Mount Kilimanjaro Website & Travel

Mount Kilimanjaro – “The Roof of Africa”, is one of the most talked-about destinations in the world, but why? Get a complete guide to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, not only as the highest mountain on the African continent but also as the tallest stand-alone mountain in the world.

Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing 4K Video by Mike Corey from Fearless & Far

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is situated north of Moshi, at the Kenya-Tanzania border. Its land is dominated by the breathtaking, snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, and the forest reserve at its lower slopes. The park lies between 2° 45′ to 3° 25’S and 37° 00′ to 37° 43’E, with a history dating back to the 1910s during the era of German colonial rule. In 1921, the area that is now Kilimanjaro National Park was declared a forest reserve but was later upgraded to national park status in 1977. The name was derived from the giant Mount Kilimanjaro, and it was then opened for public visits.

The park spans 75,353 hectares, including the mountain itself, and is surrounded by a forest reserve that is approximately 107,828 hectares. Standing at 5,895 meters above sea level is Uhuru Peak, the highest summit on the African continent.

History of Kilimanjaro

It was in October 1889 that Hans Meyer became the first European to hike Mount Kilimanjaro and reach Kibo Peak. After John Rebmann’s publication, which surprised many, the mountain was declared a German protectorate. By the time of Hans Meyer’s hike, Kibo Peak was regarded as the “highest mountain in Germany,” leading to the transformation of Mount Kilimanjaro and its surrounding forests into a game reserve.

Fast forward to 1961, when Tanzania gained independence, the British made it a protectorate under the League of Nations. In 1987, the area was declared a United Nations World Heritage Site. In 2005, the entire forest at its boundaries was added to the park, increasing its size and biodiversity. The mountain once served as a landmark for Chinese and Arab traders.

Its foothills and boundaries are inhabited by the Chagga people, who have lived in the area for over 400 years after displacing other tribes such as the Bantu dwarf pygmies and the original Wakonyingo. The Chagga people are among the richest, most famous, and most exciting ethnic groups in the Republic of Tanzania.

Kilimanjaro Gates & Entry Points

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park can be accessed through its eight gates, which also serve as trailheads in various directions along the base of the mountain:

• Marangu Gate: Used as both a trailhead and an exit point.
• Machame Gate: Located at the southern base of Mount Kilimanjaro, near several TANAPA offices and the headquarters for hikers using the Machame route to Uhuru Peak.
• Umbwe Gate: Serves the Umbwe trekking route, about a one-hour drive from Moshi town.
• Mweka Gate: The exit point for those descending from Uhuru Peak, located on the southern flank of the mountain near the Uru western ward of the Moshi rural district.
• Lemosho Gate: Leads to the Lemosho Glades trailhead and is located at the northwestern base of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Londorosi Gate: Situated in the northwestern foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, in a remote area near the northern border of Kenya and Tanzania. It is about 14 km from Lemosho Gate.
• Rongai Gate: Located at the northeastern foothill of Mount Kilimanjaro, a few kilometers from the Kenya-Uganda border. Interestingly, this gate is positioned at a point where several rivers originate and is surrounded by lush vegetation. It is about a 3-hour drive from Arusha city.

At the gate, visitors are required to register and pay the entrance fee before proceeding with any activities in the park. The following documents are required: a visa, passport, or identity card for nationals, proof of using a registered safari guide, and evidence of possession of necessary hiking equipment, including tents, sleeping bags, and anti-malarial medication.

Park Entry Fees

Park entrance fees are charged based on a person’s status and age group, according to the Tanzania National Park tariff running from 1st August 2020 to 30th June:

Persons aged 16 and above:

• East African citizens: 10,000 Tshs
• Non-East African citizens: 70 USD
• Expatriates living in Tanzania: 35 USD

Persons aged 5 to 15:

• East African citizens: 2,000 Tshs
• Non-East African citizens: 20 USD
• Expatriates living in Tanzania: 10 USD

Children under 5 years of age: No park entrance fee.

