Kilimanjaro National Park

The park is mainly dominated by the Mount Kilimanjaro which is one of the iconic natural features and tourist destination for travelers both to Tanzania and African at large. The park influenced into formation of the Kilimanjaro region in northeastern Tanzania where the park is located. And the park is administered by Tanzania National Park Authority (TANAPA).

The park stands on an area of 75,575 hectares, with the highest exalted volcano raised at the summit of 5895m. The summit of the park is ice caped which is among the stunning wonders that is seen miles away. The iconic Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain on the African continent and considered the highest free standing mountain in the world.

Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding forests and open savannahs were first gathered as a game reserve during the Germany government in 12^th century, and by 1973 was declared national park. And was declared a UNESCO world heritage site since 1987

Feature and wildlife at Kilimanjaro National Park

The park is characterized with certain key features among which include the Mount Kilimanjaro which is the tallest mountain not only in Africa, but also the world’s largest single volcanic cone. The park is features five distinctive ecosystem zone which progress from spread cultivated farmlands of grassy woods at the bottom of the park. Then, the lush montane rainforest at the foothills of the mountain, the elevation consists of the heath and moorlands, the Alpine desert with moonscapes of rocks and dust, and the summit has the arctic zone which is covered with glaciers and ice.

Wildlife at Kilimanjaro National Park.

The park is home to various wildlife (both flora and fauna) which beside hikers also many travelers visit this park to watch. Among the mammals include primates (black-and-white colobus monkeys, baboons, animals like warthogs, elephants, giraffes, warthogs, various antelope species like elands among others. Also about 150 bird species are recorded in the varied ecosystems of the park. This is a mileages for birders visiting the park, and some of the birds endemic species and others are common species like turacos, silver-cheecked hornbills, kingfishers, cuckoos, bee-eaters, African pittas among others.

Best time to visit Kilimanjaro National Park

The being located along the equator experiences an equatorial climate which favors a daily visit to the park throughout the year. The park visited all days when wanted but when looking out for that best time to visit the park, is during the dry season. The dry season of Kilimanjaro manifests in the months of January to March and from June to October. These are characterized with clear skies, minimal rain, and warmer weather which are very comfortable for hikers. June to October is the high season of the park very busy with visitors and hikers, the season offers the clearest views of the park.

Accessing Kilimanjaro by road

Accessing Kilimanjaro National Park is open even to self-guided visitors, though it’s not a guarantee to reach due to varying of the road conditions. Right, driving from the Tanzania’s northeastern cities of Arusha and Moshi, highways are clear with paved roads, though roads with the park are rough dirt, and holey sometimes, and even during the rainy seasons they become slippery. All one should need is to have that safari customized 4×4 vehicle which can endure and maneuver through even the tough terrains and roads.

The park is easy to access right from Kenya using the Amboseli region border road. Actually roads for this route are in generally good conditions.

Activities and adventures done at Kilimanjaro National Park

Mountain climbing and Trekking

The iconic adventure for almost all travelers opting to visit Kilimanjaro, remember a trek to the peak of the Kilimanjaro seats you on the highest height in Africa. The trek is very challenging but rewarding for hikers through various climbing trails which set with the 9 days highest peak trail. The Uhuru peak is the summit of the park, and the Lemosho and Machame routes remains the breathtaking routes to consider with rewarding sceneries.

Wildlife safari experiences

Beside mountain climbing, the park also offers opportunities of watching and sighting various wildlife species. This is done along the wide spread savannahs on the bottom of the mountain which accommodates several animals, though other animals can be found as the hiking and climbing progresses. Wildlife life baboons, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, several antelope species among others.

Enjoy cultural life

The cultural life displayed by the local Masai people and communities blends on the tourist experience at Kilimanjaro National Park. The Olpopongi offers an authentic Masai culture for learning traditions of the locals, sample their local cuisine, and their heritage and understand the depth on the lifestyle of the people around the park.

Visiting Chala Crater Lake

The stunning and beautiful Crater Lake is located few miles from the park. It’s such a natural wonder of the remnants formed due to volcanic activities. Tourist visiting this amazing lake can take a swim, hike, and as well enjoy the serene view of this hidden gem.

Other adventure activities include mountain biking, bird watching, nature walks like taking a day trip through the coffee plantations exploring the waterfalls among adventures.