Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

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When To Visit Mount Kilimanjaro, National Park

The best time to visit Mount Kilimanjaro National Park for trekking is from June to October when the climate is warmer than usual, and people can still experience the mountain in all its glory. While January to March is also a decent time to visit the park, it is much colder, however, also much less crowded. Due to the rainfall levels, it is not possible to climb the mountain between November and April - May. Caution should be taken the month of March due to the possibility of the rainy season starting early. 

History of the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

The Wachagga people, also known as Jagga or Chaga, have lived in the Kilimanjaro region for more than four centuries. Despite their resemblance to the Maasai people, they claim to be a separate race. The Chaga people practiced various rituals in the past including puberty rituals and circumcisions, but as westernization took root, the Chaga way of life gradually became lost.

• 1848: Explorers Johannes Rebmann, Bwana Heri, and a group of local tribesmen set out on an expedition to Kenya to establish the first mission posts in the region. Johannes Rebmaan was the first European to come across Mt. Kilimanjaro.

• 1849: When Johannes Rebmann published his observations, the scientific community not only rejected them but claimed that they were the result of hallucinations brought on by malaria. That same year, Krapf discovered Mt. Kenya, and his discovery was also met with skepticism. The scientific community couldn’t disregard both discoveries, however, so further investigations were made, which led them to realize they had very little knowledge of the African continent.

• Early 20th Century: Mount Kilimanjaro and the forest adjoining the mountain were established as a Game Reserve under the German colonial rule.

• 1961: Tanzania’s independence put Mount Kilimanjaro Game Reserve under Tanzanian Authority.

• 1973: Mount Kilimanjaro Game Reserve became Kilimanjaro National Park and included 1,668 km2 of mountains above 800 m high.

• 1987: Kilimanjaro National Park was included in the list of United Nations World Heritage sites.

• 2005: The park was expanded to include the montane forest surrounding the region. Earlier, the montane forest was a part of the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve.

Wildlife In Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park has around 154 species of mammals, 7 primate species, and 150 bird species.

While elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and lions are all present within the park, they are rarely seen. Blue monkeys are the most commonly sighted animals in this region. Columbus monkeys, honey badgers, Galago, and four-striped grass mice are some other species seen around Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Kilimanjaro’s southern and western slopes are home to Abbott’s Starling, and corncrakes are often seen in the southwestern section of the mountain. Hundreds of birds pass through the western slopes of Kilimanjaro, including kestrels and pallid harriers. The mountain’s eastern part is home to Taita falcons.

Olive ibis, Hartlaub’s turaco, violent-crested turaco, and trumpeter hornbill are among the birds found in the Montane forest area. Gorgeous bushshrike, Kretschmer’s long bill, and the sombre greenbul inhabit the Sanya River. The park is also home to more than 30 cuckoo species, and several kingfisher species, which include Malachite and African pygmy kingfisher.

Activities in the Park

There's much more to do than just climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Here are a few different ways you can spend your time when in the park:

• Wildlife Viewing: While climbing, you can encounter various species of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, monkeys, and a variety of birds.

• Scenic Hiking: Explore the lower altitudes and enjoy scenic hikes through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts.

• Cultural Tours: Engage with local communities, learn about their cultures, and experience traditional practices.

• Photography: Capture breathtaking vistas, diverse flora, and unique wildlife found at different altitudes.

• Bird Watching: Kilimanjaro National Park hosts a range of bird species, making it a great destination for birdwatchers.

• Nature Walks: Participate in guided nature walks to learn about the park's ecosystems, flora, and fauna.

• Forest Treks: Explore the park's rainforests, discovering a variety of plant species and smaller wildlife.

• Educational Tours: Join guided tours to learn about the park's conservation efforts and environmental significance.

• Lemosho Glades: Enjoy walks in the Lemosho Glades area, experiencing the natural beauty and serenity.

• Waterfalls: Visit Materuni Waterfalls for a refreshing experience and stunning views.

• Viewpoints: Take advantage of viewpoints to witness panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes.

• Picnics: Many areas within the park are suitable for picnics, allowing you to enjoy meals amidst nature.

• Star Gazing: With minimal light pollution, the park offers excellent opportunities for star gazing.

• Environmental Conservation: Participate in activities that promote environmental conservation and sustainability.

• Photographic Safaris: Capture not only the mountain but also the wildlife and landscapes on a photographic safari.

• Campfire Gatherings: Some tour packages include campfire gatherings, where you can share stories and experiences with fellow climbers.

• Adventure Sports: For the more adventurous, consider activities like mountain biking and paragliding (where available and permitted).

Let us know what activity you would like us to include in your tailor-made safari package itinerary. 

Mount Kilimanjaro Interesting Facts

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Climbing Routes

The climb to the snow-covered summit is tough and takes several days. There are around seven well-known routes, however, we have listed the easiest and most popular climbing routes below. Apart from the below three, Rongai, Umbwe, and the Northern Circuit are also frequently used.

• Machame Route: Machame’s five diverse climate zones and stunning views have made it a popular, yet challenging climbing route. Machame is also known as the ‘Whiskey Route’ because although it’s easier to access, it is tough to climb. The route offers fully catered camping, and it takes 6-7 days to reach the mountain top.

• Marangu Route: The oldest and most well-established climbing route, Marangu is known as the ‘Coca-cola Route’ or the ‘Tourist Route’. While it is the easiest route to Mt. Kilimanjaro, it is harder to acclimate to the altitude within the short time frame of around 5-6 days.

• Lemoshos or Shira Routes: The Lemosho and Shira routes are often clubbed together as they both involve crossing the Shira plateau. These two routes provide spectacular views of the western part of Kilimanjaro. Climbers taking this route have a higher summiting success rate. The Lemosho Route is slightly better than the Shira Route as it provides more time for acclimation, and takes 5-7 days.

How to climb the mountain?

Interested in trekking the mountain?

Check out the climbing packages here