane forest encircles the whole of Kilimanjaro from about 1800 –2800m. The forest zone is worth a visit even if none climbing to the peaks event is made. Marangu nature trails prolong to forest belt which supports several plant species, including endemic

 Zonation of Vegetation

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park experiencing five eco-climatic zones which start from the equator to the arctic climate as one makes a brief tour. As one climbs Kilimanjaro, vegetation and weather changes in response to the changing of elevation from montane forest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and the summit zone (arctic). The mountain peak is covered by snow all over the year-round

Lauwo Waterfall

This waterfall is located along the Marangu route. 2.8Kms provides a spectacular experience while enjoying walking inside the thick montane forest.

Maundi Crater

Located just 15 minutes’ walk past Mandara huts on the Marangu route the crater provides a panoramic view of Lakes Chala, Jipe and Nyumba ya Mungu, all of which derive their waters from the Majestic Kilimanjaro.

Kifinika Cultural Site

This site is located along the Marangu route that is sacred by the local Chagga people. Historically, the site was used for cultural rituals.

Birds and Animals

The park harbors a total number of 140 species of mammals; 7 primates, 25 carnivores, 25 antelopes, 24 species of bat and 179 bird species

Activities in the park

The Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is endowed with various tourism activities that visitors can do during their safaris in Tanzania. The activities includes; Mountain Climbing to the Summit, Paragliding, Nature Walking Safaris – Short Walking Safaris, Long Walking Safaris, Mawenzi Technical Climbing, Picnicking, Filming, Non-Summit Bound Climbers, Crater Camping and Mountain Cycling.

 Mountain Climbing

Planning to climb to Kibo peak can take 5 to 8 days depending on the route. The more days the higher possibilities to conquer the summit easier. Six mountain trails can take a climber to the highest point in Africa, each route offering different attractions and challenges.

Mountain Cycling

Tourists have a chance to cycle inside the park. There are two routes, one for summit bound visitors known as Kilema route and second one for non-summit visitors known as Shira plateau. These routes are equipped with picnic sites and resting points.

Mawenzi Technical Climbing

Mawenzi is the second highest peak on Mount Kilimanjaro. Technical climbers can hike the present seven sub-peaks enjoying the view of cliffs, complex of gullies and rock faces.

Paragliding

Tourists can fly from the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and tourists may use parachutes or wingsuits while undertaking this activity

Filming

Kilimanjaro, the highest free standing mountain, not only attracts climbers but also professional filmers. The famous film, “The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1952)” centered on Ernest Hemingway’s work that also won two Oscars at the 25th Academy Awards was shot from this park.

Non-Summit Bound Climbers

1. Activities for non-summit bound climbers include the following:
2. Visit to the waterfalls (Lauwo)
3. Visiting the Shira Plateau
4. Watching wildlife including high altitude birds
5. Walking through the Mountain Forest
6. Day walk to Maundi crater in the park, Lake Chala and cultural sites such as Kifunika and cultural camps in the villages around.

 

Accommodations

The Mount Kilimanjaro National Park provides a variety of accommodations ranging from Mountain huts, hostel and 32 public campsites. Booking for huts and hostel is done through licensed local tour operators

KARIBU TANZANIA –  KARIBU KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK