Mount Kilimanjaro National Park; Activities, Map, Photos and Fees.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, located in Tanzania, is home to Africa’s highest peak and one of the world’s most iconic natural landmarks, Mount Kilimanjaro. Towering at 5,895 m/19,340 ft above sea level, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain and the world’s highest free-standing mountain with three volcanic cones; Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira.

Kibo is the summit of the mountain and the tallest of the three cones and predicted to erupt again while Mawenzi and Shira are extinct. The highest point on Kibo’s crater rim is called Uhuru, which in the Swahili language means “freedom.”

Mount Kilimanjaro is also known for its snow-capped peak. Thousands of people visit it every year for its incredibly beautiful trek where climbers don’t require technical skills to climb. Climbers need only a healthy average fitness level to reach the summit, which is why many people begin their Seven Summits journey with Mount Kilimanjaro.

Where is Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Located?

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park and the mountain are located near the town of Moshi in Tanzania, spanning approximately 1688 square kilometres and can easily be accessed by plane or road through Arusha town. Anybody is capable of viewing the towering mountain clearly from the comfort of their hotel in Arusha.

The popularly known “Roof of Africa” remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in the continent and the world at large.

In 1973, the mountain and its six surrounding forest corridors were named Kilimanjaro National Park in order to protect its unique ecosystem and a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage site in 1987.

Wildlife Species in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park;

Beside the daring mountain climbing adventures that travelers embark on, a wide range of wildlife inhabit the area surrounding the mountain. They include cape buffalos that inhabit the montane forests, grasslands and moorland, bush elephants can be seen between the Tarakia and Namwai rivers but occasionally wander around higher altitudes.

Tree hyrax and grey duikers and various rodents are popular above the timber line, primates such as blue monkeys, western black and white colobus and bush babies and many more animals like leopards, giraffes, bats, and antelopes occupy the montane forests.

So it is definitely clear that those intending to hike Mount Kilimanjaro will obviously encounter different kinds of wildlife species traversing the base of the mountain.

Tourist activities at Mount Kilimanjaro National Park:

The Mount Kilimanjaro National Park’s diversity and size have given it a space to become a full-packaged traveler’s destination where one can experience great memorable adventurous. There’s a wide range of activities to embark on such as mountain climbing, birds watching, wildlife viewing, biking safari, walking safari and many more.

Mountain Climbing/hiking.

Hiking up the world’s highest free-standing mountain is the most popular activity for travelers visiting Mount Kilimanjaro. Thousands of visitors come solely to experience and reach Kilimanjaro’s highest peak (Uhuru Peak) at 5895 metres high which is always snow-capped throughout the year.

Summiting Kibo peak offers excellent views of the surrounding including Shira peak and the montane vegetation at the bottom.

With nearly seven hiking trails and two for descending the mountain, each trail is unique and offers varying experiences. While others are more challenging or easier to hike through, others are more rewarding in terms of offering scenic views and excellent wildlife views. Summiting to the Uhuru peak and descending on lengthier routes takes between five and nine days.

Bird watching.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is home to over 150 bird species with forest birds topping the list. This makes it one of the best places to carry out an incredible bird watching activity for bird enthusiasts.

Both resident and migratory birds can be seen and visiting the park will fulfill your dream of watching the African Pygmy Kingfisher, Long-tailed Trogon, Local Black-Shouldered kite, Gabar Goshawk, White-Cheeked Barbet, Blue-naped Mouse Birds, White-Necked Raven, African Fish Eagles, Red Capped Robin Chat and Grey Hornbill among others.

Cycling.

The Kilimanjaro bike trail is a truly unique way to explore the mountain with its surroundings. The Kilema trail is the only way to summit the mountain by bike. Cycling is the best way to exercise physical fitness and for recreational purposes as it has minimal impact on the environment and boosts visitor experience.

Nevertheless, it is advised that only experienced cyclists and guides participate in this activity. They can roam around the park riding through the Chagga people’s farmland while enjoying the breath-taking views of the surrounding. Note that the activity incurs additional expenses as bikers will need a mountain bike.

Walking Safari

Unlike summiting the mountain, the nature-guided walking safari is a really simple method of getting close to nature. The treks around the base of the mountain allow travelers to get close and personal with the tiniest glimpses of nature.

It is a great opportunity to encounter a diversity of wildlife including monkeys, olive baboons, butterfly species, numerous bird species and a number of fascinating species while trekking.

Travelers can also follow the trails to the Shira plateau, a few kilometres west of Kibo. This is a great opportunity to walk on the remains of a volcano that erupted 500,000 years ago.

Wildlife Experience.

Mount Kilimanjaro boasts a great diversity of wildlife species that live in a number of habitats. The wildlife can be seen on the lower slopes of the mountain and they includes Cape Buffaloes, Bush Elephants, Giraffes, Black Rhinos, Antelopes, Mongooses, Porcupines, Hyenas, Leopards, Servals, Baboons, Monkeys, Bush babies, aardvarks, tree hyraxes, honey badgers, and many others.

However we recommend visiting a number of parks including Serengeti to experience an ultimate wildlife viewing.

Visiting the Chala Crater Lake

Chala Crater Lake is located in the shadows of Mount Kilimanjaro near the Tanzania-Kenya border. The lake was formed by volcanic activity and its pristine waters can be turquoise blue, midnight blue, or emerald depending on the time of year you visit.

Hiking around the lake and into the crater walls is a great way of exploring the lake. You will also be able to see the endangered Chala Tilapia which can only be seen here. Swimming is also permitted in the Crater Lake.

Discover the Olpopongi

This amazing safari involves experiencing one of Africa’s most authentic tribes – the Tanzanian Maasai people. You will explore their cultural traditions such as division of labor and specializations, political systems, religious rituals, visit their kraals, taste their local cuisines and learn about their history etc.

You can take pictures with a number of Maasai individuals, buy some of their cultural clothing and ornaments and many more.

Best Time to Visit Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Kilimanjaro National Park can be visited at any time of year. However, the best time to visit varies according to your interests as there is a great variation in conditions from month to month and area to area.

From July to October and late December to early March, wildlife is easier to view when foliage is sparse and dry especially where there are often attractive waterholes in the vicinity of the camps.

There is usually minimal rainfall, low humidity and mosquitoes are not generally a problem. A cheerful campfire or a welcome hot-water bottle and plenty of blankets are available if you feel chilly in the morning or at night. We recommend carrying long trousers and a light fleece for an early hike or evening drive.

The months of November and from March to May are associated with rainfall and the forest trails will be difficult to navigate since they will be slippery and the route up the pick particularly the western breach will be covered with snow.

The rainy season is a wonderful time to visit Kilimanjaro for those who want to avoid the crowds on their safari. You will also have the opportunity to follow the hiking trails that are less frequented by tourists, such as those in the northern region.

How to get to Kilimanjaro National Park?

Kilimanjaro can be accessed by both air and road transport.

Most international flights to Tanzania land at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is situated a few kilometres south of the airport. Quite a number of international carriers conduct direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport such as KLM, Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Precision Air, and Rwanda Air among others.

While there are two airports near Arusha, Arusha Airport is a domestic airport with only a few daily flights, 15 minutes from the town centre. It is the best starting point for most safaris to northern Tanzania.

You can also drive from Arusha to the park starting from Moshi town, the community that is closest to Kilimanjaro National Park and it lies on the mountain’s foothills, about 85 kilometers away. We will organize for you your transportation by a private safari track from your hotel after you have landed at Arusha.