Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa and one of the most beautiful places on the continent. It has three main volcanoes: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. The name "Kilimanjaro" itself is a mystical entity shrouded in clouds. It also means "mountain of light", "great mountain" or "caravan mountain". The Kilimanjaro National Park has an area of 756 km². Here is a comprehensive guide for traveling there.
Discover Mount Kilimanjaro National Park from Kenya or Tanzania
Kilimanjaro Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is distinguished by its name, Mount Kilimanjaro, and you can hike the mountain on safari tours in Tanzania and Kenya. Snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro rises above the hills and plateaus of northern Tanzania, its slopes and glaciers glistening above the clouds. Kilimanjaro National Park is located near the town of Moshi. It is part of a protected area and its access is regulated to ensure that climbers can respectfully enjoy it. You will find a diverse, impressive landscape of breathtaking natural beauty. The slopes of the mountain are partially covered with banana, coffee, manjok, and corn plantations. Most of these cultivated plots are outside the park, which is a highly protected area dedicated to the protection of nature, flora, and fauna.
A variety of ecosystems
Within the park, there is a great variety of ecosystems. The lowest elevations are covered with deep forests, while the higher the elevation, the harder, arider, and more barren the landscape becomes, like a desert. At the top, there is nothing but ice and rock, but the panoramic view of the African plains is a unique experience. Many visitors to Tanzania dream of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a memorable and unforgettable experience. Few mountains in Kenya, such as Amboseli National Park, the Rift Valley, and the Maasai Steps, can match the grandeur and breathtaking views of the mountains that belong to Mt.
Kilimanjaro Safaris from Kenya
Kilimanjaro National Park is home to a large number of animal and plant species. It is characterized by the fact that it is so large that the vegetation is divided into four macro-zones, each of which has a real diversity. This variety is mainly related to altitude. Thus, from 1801 m to 2700 m of altitude, we find the richest zone of the tropical forest in the whole park. Here you can see trees that reach incredible heights. Then, as you climb to 4000 meters, the area becomes swampy. Temperatures are cooler and shrubs replace the trees. Up to 5000 meters of altitude, the area is a high desert, and from there, up to the top, there is only ice and snow. During your stay, you can enjoy the rich and diverse flora and a variety of wildlife. The park is home to over 140 species of mammals, including seven species of primates, 25 species of antelope, 25 predators, and 24 species of bats. On safari in Kilimanjaro Park, you will encounter baboons, African elephants, and many kudus. If you are a sportsman, it would be a shame not to do the one-day trek to the foot of Kilimanjaro. In this part of the trek, you will walk under a lush rainforest and tall trees. This is an opportunity to see baboons, buffalo, antelope, and leopard, as well as birds such as the rare Abby's starling. The trek takes you to Lake Chala, a very romantic spot in a caldera that changes color from emerald green to turquoise blue depending on the season. If you are looking for grandeur, it is possible to climb Kilimanjaro, but it takes a minimum of five days and can only be done under the supervision of a guide and Sherpa. The only marked route to the summit is the Sherpa-guided route via Marangu, where there is a wooden shelter where you can spend the night.
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