These fees are separate from other expenses, such as porter services, transportation, accommodation, or any additional safari-related activities.

The entrance fee supports conservation efforts, pays park rangers, and contributes to various conservation activities. Fees can be paid either before the trip or on-site, through the bank or in cash, but you must ensure to receive a receipt. There are also landing fees and vehicle entry fees. It is recommended to check the Tanzania conservation tariffs for further details or contact a trusted tour operator to get customized packages.

Kilimanjaro Activities: Top Things to do in the Park

Tour activities in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park include:

• Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro
• Cycling
• Bird watching
• Camping
• Wildlife viewing
• Picnicking
• Guided nature walks
• Filming

Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro

This is the main attraction in the park, from which it derives its famous name, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. It is a giant stratovolcano and the world’s highest stand-alone mountain, standing at 5,895 meters above sea level, surrounded by flourishing savannah vegetation across the east-west belt volcanoes in northern Tanzania.

Its highest summit, Uhuru Peak, is located at the southern edge of the crater, while other summits, such as Mawenzi at 5,149 meters, are positioned at the eastern edge of the mountain. Its western backdrop is adorned with cliffs and watercourses, while the eastern portion features two deep gorges: the Lesser Barranco and the Great Barranco.

Between the Mawenzi and Kibo camps lies a magnificent plateau of about 3,600 hectares, named the Saddle, which forms the largest area of elevation tundra in tropical Africa. On the western side of the mountain is its oldest summit, Shira Peak, at 3,962 meters, dissecting the southern and western rim.

The eastern and northern regions of the mountain are covered by Kibo deposits. There are five fauna, flora, and geographical zones on Kilimanjaro: the lower countryside slopes, moorland, heather lands, the arctic ice cap of the glittering mountain, montane forests, and the vast alpine deserts.

At Uhuru Peak, ice is ever-present despite the warm equatorial weather.

Reaching Uhuru Summit is a permanent, glorious, and unforgettable achievement that can be attained by anyone, as no special skill or experience is required. First-time hikers typically spend 5 to 7 days to ascend and descend the mountain, while slower hikers may take up to 9 days, with nights spent at the mountain’s peak. A qualified guide and armed security personnel will accompany you throughout the adventure. Hikers usually experience altitude sickness due to the change in elevation, but this can be overcome by following instructions carefully.

Some items to carry for your Kilimanjaro National Park tour include good hiking boots for tackling the terrain, a professional camera for capturing photos, warm clothes to deal with temperature changes, a jacket, sleeping bags, a tent if necessary, gloves, a water container, a hat, a torch (often provided by trip planners), a safari bag, and other personal effects.

However, don’t overpack as it may increase your expenses and interfere with your overall experience. Different trailheads offer unique experiences, so depending on your preferences, consult a guide for the route that best suits your needs.

The Animals of Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is home to a variety of animals, which can be spotted during hiking safaris. These include baboons, forest elephants, colobus monkeys, elands (the largest in the antelope family), honey badgers, genet cats, bush babies, and vervet monkeys, among others, mostly found in the Shira Plains.

The Birds of Kilimanjaro

Around 150 rare bird species have been recorded in the park, including the Gabar goshawk, African pygmy kingfisher, white-necked raven, African fish eagle, resident black-shouldered kite, white-cheeked barbet, grey hornbill, red-capped robin, long-tailed trogon, and the blue-naped mousebird, among others. Birding is best done from November to April to coincide with the arrival of migratory birds from northern Africa and Europe.

When to go: Best Time to Visit Kilimanjaro

The main activity that draws tourists to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is hiking, which is best done during the dry season, from January to February, when the skies are clear and the trails are dry. This period also offers the best chance to view the landscape and the snow-capped Uhuru Summit clearly.

In summary, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is one of Tanzania’s top travel destinations in the northern safari circuit. Its giant snow-capped mountain, Kilimanjaro, provides visitors with unrivaled memories from the moment they arrive until they depart.