Mt Kilimanjaro national park

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania is the crown jewel of African wildlife reserves, boasting an incredible array of ecosystems that will leave you awestruck. This majestic park is home to the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa and the highest freestanding mountain in the world, standing tall at 19,341 feet.

Dubbed one of the 7 natural wonders of Africa and a UNESCO world heritage site, Kilimanjaro is a force to be reckoned with. As you embark on a trek up the mountain, you’ll pass through a kaleidoscope of landscapes, from lush rainforests to arctic tundra.

Why visit Mt Kilimanjaro national park?

The park is gifted with a lot of nature with both fauna and flora, a wide range of animals are found in the park-like grey duiker, bushbuck, tree hyrax, cape buffalos, forest elephants, blue monkeys, bushbabies, and many more animals. Kilimanjaro national park has different tree species from the lower slopes of the mountain to the highest bamboo land.

Things to in Mt Kilimanjaro national park

Mountain climbing

Mountain climbing is an exhilarating experience in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, offering one of the most thrilling climbs in Africa. With seven routes to the summit, including Lemosho, Machame, Marangu, Rongai, northern circuit, Shira, and Umbwe, climbers can choose their preferred path. Each route boasts its unique advantages and challenges, including varying costs, scenic diversity, and success rates. As climbers ascend to the summit, they’ll traverse a stunning array of ecological systems, from cultivated land and rainforests to heath, moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit. The breathtaking views of the surrounding plains make the climb an unforgettable experience.

Hike to Materuni Waterfall and swim in its pool

Materuni Waterfall is a spectacular 90 m waterfall in the foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro. A short but taxing hike along a forested footpath brings you to the base of the waterfall, where the water collects in a beautifully clear little pool that’s safe to swim in.

During the hike there and back, you pass through coffee and banana farms, as well as traverse streams and small footbridges. Keep your eyes open for monkeys, duikers, birds and other small creatures.

Bird watching

When you are planning for your challenging trip to the African highest mountain, be ready that you will be received by songs of different forest birds that are found across the park. Mount Kilimanjaro has a record of over 750 bird species hence making it one stop destination for birders. The great birders take advantage of hiking Mount Kilimanjaro as they kill two birds using one stone.

Kilimanjaro national park has endemic bird species that cannot be seen in any other place in the world. Ethereal bird calls echo welcomes you to the park as they flutter through the tree canopy at the tropical forest found in the park.

Animal viewing

Mt Kilimanjaro national park is a home of over 30 animal species spread to different habitants and the vegetation zoning. Animal viewing is one of the most common Activities in Mount Kilimanjaro. The park inhabits both small and big game like Bushbabies, Dik-dik, Duiker, Bushbucks, Forest Elephants, Hyenas and many more. Guest who are not sure of their fitness most times come to the park for animal viewing only, escorted by the park rangers they move around the park to look for these animals. On a lucky day one can easily spot the rare leopards at the park, hyenas, buffalos, baboons, Mongoose, and others.

Canoeing on Little Momela Lake

Visitors to the park are allowed to take guided canoe trips on Little Momela Lake. This is a fantastic experience, and the guides are very knowledgeable. While you paddle on the lake, you look out over grassland, bush and forest, with Mt Meru to the west. Giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, waterbuck and duikers grace the scene with their presence. And the birdlife on and around the lake is incredibly abundant and impressive.

Primate trekking

Primate trekking is a thrilling activity in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, offering visitors the chance to explore the park’s lush rainforest canopy. The park is home to a diverse array of primate species, including baboons, blue monkeys, black-faced monkeys, and many others. As visitors trek through the rainforest, they’ll have the opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures swinging from tree to tree, providing a unique glimpse into their natural habitat.

Where to stay at Mt Kilimanjaro national park?

For those seeking an immersive experience, there are huts and campsites located on the mountain slopes within the park. These options provide stunning views and a chance to connect with nature. The western part of the park is home to most of the accommodations. These offer easy access to the park’s main attractions. For travelers preferring more luxurious amenities, Moshi town, located just outside the park, offers a selection of hotels and lodges. These establishments provide comfortable accommodations and easy access to the park’s entrance.

The best time to visit Mt Kilimanjaro national park

The best time to visit Kilimanjaro national park largely depends on your specific interests and preferences. For wildlife enthusiasts, the dry season, spanning from July to October, is ideal. During this period, the sparse and dry vegetation makes it easier to spot animals, providing a thrilling experience. On the other hand, birdwatchers will find the park’s wet season, from mid-march to May, to be the most rewarding. The rains bring forth lush vegetation, attracting a wide variety of bird species, including waders and weaver birds. This time of year, offers a unique opportunity to witness the park’s avian diversity.

How to access Mt Kilimanjaro national park?

The park can be accessed by road or flight via Kilimanjaro International Airport – about 45 km to the west. Marangu gate is the Park Headquarters and one of the ascending route is located 41 km from Moshi town and 86 km 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.