Kilimanjaro National Park is home to the snow-capped Kilimanjaro volcano. Rising at the elevation of 5895m, Kilimanjaro Mountain is Africa’s highest point and a free standing volcanic massif. Lying in isolation above the spectacular plains, Mount Kilimanjaro and National Park are perfect destinations any adventure seeker should consider a must to visit.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is lying on the Northern border with Kenya. The park extends up to 1688 sq. km with its breathtaking landscapes featuring the montane forest around the scenic Mt. Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro Volcano features among the 7 (seven) Natural Wonders of Africa and is also a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kilimanjaro Volcano Mountain is the world’s tallest free-standing volcano and its maximum height is 5895 meters which is at the Uhuru peak. The Uhuru peak makes up part of the Kibo cone. The Kilimanjaro National Park is distinct on its own way thanks to its unusual ecosystem that ranges from the base to the summits. At the summits of Kilimanjaro Volcano, there is an arctic ecosystem and on a guided trek, expect to come across heath, rainforest, alpine desert, and moorland.
Flora and fauna of Kilimanjaro
The lush Kilimanjaro National Park features over 2500 plant species and 140 species of mammals. The park protects diversity of wildlife including giraffes, cape buffaloes, elephants, hyenas, baboons, leopards, black rhinos, serval cats, Jackson’s chameleon, four striped mouse, and primates.
The primates to explore on Kilimanjaro tour include colobus monkeys, bush babies, Mount Kilimanjaro guareza. Baboons, and blue monkeys. The park also shelters variety of antelope families including Abbott’s duikers, common elands, red & grey duikers, bushbucks, klipspringers, reedbucks, and more.
Kilimanjaro Volcano peaks
Mt. Kilimanjaro is among the 7 wonders of Africa and is most popular as the rooftop of Africa. Kilimanjaro Volcano comes with many summits including Uhuru which is its highest point rising at the elevation of 5895 meters. The Mawenzi (5149m) and Shira (4005m) are the additional peaks to expect to explore on Tanzania tour. Kibo is a dormant volcano and is the largest out of the 3 volcanic cones extending 24km. Kilimanjaro Volcano offers classic mountaineering experiences to all adventure seekers on African holiday.
Materuni Falls
The scenic Materuni waterfall is at elevation of 90m and is located at the base of Kilimanjaro Volcano. Getting to the Materuni falls requires some level of energy. The trek involves navigating through the lush forested footpath to the base of the falls. As you walk through the path to the Materuni falls, expect to come across some of the finest animals including duikers, monkeys, and birds.
Shira Plateau
Located west of Mt. Kibo, the Shira plateau is one of the amazing spots to explore on Tanzania adventure on Kilimanjaro Volcano. The scenic Shira plateau is typically a caldera and can be accessed on a guided walk through the plateau. Along the path, there is a chance to encounter some of the finest species.
Chala Crater Lake
Located in the shadow of Kilimanjaro Volcano just along the Kenya border with Tanzania lies the stunning Chala Crater Lake. This lake formed as a result of volcanic eruption.
Kikuletwa hot springs
Explore the Kikuletwa hot springs in addition to the exhilarating hikes to the summits of Mount Kilimanjaro. Visitors can decide to swim or admire the general beauty of the hot springs.
Additional things to expect to enjoy on a visit to the Kilimanjaro National Park include Rau Forest Reserve. At the Rau Forest Reserve, guests can enjoy a guided nature walk or cycling. Embark on the Kilimanjaro coffee excursion at the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. You can also explore the Momela Lake and visit the Maasai Village.
Bird species of Kilimanjaro
The birds present in the Kilimanjaro National Park include the grey hornbills, white-necked raven, African eagles, black-shouldered kite, white-cheeked barbet, Rupell’s robin chat, common bulbul, long & short-tailed trogon, mouse birds, giant vultures, lammergeyers, Augur buzzard, silvery-cheeked hornbills, and many others.
Things to do in and around Kilimanjaro National Park
Hiking/mountaineering
Kilimanjaro is most popular for its rewarding mountaineering adventures. A guided mountaineering expedition on Mt. Kilimanjaro involves spending longer days to get to its summits. Climbers have the routes to follow and lead to the summits. They include the Southern route which includes the Machame, Marangu (Coca Cola) and Umbwe routes. The western routes to explore on Kilimanjaro Volcano hiking expedition include the Shira, Lemosho, and Northern circuit routes. Lastly, the Northern route is available for visitors interested in exploring the Kilimanjaro Volcano also most popular as the Rongai.
Nature walks
There are multiple walking options to enjoy when in the Kilimanjaro National Park. There is a 4-km wide caldera to be explored with a chance for you to encounter some of the finest wildlife. The only available points for you to explore include the western and southern rims of the crater. The move is intended to ensure safety of wildlife in the area.
Game viewing
Kilimanjaro National Park is endowed with diversity of mammals and birds which can be spotted during the game viewing tour. The key mammals for you to expect to see on a safari in Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park include honey badgers, aardvarks, elephants, giraffes, grey duikers, white necked raven, and mongoose.
Birding
A total of 150 species of birds reside in the different habitats of Kilimanjaro National Park. A birding tour allows you to explore birds such as the white necked raven, white-browed coucal, cinnamon chested bee-eaters, Klaas cuckoos, Schalows turacos, African pitta, Narina trogon, and more.
The best time to visit Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park can be explored at any time of the year. But to enjoy uninterrupted hiking or mountaineering adventures, the peak dry months should be the priority months. The two essential dry seasons run from June to October then December to March. You can consider planning your mountaineering adventure around the peak dry months for you to enjoy a smooth trek.
Where to stay
At the base of the Kilimanjaro National Park, visitors have multiple safari lodge option to be considered for overnight stay. They include Kaliwa Lodge, Ndarakwai Camp, Kambi ya Tembo, Satao Elerai Camp, Masai Bomas, Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort, and others.
How to get to Mt Kilimanjaro Game Park
Kilimanjaro National Park can be accessed by road and visitors can connect from Arusha or Moshi. Arusha is 70 km and Moshi is 40 minutes’ drive from the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
