Kilimanjaro Nationa Park
Kilimanjaro National Park is located in Northern Tanzania 48 km from Moshi town and covers an area of 1,668 square km.In 1910 the area was declared as a game reserve and a forest reserve in 1921 before being gazetted as a national park in 1973. It was not until 1977 when Kilimanjaro was officially opened for public access. The park was declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1987 and voted as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa in 2013.
Mount Kilimanjaro comprises of Three peaks namely; Kibo, the highest peak (5,895m), is covered by snow throughout the year despite being close to the equator. Conquering this peak is an adventure of a lifetime. Mawenzi, the rugged peak (5,149m), can only be attempted by technical climb. Only people with specialized knowledge, skills and equipment are allowed.
Shira peak
Shira (3962) is the oldest peak that collapsed some 750 years ago while before collapsing was the highest of the three.
The park can be reached by road:123 km, a two hours drive from the city of Arusha or 48 km, an hour drive from Moshi town to Marangu Gate and 86km one hour and half drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Mountain climbing can be done throughout the year. However, the best time is mid June-October and December-mid March.
Tourism activities
Mountain climbing – The most popular climbing route are:
Rongai Route
It is ascending route with an option of using four or five stations depending on the choice of the climber. Visitors who ascend through this route will descend through Marangu route. Option of four stations includes Simba camp, second cave, third cave and school hut and the second option for five stations is Simba camp, second cave, Kikelelwa, Mawenzi tarn hut and School hut.
Marangu route
This is route is for ascending and descending with provision of huts along the trail. It has three stations namely Mandara, Horombo and Kibo.
On the mountain stations, there are toilets, kitchens, dinning and rooms for clients. Advance booking through a licensed mountain tour operator is mandatory.
Londorosi Route
This is an ascending route located on the western side of the mountain and it comprised of five stations namely Shira I, Shira II, Baranco, Karanga and Barafu. It also offers the chance of using the Northern circuit and Western breach.
Lemosho route
This route is also for ascending located on the western side of the mountain and it comprised of six stations of Mti Mkubwa then join Londorosi route at Shira I.
Machame route
This is an ascending route as well located on the South-West of the mountain and it has five stations namely Machame hut, Shira cave, Baranco, Karanga and Barafu.
Umbwe route
It is an ascending route located on the South-West of the mountain and it has four stations, the Umbwe cave inside the forest belt and the other three after join Machame route at Baranco camp.
Mweka route
This is a descending route located on the southern side of the mountain. It comprised of three stations namely Mweka hut, High camp (Millenium) and Barafu. Visitors form Londorosi, Lemosho, Machame and Umbwe descent using this route
Short walking safari
The Nature Walking safari which can be organized are: Marangu via Lauwo waterfall to Mandara (12Km), Machame gate to Machame hut (11Km), Morum barrier to Shira I (06Km), Rongai gate to simba camp (05Km)
Birding:
There are about 179 bird species inhabiting different vegetation zones, thus giving an opportunity to view them in different climatic zones. Birds like White Necked Raven, Lammergeyer and Alpine Chat are commonly seen in high altitude zones.
Mountain Climbing Tips
- Observe and adhere to all park rules and regulations
- Climbers are advised to have appropriate climbing gears
- Allow plenty of time for the body to acclimatize by ascending slowly
- Do not push yourself up the mountain if your body is exhausted or you have extreme mountain sickness
- Drink 4 - 5 liters of fluid each day. Water is the best but fruit juices are good supplement
- If symptoms of mountain/high altitude sickness persevere please descend immediately and seek medical treatment. Our rescue team is always stand-by for evacuation to nearby hospitals.
