Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
The highest free standing mountain in Africa
Best Time to Go
January to March & June to October
Time to Avoid
April, May, and November
Location
Tanzania
Activities During Climbing
Nighttime Summit Photographs and Scenery
Peak Time
June - October
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Location & Size
- Location: Northern Tanzania
- Area: 1,688 Km (652 sq mi).
- Coordinates: 3.0674° S latitude and 37.3556° E longitude
- Elevation: 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level
- Founded: 1973
- Management: Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA)
Climate zones
- Cultivated Bushland (800–1,800 m)
- Rainforest Zone (1,800–2,800 m)
- Heath and Moorland Zone (2,800–4,000 m)
- Alpine Desert Zone (4,000–5,000 m)
- Arctic Zone (5,000+ m)
Ecosystem Type
- Primary Habitat: Moutain
- Climate: Tropical savanna climate
- Rainfall: 100 mm-1800 mm annually
- Seasons: Dry (January to mid-March) and Wet (mid-June to October)
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
The Roof of Africa: This is a common nickname for Kilimanjaro due to its status as the highest mountain on the continent.
At 5,895 m, Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa. This volcanic massif stands in splendid isolation above the surrounding plains, with its snowy peak looming over the savannah. The mountain is encircled by mountain forest. Numerous mammals, many of them endangered species, live in the park.
Mount Kilimanjaro, in Kilimanjaro National Park, is the highest mountain in Africa and the world’s largest free-standing volcanic mass. Rising from 4,877 m to 5,895 m at its snow-capped peak, it stands alone above the surrounding plains, offering stunning views of the savannah. The mountain has three main volcanic peaks—Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira—and five vegetation zones, from lower slopes and montane forest to alpine desert and summit. Its forests are rich in wildlife, including many endangered species, making it an extraordinary natural landmark.
Kilimanjaro National Park, established in 1973 and extended in 2005, is protected by law and managed with a clear plan to preserve its natural beauty and wildlife. Key challenges include climate change affecting glaciers, tourism pressure, invasive species, and threats to wildlife migration. Maintaining the park’s scenic and ecological integrity requires careful planning, ranger presence, research, and community involvement. Protecting Kilimanjaro’s unique landscapes and ensuring sustainable tourism are essential to keeping it a world-class natural wonder.
More about the About Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain, standing at 5,895 m, and the world’s largest free-standing volcano. It rises dramatically from the surrounding plains, with three main volcanic peaks: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kilimanjaro is famous for its snow-capped summit, glaciers, and unique five vegetation zones, ranging from lush lower slopes and montane forests to heath, moorland, alpine desert, and the icy summit. Its forests are home to a rich variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, antelope, and many endangered species.
The mountain is not just a natural wonder—it’s a world-class trekking destination. Climbers experience diverse landscapes, from tropical forests to stark alpine deserts, and breathtaking views over Tanzania. Kilimanjaro’s glaciers are shrinking due to climate change, making the summit a rare and fragile sight. Its isolation, height, and iconic snowcap make it one of the most remarkable natural phenomena in the world. Conservation efforts are in place to protect the mountain, its forests, and wildlife, ensuring Kilimanjaro remains a spectacular and enduring destination for adventurers and nature lovers.
Mount Kilimanjaro climbing Routes
Mount Kilimanjaro has seven official climbing routes, each offering a unique experience in terms of scenery, difficulty, and acclimatization profile
Lemosho Route
Often considered the most scenic route, starting on the western side of the mountain and offering stunning panoramic views. It's recommended for its excellent acclimatization profile, leading to a high success rate, especially when taken over 8 days. However, it is one of the longer and more expensive options.
Machame Route
Also known as the "Whiskey Route", this is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro and offers diverse landscapes and a challenging climb. It's known for its "climb high, sleep low" profile, aiding acclimatization. It's suitable for fit climbers with some experience and takes 6 or 7 days, with 7 days offering a higher success rate.
Marangu Route
Nicknamed the "Coca-Cola Route", it's the oldest and easiest route in terms of terrain and the only one with hut accommodations instead of tents. It is a shorter route (5-6 days) and more affordable, but this quicker ascent means lower success rates, especially for the 5-day option. It uses the same path for ascent and descent, which can lead to crowding.
