Mt Kilimanjaro National Park

How to get / Reach Mt Kilimanjaro National Park

You reach Mt. Kilimanjaro through Mosh and Arusha town and it takes approximately 1-2 hours below are the different transportation ways;

By Road

This is the most common type of transportation to the park and it will take you approximately 2 hours from Arusha town covering 123 km.

When you are coming from Mosh it’s 48 km and it will take approximately 1 hour to reach Marangu (Park headquarters).

The roads are in good condition but as you get closer to Mt. Kilimanjaro, the roads are Marram and you may experience the African Massage.

We recommend you use a 4×4 Vehicle and this ranges from Us dollars $200-$350 per day minus drivers’ allowance.

By Air

The air transportation is scheduled or chartered from either Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha and below are the companies that operated that route;

• Coastal Aviation flies to Mt. KilimanjaroN.P
• Air Tanzania flies to Kilimanjaro
• Zan Air flies to Arusha
• Precision Air flies to Arusha and Kilimanjaro

However, once you are there you will need to use road transportation to reach the park still and it’s 86 km to Marangu park headquarters. This drive will take you approximately one hour thirty minutes (11/2 hrs.).

Best Time to Visit Mt. Kilimanjaro

The time of visit varies depending on the season that’s wet or dry.

However, be rest assured that you can participate in mountain climbing any time of the year.

We recommend you visit during the dry season and when the rain is less to easy climbing that June to October and December to March.

The rainy seasons with huge rainfalls happen during April, May& November. However, due to global warming, there has been a change in the rainfall patterns therefore this can change year after year.

What to see or Attractions in Mt. Kilimanjaro

The Peaks of Kilimanjaro

Mountain Kilimanjaro has 8 peaks and all offer you sights of beautiful scenery as well as unique features as below;

Kibo Peak

This is the most beautiful of all the peaks since it’s snow-capped all year round yet it’s close to the Equator line.

It’s the highest of all at 5895 meters tall and reaching the peak is conquering a lifetime adventure. This peak alone has made Mt. Kilimanjaro the rooftop of Africa.

Mawenzi Peak

This is the most difficult peak to climb during your hike to mt. Kilimanjaro requires specialized skills and knowledge.

As a hiker, you will only be permitted when you have the equipment and a technical climber.

The rugged peak is the second tallest at 5149 meters.

Shira Peak

This was once the tallest peak on Mt. Kilimanjaro but collapsed 750 years again. This is the third tallest peak at 3962 meters and with a number of tourism activities.

In addition, when it collapsed it led to the formation of the Shira plateau with its magnificent scenic views of Kilimanjaro.

The open grassland on the plateau has attracted habitats of wildlife from Buffaloes, elephants, elands and different types of monkeys.

They use the Shira plateau for feeding and salt licking.

Furthermore, the peak has a point called a cathedral and Needle that hikers can climb on a day excursion

Montane Forest 

The montane forest zone is worth a visit even if you aren’t climbing the peaks with its different plant species like the endemic Impatiens Kilimanjaro.

This forest circles the entire Kilimanjaro and thanks to Kilimanjaro’s beauty. This fold was from 1800 – 2800 meters tall and 96% of water originated from this zone.

Kifinika Cultural Sites

This is one of the ritual grounds for the Masai and Chagg people back in the day.  This site will provide you with the historical life of the two tribes.

This site is located along the Marangu route and it was mainly used for cultural rituals.

Lake Chala

This is located outside of the park but one of the must-visit sites on your Mt. Kilimanjaro expedition.

It’s 30 minutes from Himo town to get to this lake that draws its waters underground from Kilimanjaro. You can plan to visit this lake before or after your hike.

Water Falls

Mt Kilimanjaro has two falls that you will encounter during your hikes

Marangu waterfall 1km and Lauwo waterfall 2.8 km along the Marangu route which will provide a picturesque experience during your walk in the thick montane forest.

