Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Kilimanjaro National Park covering an area of some 75,575 ha protects the largest free standing volcanic mass in the world and the highest mountain in Africa, rising 4877m above surrounding plains to 5895m at its peak. With its snow-capped peak, the Kilimanjaro is a superlative natural phenomenon, standing in isolation above the surrounding plains overlooking the savannah.

But there is so much more to Kili than her summit. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropics to the Arctic.
Even before you cross the national park boundary (at the 2,700m contour), the cultivated footslopes give way to lush montane forest, inhabited by elusive elephant, leopard, buffalo, the endangered Abbot’s duiker, and other small antelope and primates. Higher still lies the moorland zone, where a cover of giant heather is studded with otherworldly giant lobelias.

Above 4,000m, a surreal alpine desert supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichen. Then, finally, the last vestigial vegetation gives way to a winter wonderland of ice and snow – and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the continent.

It is  128 km (80 miles) from Arusha. About one hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro airport.

Kilimanjaro National Park protects the area above 2,700 metres (8,850 ft), on the mountain and includes the moorland and highland zones, Shira Plateau, Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The Park also has six corridors or rights of way through the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve. The Forest Reserve, which is also a Game Reserve, was established in 1921; the Park was established in 1973 and officially opened in 1977.

The majority of visitors to the park are hikers. As is to be expected, all have the same goal in mind – to make it to Africa’s highest peak. There are seven official routes to choose from with Marangu being one of the easiest routes for unexperienced hikers and those in search for a bit more comfort (overnights take place in huts). The Rongai route is the quietest route and the best choice if you are climbing in the rainy season as this part of the mountain gets the least precipitation. Camping routes include Lemosho, Shira and Machame and all are a bit more challenging but also much more scenic. The most demanding but also the least used route is Umbwe. Apart from Marangu and Rongai all other routes descend on the Mweka route.

In general, animals are easier to spot when foliage is sparse and dry from July to October, especially in the vicinity of the camps, where there are often attractive waterholes. There is minimal rainfall, low humidity, mosquitoes are not generally a problem, and if you feel chilly in the morning or at night, there is always a cheerful campfire or a welcome hot-water bottle and plenty of blankets. Bring long trousers and a light fleece for an early trip to Kilimanjaro or an evening drive. Seasonal monthly temperatures on the plains of the national park range comfortably from the lows of 60 F (15 C) to the high of 90 F (32 C) degrees. Temperature on the mountain during your climb has a ultra-higher drop. The Amboseli Plains in western Kilimanjaro undergo a dramatic change in the rains, although these are relatively sparse beginning in November and December. It is warmest in January and February in East Africa when there is some respite from the rain and the grass begins to green, but the altitude keeps the heat from becoming oppressive on the foothills.

Lodging on the mountain is limited to designated campsites. Cave sleeping is now prohibited. A number of huts are available, but generally not advisable. Pre-climb lodging is generally found in Moshi or Arusha.

It is also permitted to camp on Mt Kilimanjaro for as many days as you want by paying the designated fees to the Kilimanjaro national Park authorities and camp in any of the nearest camps like the Machame Hut or the Mweka Hut.