Kilimanjaro National Park Tanzania

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Kilimanjaro National Park Tanzania

Kilimanjaro National Park, in the East African country of Tanzania, is home to the continent’s highest mountain, snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro. Around the base of its tallest peak, relatively accessible hiking trails wind through rainforest inhabited by colobus monkeys and past the volcanic caldera of Lake Chala. Approaching the summit of Uhuru Peak, the slopes steepen and are studded with glacial ice fields.

Africa’s highest mountain stands a proud 5,896m and is surrounded by a national park of 756 sq. km. All routes lead to the summit circuit and twin peaks Kibo and Mawenzi (5,149 m), which are connected by an 11 km saddle. The collapsed peak Shira (3,962 m) has become a crater. Many attempts the climb but only 20-50% completes the top.
Mount Kilimanjaro is located at the north/eastern tip of Tanzania. For the adventurous, a climb of Mount Kilimanjaro is a must taking you through the mists of the equatorial jungle to reach the snows and breath-taking views from the summit.

Because Mt. Kilimanjaro is more of a vertical park, the climate changes as you ascend the mountain.

The rainforests at the base are usually quite humid and wet. Rising above the cloud line, the air is drier and clear but also much colder. The summit area averages a temperature of -7^oC (19^oF).

Size of Kilimanjaro National Park

Though the park is only 1,688 sq. km (652 sq. mi) it encompasses one of the largest mountains in the world.

Location of Kilimanjaro National Park

Just 200 miles from the equator, the mountain holds many glaciers. It is situated in northern Tanzania.

How to get to Kilimanjaro National Park

Kilimanjaro National Park is to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport. The drive to the park from the airport is 75 km and takes about 90 minutes.

You could also opt to drive there from Julius Nyerere International Airport, Tanzania’s main airport. The airport is just outside of Dar es Salaam, the country’s largest city, which sits on the coast in the east of the country. Dar es Salaam is over 500 km south of Kilimanjaro National Park and takes about nine hours to reach by car.

Alternatively, you could fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya. The drive south is just 200 km, but you will, of course, have to get a Kenyan visa and deal with border control when entering Tanzania.

Because Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania, you will need to more than likely travel to get there, this means flying to Kilimanjaro International Airport and then get to Moshi or Arusha, which is approximately 45 km away, to start your climb.

Things to do in Kilimanjaro National Park Tanzania

Trekking Mt Kilimanjaro isn’t the only reason for visiting Kilimanjaro National Park. You can also go mountain biking in the park, for starters, and some even cycle to the top! Other activities include:

• going on a short or long guided nature walking safari
• doing a technical climb up Kilimanjaro, which can include scaling Mawenzi, the second-highest peak on the mountain
• doing a day hike to the beautiful Lauwo Waterfall, Maundi Crater, Lake Chala, or other attraction
• picnicking at one of the many scenic spots on the lower slopes of the mountain
• Visiting a traditional Chaga village for a cultural enrichment experience – totally worth it!

When is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

It can be climbed at any time during the year. However, Christmas and New Year are usually fully booked and April May, and November is the rainy season.

Kilimanjaro is accessible any time during the year but the weather patterns on the mountain are erratic and hard to predict. The best time for climbing is during the dry season from late June to October.

Where to stay before and after climbing Kilimanjaro

There are quite a lot of Lodges you can stay in before or after hiking the famous Kilimanjaro to relax after the experience of the adventure and we recommend the following

1. Arusha hotel, 2.Kibo palace, 3.African Tulip, 4.Onsea and Machweo House, 4.River trees, and Arusha coffee Lodge.

Important information

Please check with your doctor to ensure you are fully aware of the dangers of climbing at this high altitude.

All you need to know about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Although many attempts to summit the mountain only about 50% actually complete the climb. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the experience as far as it takes you. Just be realistic about the mountain and its harsh conditions.

Of course, you should be in fairly good shape and not try and push the climb, giving yourself 6 or more days for the ascent. Still, the extreme cold and altitude can fell even the most experienced climber.

The symptoms of extreme altitude sickness – headache, nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite – should be taken very seriously.

You’ll need waterproof cold-weather clothing and gear, a good quality sleeping bag, and plenty of water bottles. The grandeur of Mt. Kilimanjaro is awe-inspiring but ultimately this mountain must be respected.

Visiting Mt. Kilimanjaro can be one of the great experiences of your Africa Holiday. Few summits share its fame or its power to conjure up the magnificence of our planet.

Climbing the magnificent Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak is a prize sought after by many, and we can organize climbs of various durations. Over the years entrants have even included people disabled in different ways, whose charities have sponsored climbs. For the able-bodied however it remains a challenge, only 70% make the peak. The upward track wends through forests that vary constantly with the altitude and finally opens out into open moorland below rocky, snow-covered Kibo plateau. It has 3 volcanic centers, Shira, Kibo, and Mawenzi. 5, 7 & 8-day climbs are easily arranged from Moshi or Arusha and are the perfect start to your trip in Tanzania.