Rongai Route
The only route that approaches the mountain from the north, near the Kenyan border. It offers a drier, quieter experience and is suitable for climbing during the rainy season. It's generally considered easier than Machame or Lemosho.
Umbwe Route
The steepest and most direct route, suitable for experienced trekkers seeking a significant challenge. It can be done in 5-6 days, but this rapid ascent increases the risk of altitude sickness and leads to a lower success rate
Northern Circuit Route
The newest and longest route on Kilimanjaro, providing the best acclimatization opportunities as it circles the mountain. This translates to the highest success rates, but it's also the most expensive and time-consuming option.
Here are the details of the wet and dry seasons on Kilimanjaro
Long Dry Season
This is considered the prime climbing season, offering stable, sunny days and minimal rainfall. Nights can be cold at higher elevations. It’s the busiest time on the mountain.
Short Dry Season
This is a shorter dry season with warm days and cooler nights. The weather is generally dry and clear, but there’s a chance of snow at higher altitudes. It can be less crowded than the long dry season.
Long Rainy Season
Characterized by heavy rainfall, muddy trails, and potentially poor visibility due to clouds and mist. Climbing during this time is generally not recommended, especially for beginners. However, the Rongai Route, located on the northern side, is a viable option due to its drier conditions.
Short Rainy Season
This period sees sporadic showers, often in the afternoons, with generally clearer mornings. Trails can be muddy. The mountain is quieter during this time. The Rongai Route and Northern Circuit are preferable during these months
Preparation for Climbing Mount kilimanjaro
Our guidance to the roof of Africa
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useful FAQs about Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
4 million years
Located in northeastern Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa. Though it lies in the tropics, its peak is covered with ice and snow year-round. Mount Kilimanjaro is made up of three inactive volcanoes. Kibo is in the center, Mawensi is to the east, and Shira is to the
Most linguists and etymologists, who study the roots of local words, agree that “Kilimanjaro” means “Mountain of Whiteness,” or “Shining Mountain.” The name is generally understood to be a combination of two words from different tribal languages (“Kilima” or mountain from Swahili and “Njaro” or shining
- Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the tallest mountain in Africa.
- Serengeti: The Tanzania National Park and a can’t miss.
- Tanzania’s wildlife diversity is the highest in the world per square mile.
- Tanzania is home to the world’s largest volcanic depression, the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Visit Tanzania.
These queries have an answer: Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano that is not likely to erupt anytime soon. You can feel safe knowing that Mount Kilimanjaro does not pose a threat to travelers or mountain climbers.
Kilimanjaro’s altitude is a significant challenge, but climbers do not need supplemental oxygen to climb Kilimanjaro or reach the summit. To reach to the summit you use the acclimatization method of walking slowly “pole pole” climb high, sleep low.
The Kilimanjaro Summit Day Is the Hardest
While you will climb long hours every day, the summit day is the hardest. Just as you are starting to get used to the long climbing days, the summit day approaches and you have an even longer climbing day.
There are no age limits for climbing Kilimanjaro, but we recommend that older climbers get a medical check-up before travelling to Tanzania to ensure they’re ready for the challenge. Preparing to climb Kilimanjaro takes thoughtful training and steady preparation, especially if you’re 50 or older.
Taking Diamox for prophylaxis is strongly recommended. If you are not allergic to Diamox, we recommend taking 125 mg of Diamox in the morning before you begin your Kilimanjaro climb, and then 125 mg twice a day, every afternoon and morning, during the trek..
The average cost to climb Kilimanjaro is $2000 to $6000, the price varies from cheap, budget operators to large Western travel agents selling outsourced climbs at an inflated price. There are various, unavoidable fixed costs to any tour operator and if a climb seems too cheap, you’ve got to ask yourself why.
It is also essential to understand that even though Kilimanjaro is a relatively low-risk area for malaria, there is still a chance of contracting the disease. Malaria is a preventable disease, and taking the necessary precautions, such as taking malaria pills, can significantly reduce your risk of getting sick.
It is also essential to understand that even though Kilimanjaro is a relatively low-risk area for malaria, there is still a chance of contracting the disease. Malaria is a preventable disease, and taking the necessary precautions, such as taking malaria pills, can significantly reduce your risk of getting sick.
Destinations to Add to Your Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
See more of Africa by adding extra stops/destinations to your safari. You’ll enjoy many kinds of wildlife and beautiful nature.