We Make You Feel Comfortable
Logo
Search
Close this search box.

kilimanjaro national park

about kilimanjaro national park

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park ( Kilimanjaro national park) is a true definition of East African beauty. This park shelters Africa’s highest point – Mount Kilimanjaro, a very popular creation that holds quite a strong profile. Mount Kilimanjaro, along with its three volcanic cones “Mawenzi”, “Kibo” and “Shira” is a dormant volcanic mountain in Tanzania. It is one of the seven summits and also turns out to be the highest freestanding mountain in the whole world. It is hiked by so many tourists who travel to Tanzania annually and is one of those daring places every adventurous traveler should visit at all costs. The climbing experience is quite physical, tiresome and risky but the feeling of hiking till the Uhuru peak is an accomplishment you will always be proud of hence, definitely worth every effort of your endeavors. The mountain rises approximately 4,900 meters from the base to a breathtaking 5,895 meters above sea level.

Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro National Park is situated near a town called Moshi and can easily be accessed by plane or road via Arusha town. It spans up to approximately 650 square kilometers and is currently under the administration of Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). Besides the daring climbing adventures that take place in the park each year, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park turns out to be a great wildlife viewing destination too and boasts in various species of fauna. Several species of wildlife can be found in the Kilimanjaro National Park and some of these include the Cape Buffaloes that mainly inhabit the montane forests, grasslands, and moorland occasionally. The African bush elephants can be sighted in between the Tarakia and Namwai Rivers but occasionally wander around higher elevations as well. Grey duikers, Tree hyrax, and various rodents are so popular above the timberline whereas leopards, blue monkeys, and other animals occupy the montane forests. This safari park is one of the best safari destinations in Africa, a fact you will clearly see when you visit. This travel portal highlights all the essential information you will need to plan a safe and superb holiday in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. For those thinking of climbing Kilimanjaro, you will find all the information you need regarding the climbing fees, safety tips, climbing routes plus so much more.

Location Of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park: 

This national park is located in Tanzania south of the border to Kenya. It is also situated North East of Arusha National Park and a person in Arusha town is very capable of viewing the Mountain clearly from the comfort of their hotels or lodges as the sip a cup of tea. Kilimanjaro National Park covers an area of 1688 square kilometers and is located at coordinates of 2°50’–3°10’S latitude and 37°10’–37°40’E longitude. Mount Kilimanjaro the biggest attraction in this national park is strategically located and one can easily be accessed through different routes which favor the hikers to make their choice depending on the ease of hike. Kilimanjaro National Park can be accessed by road and by flight. One can decide to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport which is one of the biggest national parks in Tanzania.

Routes for Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro:

Mount Kilimanjaro hiking is easier in a way that the trekkers/hikers are able to access different hiking trails which are categorized in the ease of hiking. There are 6 routes that are fully approved for hiking the tallest mountain in Africa to be able to reach the Uhuru Peak. The routes where hiking can be done include; the Lemosho Route which is a 70-kilometer trail that passes through the Londorossi Gate. This route is among the best routes for clients since it has registered high successes to the peak. Another of the routes is the Umbwe Route which is regarded among the hardest routes. Success in this route is hard because of the short acclimatization time. We also have the Shira Route which approaches the mountain from the west close to the Lemosho Route. This route is used by few hikers since it was replaced by an easier route i.e. the Lemosho Route. The Rongai Route is also one of the Kilimanjaro hiking routes and is also among the hardest routes to hike since there is a short time for acclimatization. There is also the Marangu Route commonly known as the “Coca Cola” route and is the oldest route to use while hiking mount Kilimanjaro. It is one of the cheap options for hiking and it also has a permanent dormitory of sleeping huts for the hikers. Finally, we have the Machame route which is the longest route to hike the mountain. It is long but considered a better option by the hikers because it has better acclimatization time. It is also known as the “Whiskey Route“. With all these given routes, be sure to prepare your self by doing some drills for hiking, and also remember to look out for some facts about hiking the Mount Kilimanjaro.

Necessary Hiking Gear For Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro: 

Preparation for hiking mount Kilimanjaro is Key and one ought to take it seriously because missing out on some essentials might cause you to have a bad safari or even one might fail to complete the hike. Unlike other safaris where you spend the night in lodges, on this one you will have to camp and therefore camping gear is very essential. Other important essentials for hiking mount Kilimanjaro include a raincoat with a hood, a synthetic coat, soft jacket, long and short-sleeved shirts, waterproof pants, hiking pants, heavy underwear, sports bra for women among others. The essential headgear includes a brimmed hat, knitted hut for warmth among others. Other essentials include waterproof gloves, boots, woolen socks, gym gloves, sunglasses, waterproof backpack, light towel, sleeping bags, among others. To ease your hiking, you can decide to hire a porter or several of them so that they can help you carry your heavy luggage. These people have hiked this mountain several times and would find it easy for them to carry your luggage.

Best Time to Visit Mount Kilimanjaro: 

Mount Kilimanjaro is located near the Equator and therefore, the areas around the mountain receive Dry Seasons and wet seasons. Hiking mount Kilimanjaro is quite dangerous when the weather is messy for example during the wet seasons, it is dangerous because of the slippery trails, snow, mud and other weather disasters which might be of harm to the body. Therefore this leaves the Dry season being the best time to hike mount Kilimanjaro. The dry months which are favorable for hiking are the months of December to March and those of late June through to September. Therefore, be sure to book your mount Kilimanjaro Hiking Safari during these months.