Maundi Crater

Maundi Crater

This crater lake offers you a bird’s eye on the scenic beauty of all the lakes in Mt Kilimanjaro. These include Lake Chala, Jipe and Nyumba ya Mungu. This is located just 15 minutes past Mandara hut and Marangu route

Wildlife or Animals

Mt. Kilimanjaro boasts of a number of animals and birdlife that hikers encounter during there summit. This mountain has 25 Antelopes, 140 different types of Mammals, 7 Primates, 24 different Bats, 179 Bird Species And 25 Carnivores

Examples: Buffaloes, Elephants, Eland, Black & White Columbus Monkey, Blue Monkey, Duikers and Myosorex Zinkii

Activities or Things to do in Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park

Mt Kilimanjaro has a number of activities that will woo you during your safari as per below;

Mountain Climbing

This is the popular activity in mt Kilimanjaro that takes you to the highest point in Africa. Most of the tourists or visitors that come to the park are either interested in climbing or seeing mountain.

This activity is divided into six mountain trails that will aid in conquering Kibo peak the tallest of them all.

Depending on which route you take and the cost rangers from $1000 – $6000. Please note that the Marangu route is the easiest and lazy climbers or hikers take 5 – 6 days to get to the summit.

For the scenic beauty lovers, the Machame route is the best and will meet your expectations but more strenuous. The hiking time will always vary from three (3)- eight (8) hours per day.

Each of these routes will offer you different challenges and attractions.

When you have 1 or 2 days you can still hike the mountain as a day tripper or a one-night hiker.

WILDLIFE WATCHING

The park has both small and big gem that offers tourist sights of different wildlife. We advise that if you have altitude problems Kilimanjaro isn’t a place for you since the ground level is still above sea level.

Examples: Buffaloes, Elephants, Eland, Black & White Columbus Monkey, Blue Monkey, Duikers and Myosorex Zinkii

The activity starts at 8am to 19 hours every day in guidance of an armed ranger guide to protect you from carnivores like leopards.

Paragliding

This is another activity that you can take part while at Mt Kilimanjaro as you freely fly the biggest free-standing mountain in the world.

For those interested in the activity it costs

Crater Camping

This is activity offers you a chance to experience the unique night life in Mt Kilimanjaro. You will visit the unique bench shaped glaciers that can only be found in Kilimanjaro.

Filming

This mountain beside attracting climbers, it also attracts filming crews and photographers.

Examples of films shot in Mt Kilimanjaro are Snows of Kilimanjaro in 1952 and worn 2 Oscar Academy Awards.

They charge a filming fee of $250 per person per day which includes camping. Conservation fee and filming fees.

Cycling

Mt Kilimanjaro offers you a chance to cycle within the park as you do more of sightseeing. During cycling, your ranger guide will choose from two routes that is Kilema route and the famous Shira plateau. Activity is scheduled from 8am to 18:30hrs and all routes have picnic sites and resting points.

Where to stay in Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park

Accommodation is inclusive of the hiking fee you pay and on top of the mountain there huts in which every hiker stays. These are found on all the stop over points omtop of the mountain. Below are some of the huts and camps;

• Kilema camp
• Horombo Huts
• Kibo Hut

For your planning purposes you can visit the park for a1 or 2 day or multiple days depending on your budget.

We recommend that you combine this tour with other classical places in Tanzania like Serengeti N.P, Ngorongoro Conservancy, Lake Manyara and Ruaha National Park.

Furthermore, cross border safaris can be added in Kenya like Amboseli for the big five, Lake Nakuru for the Flamingoes, Masai Mara and Tsavo for the lions.

These combinations will just add a slice to your safari as you touch each of the EastAfrican countries.

And not forgetting man’s closest relatives in Uganda the gorillas and chimpanzees

In conclusion, Mt. Kilimanjaro will never disappoint when you add it to your safari while in Tanzania.

Forever Africa Safari will offer you unforgettable Tanzania African safari packages at unbeatable rates. Contact us for the best rates at info@foreverafricasafari.com or call us /WhatsApp us +256 772 221 880 to start planning your safari / tour today! Checkout our safaris