About Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Flora and Fauna
The mount Kilimanjaro National Park offers a rich variety of flora with a total of 5 ecological zones with each of around 1000m height. Between 800m and 1800m you will come across the bush lands, farms and grasslands. From 1800m you will be amazed by the rich rainforest vegetation. At this height get an opportunity to witness the huge fern trees, sycamore trees, moss and even the junipers. Trek higher till an altitude of 4000 and experience the semi-alpine heath and moorland zone where you might come across the giant groundsel, senecio trees, lobelias and the vibrant red hot pokers. Above 4000m you will not find a great variety of flora and only some everlastings and a few yellow daisies could be seen there.
On the low lying areas of Mount Kilimanjaro you will find several species of birds such as tropical boubous, hornbills, green woodhoopoes, hartlaub and many more. While trekking observe the trees and you might be able to get a sight of the primates inhabiting them ranging from blue monkeys, colobus monkeys and the baboons. If you are lucky you might also get a sight of some rare to see animals such as the Abbotts duikers, dik-dik, bush pig and civets. As you ascend up the altitude the sighting of animals will reduce because of the hostile climate. Although if you are lucky you might spot the four striped grass mouse, white necked ravens, sunbirds and the red eyed doves.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Tour Packages
8 Days/7 NightsThe Lemosho route tour is the least crowded route of all the other routes and is the least spoilt route to the Kilimanjaro peak. Take this tour to get an opportunity to explore the beauty of the Kilimanjaro mountain and the fauna and flora on the way as you climb the beautiful trails. Challenge yourself with the steep trails and rocky ridges as you summit the highest mountain of Africa
- Inclusions
- All the meals during the trek
- Transportation
- Accommodation: 2 nights at Springlands Hotel (before and after the trek)
- Professional guide
- Mount Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Rescue fees
- Medicines and first aid kit
- Boiled water during the climb
- Airport transfers
- Price: USD 1950-2500 (8 days)
Must Checkout: Tanzania Safari Holiday Packages
Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Day tour is for those people who wish to climb the mountain but do not have much time to spare. The single day trek will provide you with all the thrills of climbing the mountain without having to reach the summit in the single day tour itinerary. This trek will allow you to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the trek and observe the rainforest trails full of birds, mongoose and multiple species of monkeys.1. Inclusions
- Hotel pickup
- National park fees and government taxes
- Drinking water
- Price: USD 400-450
Also Checkout: Tanzania Safari Lodges
6 Days 5 NightsTake the Machame route tour which is also known as the Whiskey route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and experience the enthralling walks that are steeper and more difficult than the other routes. Gaze at the beautiful flora and fauna of the national park as you go through the rainforest and learn more about them on the way to the summit from your guide. The tour will also give you sufficient time to acclimate yourself to the higher altitudes and the changing weather as you ascend.
- Inclusions
Transfers from and to the Kilimanjaro International Airport
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park fees
One night accommodation at a 3-star hotel
Meals on the trek
Hiking equipments
Experienced guides
- Price: USD 1600-1650
The marvellous Crater lake in a caldera located between the border between Tanzania and Kenya, Lake Chala is a wonder to gaze at.even deeper than the famous Lake Victoria, it offers you the opportunity to to cool your feet at the shore among the rocks as you watch the pleasant daylight on the waters of the lake. You can also indulge in birding near the lake or go kayaking across the border to the country of Kenya while the lake changes its colours from turquoise to emerald green.
- Inclusions
Transportation from your accommodation
National park fees
Lunch
Experienced guide
1.5 l water bottle
- Price: USD 80-100
The first authentic Maasai Boma and museum overnight facilities in the entire Tanzania can be witnessed at the Olpopongi Maasai village where you can experience the authentic culture and life of the Maasai tribesmen in their own habitat. The Olpopongi Maasai village 1 day tour also gives you an opportunity to purchase jewellery made by local Maasai women of the nearby villages. The tour itinerary also includes a visit to the Maasai museum where you will be guided by professional guides.
- Inclusions
Transport from and to the accommodation
Olpopongi village entry fees
Lunch
Tour of the maasai museum
Walking safari
- Price: USD 100-250
The 5 days tour takes you through the classic Coca Cola route which is the oldest and the most famous route to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. This is the only route where you'd find sleeping huts in dormitory type accommodation among all other trekking routes to Mount Kilimanjaro. Take the tour to experience the rainforests, Maundi crater, snowy peaks and gradual slopes that will make your tour much more convenient and pleasing.
- Inclusions
Fees: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, camping fees, rescue fees
Government taxes
Sleeping mats
Transportation
3 meals each day during the trek
Filtered water
- Price: USD 2500-3000
Things to Do at Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Of all the things to do in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro remains one of the most fascinating things to do. With the highest peak at an elevation of 5895 metres above sea level the mountain has two other volcanic cones named Mawenzi and Shira. To begin the trek, the trekkers are advised to ensure their physical fitness and carry all the required equipment. There are several routes to summit the mountain such as Machame Route, Rongai Route, Marangu Route and many more
- Location: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Northern Tanzania
- Price: USD 1200-3000
Must Read: Things to Do in Tanzania
The summit to Kibo Volcano Peak is the highest among all other summits in the entire African continent at a massive altitude of 5895 m. The trek to Kibo Peak is counted amongst the most difficult treks in Tanzania and is attempted by professional climbers. The trek is generally steep till Gilman's point where the rim of the kibo volcano is present and offers some splendid views.
