Kilimanjaro National Park

Key facts

Area	1,712 km²
Location and distance from Arusha	North-eastern Tanzania near Moshi, 117 km
Getting there	approximately 3 hours from Arusha by vehicle
Park fee per person per day	70 USD, children aged 5 to 15 years 20 USD, under 5 years free, plus 18% VAT.
Best months	January to March, June to October
Typical wildlife	Elephants, buffalo, leopards, blue monkeys, colobus monkeys

Highlights and wildlife

From the foot of the mountain to the summit, you cross a sequence of altitude zones: dense rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert and finally the glaciated summit region. In the rainforest, high rainfall ensures lush greenery; in the heath and moorland, giant lobelias and senecios grow. The massif consists of three volcanic cones: Shira and Mawenzi are considered extinct, Kibo is dormant. Kibo is home to Uhuru Peak, the highest point, and makes Kilimanjaro the highest free-standing mountain on Earth. The succession of so many climate zones in such a small area defines the entire park.

The wildlife is concentrated in the lower forest zones at the foot of the mountain. Elephants, buffalo and leopards move between the forests and the neighbouring protected areas. Bushbuck, duikers and warthogs also live here. The primates are the easiest to observe: blue monkeys and colobus monkeys are common in the rainforest. With altitude, the number of large animals decreases. Smaller mammals and adapted species remain. More than 180 bird species are recorded in the park, including forest birds, birds of prey and highland species.

Best time to visit

You can visit the park all year round, but conditions depend on the season. The dry seasons run from January to March and from June to October: the trails are more stable, and the view of the summit is often clear. These are the best months for climbs and multi-day treks. In the rainy seasons, the paths become slippery and the summit disappears behind clouds more often; in return, the forest is a rich green. Which time is right for you depends above all on whether you are aiming for the summit or hiking in the lower zones. You can find out more about the seasons in Tanzania in the guide to the best time to visit Tanzania.

Month	Weather	Wildlife
January to March	Drier, more stable paths	Sightings in the lower rainforest
June to October	Drier period, good visibility	Forest animals at lower elevations
Rainy seasons	Slippery paths, more clouds	Forest particularly green

Fees and rules

The park fee is 70 USD per person per day, plus 18% VAT. Children between 5 and 15 years pay 20 USD; children under 5 are free. Because the fee applies per day, it runs for the entire duration of your tour on the mountain. At least as important as the fee is another rule: allow time to adjust to the altitude. Depending on the route, a climb takes six to nine days, and your body needs these days for acclimatisation. A slow pace is the safest way to the top.

Getting there and combinations

The gateway to the park is Moshi, the town at the foot of the mountain. From Arusha it is 117 km, about three hours by vehicle; from further afield, you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You can reach the starting points of the routes around the mountain by vehicle. After your time on the mountain, the neighbouring parks are well worth a visit: Arusha National Park with its volcanic landscapes, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. This is how you combine the highlands with a classic safari in northern Tanzania.

Frequently asked questions

Which months are suitable for Kilimanjaro National Park?

The best months are January to March and June to October. In these dry seasons, the trails are more stable and the view of the summit is often clear. In the rainy season, the paths become slippery, but the forest is then a rich green.

How many days do you need for a Kilimanjaro climb?

Depending on the route, you should plan six to nine days. More days give your body time to adjust to the altitude and increase your chance of reaching the summit. The Kilimanjaro routes give an overview of the paths to the top. The page Kilimanjaro Climb describes how Wildfinder Safaris plans the ascent with huts or tents, all the way to Uhuru Peak.

Which animals can you see in the park?

You see most animals in the lower forests at the foot of the mountain. Elephants, buffalo and leopards live there, as well as bushbuck and warthogs. You frequently come across blue monkeys and colobus monkeys in the rainforest; in addition, over 180 bird species are registered.

How do you reach Kilimanjaro National Park?

You travel via Moshi, the town at the foot of the mountain. From Arusha it is 117 km, about three hours by vehicle. From further afield, you fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive from there to the starting point of your route.

Is the climb technically difficult?

No, technically the climb is not difficult; you do not need climbing skills. The real challenge is the altitude. Good fitness does not protect you from altitude sickness, according to the US health authority CDC. Enough days and a slow ascent with acclimatisation increase your chance of reaching the summit. According to TANAPA, you report any symptoms caused by the altitude to your guide straight away. A comparison of the Kilimanjaro routes helps you choose.

Sources