MOUNT KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK

North, Tanzania
Duration

Daily Tour

Tour Type

Travel

Group Size

1+ Person

Languages

Any Language

Overview

The highest mountain in Africa, snow caped and world’s highest free standing volcano. It comprises of two dormant volcanoes (Kibo 5,895m a.m.s.l and Mawenzi 5,149m a.m.s.l) and one extinct volcano (Shira 3,962m a.m.s.l) respectively. The origin of the word is not well known but it said to be a combination of the Swahili word Kilima meaning “Mountain” and the KiChagga word Njaro, loosely translated as “Whiteness” giving the name “White Mountain”.

As it doesn’t require any technical skills to summit, this dormant volcano attracts thousands of trekkers every year who want to take a stab at conquering the mountain for themselves. Climbing to the top which is far up into the sky it’s a life time experience that no one can forget.


Climate

There are two rainy seasons in a year. The wet season is from March to May during which it rains around the mountain base and snow accumulates on its peak. The dry season is from late June through September during which the nights are cool and the days completely clear. The park is located at an altitude between 1700 m to 5895 meter with annual average rainfall ranging from 828 mm at alpine desert to 2500 mm at Montane forest.


Attractions

The park is endowed with a diverse variety of attractions ranging from terrestrial wilderness to permanent glaciers on the mountain peaks. 

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. 

Lauwo Waterfall - Located along Marangu route 2.8Kms provides a spectacular experience while enjoying walking inside the thick montane forest.

Montane Forest – A wide band of exceptionally beautiful montane forest encircles the whole of Kilimanjaro from about 1800 –2800m. The forest zone is worth a visit even if you are not climbing to the peaks. Marangu nature trails is particular taking you through this forest  belt which supports several plant species, including endemic plants like Impatiens kilimanjari.


Accomodation

The park provides accommodation for Mountain climbers using Marangu route at Mandara, Horombo and Kibo mountain huts. There are also more than 22 camping sites within the mountain.


What to Do

The park is endowed with various tourism activities that visitors can do during their visit. The activities includes; Mountain Climbing to the Summit (MC), Paragliding, Nature Walking Safaris (Short Walking Safaris (SWS)), Long Walking Safaris (LWS), Mawenzi Technical Climbing (MTC), Picnicking, Filming, Non-Summit Bound Climbers, Crater Camping and Mountain Cycling (MB).