- Location: Centre of Mount Kilimanjaro between Mwenzi and Shira peaks
- Price: USD 1500-4000
Suggested Read: Destinations to See in Tanzania
Shira Plateau is a caldera that stretches for 13 km to the west of the Kibo Peak, and hosts a rich number of fauna including species of elephants, elands and buffalos. This is a perfect trail to experience the thrill of trekking Mount Kilimanjaro without actually reaching the summit. The trail is full of deep valleys and frozen lava flows, silvery glaciers and the Lemosho forest with lush green views.
Location: Near the Simba river on top of the Shira peak
Price: USD 350 per person
The Chala Crater lake is situated on the border between Tanzania and Kenya and offers the visitors an opportunity to witness the mesmerising colours of the waters of the lake ranging from deep blue to turquoise and green. Indulge yourself in bird watching near the lake and witness some rare to find birds and help the national park in their Chala Bird survey.
Location: North Traveta, Tanzania
Price: USD 7-200
To enhance your Mount Kilimanjaro National park experience head towards Olpopongi, home to the Maasai tribesmen and witness their settlements and the family traditions in the most authentic way. Get a chance to try the local foods and communicate with the tribals and learn about their heritage. You can even visit the Maasai museum to know more about tribal history.
Location: 2WCR+J7H, Tinga Tinga, Tanzania
Price: USD 60-200
During the game drives in mount kilimanjaro national park you will come closer to the several wildlife species including elephants,zebras, hippos, cheetahs among others. Gaze at the savannah plains as you hop on the game drives in the national park and witness animals such as waterbucks, antelopes, leopards, lions, and many others. The drives include unimaginable scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its three volcanic peaks standing tall.
- Price: USD 20-70
Plan Your Visit to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
How to Reach:
- By Air: The Kilimanjaro international airport is the closest airport from the Kilimanjaro National Park and is 76.5 km away. You can take a taxi from the airport and reach the national park after a 1.5 hour drive.
- Private Transfers: There are frequent private transfers from Nairobi (Kenya) to Arusha/Moshi (Tanzania) and will take over 4 hours.
- By Bus: You can also avail bus service from the city of Nairobi to Arusha which will take around 6 hours. And then head towards the national park via private transfers.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit the Kilimanjaro National Park is between June and October during the dry season as the weather is comparatively pleasant and bearable. It is during this time that you can spot many animals because of the sparse availability of foliage, especially in the vicinity of the water holes which are near the camps. For the avid bird watchers you can plan your visit during the months between March and May when the heavier rains mark the area.
A map consisting of all the entry and exit routes of the national park
Energy snacks to keep you well energised during the various activities
Hiking boots if you wish to trek the peaks
Sufficient water to keep you hydrated
Sunscreen, scarves and sunhat to save you from the extreme sunrays
Moisturising lotion to avoid the avoid the drying sun
Prescription medications as well as Diamox to counter altitude sickness
Windbreakers or wet weather gear
Camera, headlamp and torches
Take along the required medication along with you
Try taking up those routes which your travel guide suggests to avoid getting lost
Apply the mosquito repellants and cover your body to avoid getting infected from malaria
Abort the trek if you experience moderate to severe altitude sickness
Have complete knowledge of the route that you will be taking while trekking the mountain peaks
Use walking poles while trekking to reduce the impact on your joints
FAQs of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
What activities can we do at Mount Kilimanjaro National Park camps?
- Trek to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Climb the Kibo Volcano peak
- Trail through the Shira Plateau
- Hike around Chala Crater lake
- Meet the Maasai tribesmen
- Visit the Materuni waterfalls
- Birding safaris
- Camping safaris
- Paragliding
- Microflights and walking safaris
How many days do you need in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park?
You will need around 10 days to explore Mount Kilimanjaro National Park and enjoy hiking the highest mountain peak in Africa. Within a time frame of 10 days you will get an opportunity to witness several enthralling places in the Kilimanjaro National Park such as the Chala Crater lake, Shira Plateau and even visit Olpopongi Maasai cultural village.
What is the best time of year to visit Mount Kilimanjaro National Park?
The best time to visit Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is during the warm and dry season of the year, from December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October. These months are the most crowded months of the year leading to price hikes. If you are looking for a budget trip then try going there in the off season when the prices are lower than in the peak season and also the crowd is less.
What facilities will I get in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park camps?
- Large and airy guest tents
- Comfortable beds
- Solar heated showers
- Campfires
- Traditional and international cuisines
Which are the best places to visit in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park?
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Kibo Peak
- Chala crater lake
- Materuni waterfalls
- Olpopongi
- Shira plateau
- Kikuletwa hotsprings
- Uhuru peak