Africa's Majestic Peak

Soaring at 5,895 meters, Mount Kilimanjaro reigns as Africa's highest and the world's tallest freestanding mountain. Once an active volcano, Kili's last seismic activity dates back over 200 years, with no major eruptions in 100,000 years.

Famous pictures are captured from Kenya's Amboseli National Park, but most summit hikes originate in Tanzania.

With a gradual incline, the summit climb is achievable for even less experienced hikers, typically taking 6-8 days. For time constraints, shorter hikes are available without reaching the summit.

Kili's name's origin remains uncertain; some believe it blends "kilima" (Tanzania's "mountain") and "njoro" (KiChagga's "whiteness," alluding to its snowy peaks).

In the early twentieth century, Mount Kilimanjaro and the adjacent forests were declared a game reserve by the German colonial government. In 1921, it was designated a forest reserve. In 1973, the mountain above the tree line (about 2,700 metres (8,900 ft)) was reclassified as a national park. The park was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 1987. In 2005, the park was expanded to include the entire montane forest, which had been part of the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve.

How to get there

To reach Kilimanjaro, fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) served daily by multiple airlines. Major cities nearby include Arusha and Moshi. Direct flights are available via Gulf or Europe. Alternatively, fly to Dar-Es-Salaam (DAR) or Nairobi (NBO), then connect to JRO. For budget options, consider flying into Nairobi and traveling by road to Arusha or Moshi.

Wildlife

Above the timberline, meet the Kilimanjaro tree hyrax, grey duiker, and rodents. Bushbucks and red duikers also frequent these areas. Cape buffaloes roam the montane forest and occasionally venture into moorland and grassland. Elephants inhabit the region between Namwai and Tarakia rivers, sometimes at higher elevations. Within the montane forests, discover blue monkeys, eastern black and white colobuses, bushbabies, and leopards.

Activities

Discover a wealth of tourism activities in Kilimanjaro National Park. From mountain climbing to paragliding, nature walking safaris, and Mawenzi technical climbing. Enjoy picnicking, filming, non-summit bound climbers, crater camping, and mountain cycling adventures. Embrace the diversity of experiences this extraordinary park offers.

Best time to visit

The ideal time for mountain climbing in Kilimanjaro National Park is from mid-June to October and December to mid-March. Although climbing is possible year-round, these periods offer the most favorable weather conditions for a successful and enjoyable ascent.

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