Northern Parks

Getting around ​

A well maintained and signposted network of roads and trails wind through the park offering frequent views of spectacular beauty, with Mount Meru often in sight.

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Climate ​

There are two rainy seasons in a year mainly influenced by the prevailing trade winds.

The short rainy period is from October to November and the wet season is from March to May during which it rains around the mountain base and snow accumulates on its peak. The dry season is from late June to September and from December to early March during which the nights are cool and the days completely clear and thus provides good climbing conditions.

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The climb

All adults of normal health and fitness should be able to make it to the top and without needing specialist equipment. Warm, weatherproof clothing and sound footwear are essential. Of critical importance is patience and determination.

 

There are at least 7 routes up the mountain ranging from 5 to 9 days or longer, and anyone planning to climb Kilimanjaro is strongly advised to do it with a reputable registered local tour operator employing trained guides who have a strong track record of success, and who know of the latest ground conditions.

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Tourist attractions

Three peaks:

Kibo, the highest peak [5,895m] is covered by snow throughout the year though located near the equator and to many climbers, conquering this peak is an adventure of their lifetime.

Mawenzi [5,149m] is rugged and open for technical climbers only.

Shira [3,962m] is the oldest peak that collapsed and forms the shira plateau, with outstanding scenic beauty on the mountain habited by several kinds of migratory  mammals such as buffaloes, elephants and elands.

 

Montane forest: A wide band of exceptionally beautiful montane forest encircles the whole of Kilimanjaro from about 1800 – 2800m. The forest zone is worth a visit even if you are not climbing to the peaks. The present nature trails in particular take you through this forest belt. This belt supports several plant species, including endemic ones like Impatiens kilimanjari.

 

Birds and animals: The park harbors more than 179 bird species inhabit the different vegetation zones. At high altitudes, the White Necked Raven, Lammergeier and Alpine Chat are common. The mountain also inhabits 140 species of mammals; 7 primates, 25 carnivores, 25 antelopes and 24 species of bat. Hikers may see various animals including the Black and White Colobus Monkey, Blue monkey, Forest Duikers and small mammals like Kilimanjaro mountain shrew (Myosorex zinkii) which is endemic to Mt. Kilimanjaro.

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Zonation of vegetation: Five eco-climatic zones take you to the equivalent of a trip from the equator to the arctic in a brief tour. As one climbs Kilimanjaro, vegetation and weather changes in response to the changing elevation from montane forest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and the summit zone (arctic). The mountain peak is covered by snow all year-round.

 

Kifinika cultural site: This is a sacred site along Marangu route that is used by the local Chagga people. Historically, the site was used for cultural rituals.

 

Tourist activities

Mountain hiking: Climbing to Kibo peak takes 5 – 9 days depending on the route. Seven mountain trails can take a climber to the mountain peak, each route offering different attractions and challenges.

 

Mountain biking: On two wheels, tourists have a chance to cycle to the roof of Africa. There are two routes which are used for cycling, one for summit bound visitors (Kilema route) and second one for non-summit visitors (Shira plateau).

 

Crater camping: Camping in the crater provides unique visitors’ night experience. While at the crater tourists can visit the unique bench-shaped like glaciers, the formation that can only e found at Mount Kilimanjaro.

 

Paragliding: Tourists can fly from the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and may use parachutes or wingsuits while undertaking this activity.

 

Mawenzi technical climbing: Mawenzi is the second highest peak on Mount Kilimanjaro. Technical climbers can hike the present seven sub-peaks while enjoying the view of cliffs, complexity of gullies and rock faces.

 

Getting there

Air. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the main arrival point for international travelers and is about 45 minutes from Moshi town.

 

Road. There are good tarmac roads accessing Moshi from all the main towns and cities of Tanzania. Marangu is where the National Park Headquarters is situated, and is 86 kms from Kilimanjaro International Airport.

 

Safari ideas

Climbing Kilimanjaro fits in well with a safari to the rest of Tanzania, and indeed great wildlife areas are so accessible by air or road that it would be a great pity not to plan this into your travels.

 

Arusha, Mkomazi, Tarangire, Manyara are all well within a day’s driving of Moshi town, while an air charter can take you to the Serengeti and any other corner of the country.

 

Tourist facilities

Moshi town is where many climbers stay before their climb and there are a host of hotels and lodges that cater for them, including some near the entry/exit gates.

 

Arusha also has lodges and hotels where climbers can stay before travelling to Moshi for the climb. On the mountain itself the different routes have their specific places to overnight and the accommodation ranges from well-appointed huts on the Marangu Route to camp grounds where you pitch your own tents.

 

The situation on the mountain constantly evolves and so take the advice of the outfitter with whom you will conduct your climb.