Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

• Area: 1,688 km² /652 sq. Mi
• Established: 1973
• Location: Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
• Distance & Drive Time: Kilimanjaro International Airport – about 41km/25mi

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 meters with annual average rainfall ranging from 828 mm in the alpine desert to 2500 mm in the Montane forest.

Getting there

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 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.

Attractions

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

Three peaks

Kibo Peak

The highest peak (5,895m) on Mount Kilimanjaro, is covered by snow throughout the year despite being close to the equator. 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.

Zonation of Vegetation

Five eco-climatic zones take you to the equivalent of a trip from the equator to the arctic in a brief tour. As one climbs Kilimanjaro, vegetation and weather change in response to the changing elevation from the montane forest, heath and moorland, alpine desert, and the summit zone (arctic). The mountain peak is covered by snow all year-round

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 in particular take you through this forest belt which supports several plant species, including endemic plants like Impatiens Kilimanjari.

Lauwo Waterfall

Located along 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 is a site 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

Mountain Climbing to the Summit

Climbing to the Kibo peak takes 5 to 8 days depending on the route. The more days, the higher the possibility to conquer the summit. 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 (Kilema route) and the second one for non-summit visitors (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, the complex 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

Non-Summit Bound Climbers

Activities for non-summit bound climbers include:

• Visit the waterfalls (Lauwo)
• Visiting the Shira Plateau
• Watching wildlife including high altitude birds
• Walking through the Mountain Forest
• Day walk to Maundi crater in the park, cultural sites such as Kifunika