Mount Kilimanjaro national park is the highest peak that overlooks all the protected areas in East Africa with the three major peaks Mawenzi being at a height of 5,149m, Kibo a home to Uhuru peak is at 5,895m which is the highest peak and Shira is 4,005m. Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcanic mountain and stands out to be the tallest free standing mountain in the entire universe. The mountain stands at a height of 5,895 meters above the sea level.
Hiking mountain Kilimanjaro is an amazing experience that has attracted millions of travelers from all walks of life to hike the mountain and for every traveler who is a hiking enthusiast should never visit Tanzania without hiking this amazing mount with rewarding views especially when on Uhuru peak.
Mount Kilimanjaro national park is located near Mosh town and you can access the park via Arusha road or fly directly to the park from Kilimanjaro international airport. The park is located in the northeast of Arusha national park in Tanzania and in the southern border with Kenya and it is a home to flora and fauna. There are several wildlife that roam through the park include; cape buffaloes, elephants, elephants, and bush elephants are always seen at Tarakia and Namwai Rivers, other wildlife that roam in the park include; grey duikers, leopards, monkeys, baboons, birds among others.
Mount Kilimanjaro national park was established in 1973 and in 1987, it was declared a UNESCO. The park covers an area of about 1688 square kilometers. This huge mass of land is a home to the major attraction in this park which is the mountain. The mountain as the main character has 5 vegetation types which are montane, heath and moorland, alpine and summit.
Attractions in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Mountain Kilimanjaro: Mountain Kilimanjaro is the tallest free standing volcanic mountain the whole world with the highest peak being 5,895 meters above the sea level. The mountain is referred to as the shelter of Africa. When you are on top of the highest peak, you be on top of Africa, stretching your eyes to your sight limit.
Wildlife in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park: Mount Kilimanjaro national park is a home to over hundreds of wildlife roaming the wilderness of the park. Mount Kilimanjaro national park is not as flooded with wildlife and tourists as other Tanzania national parks like Serengeti national park and Ngorongoro Conservation Crater, the wildlife in Mount Kilimanjaro is worth visiting. Some of the wildlife that wander in the park include; elephants, buffaloes, leopards, antelopes among others.
Bird Species in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park: Mount Kilimanjaro national park is a home to over 150 recorded number of bird species with some being endemics and others being migratory birds. Some of the bird species that are seen in park include; black shouldered kites, long tailed trogon, whit checked raven, blue napped mouse birds, hornbills, African eagles among others.
Beautiful Sceneries in Kilimanjaro National Park: Mount Kilimanjaro is famous for its beautiful sceneries and abundant wildlife, so taking a guided nature walk to discover new sceneries and being close to wildlife is another bit of feeling. With a ranger guide you will carry out a nature walk which can be in the morning or in the evening.
Activities in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
There are a number of activities that can be done in Mount Kilimanjaro national park and these are;
- Hiking Mountain Kilimanjaro: There are several routes at the mountain that can lead you to the summit. The routes are different and therefore they are used by different hikers depending on their physic and fitness. These routes include; Marangu Route also known as Coca-Cola route and his is the easiest route, Machame route also known as Whiskey route. This is the most popular with beautiful scenery and a bit challenging, Lemosho and Shira routes, these are very remote but beautiful, Rongai route, this les crowded route and it approaches from the North and then Umbwe route, it is the toughest route and it normally challenges the hikers.
- Wildlife Viewing in Kilimanjaro National Park: Due to a number of wildlife, you can engage in the game drive to have an encounter with wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Birdwatching in Mount Kilimanjaro national park.
- Mount Biking in the park along Kilema route
- Guided nature walks
- Photography and filming due to best sceneries
- Research about wildlife, human settlement in and around the park
What is the best time to visit Mount Kilimanjaro National Park?
The best time to visit Mount Kilimanjaro national park is during dry season between January to March and June to October. This is when the routes are dry, the vegetation is short and you can see very far. However, in wet season which is April and November, there are few crowds of people, vegetation is very green, birds are thriving and wildlife looks very health but the routes will be slippery.
If you plan to hike Mount Kilimanjaro, contact Omangwa safaris a trusted and experienced travel company in curating hiking and trekking itineraries. You can combine this experience with gorilla trekking experience in Uganda by visiting mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable national park. We shall curate your travel plan seamlessly.
