Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Karibu Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Tanzania
Kilimanjaro National Park is situated about 300 kilometres south of the Equator and in Kilimanjaro area. This protected area lies next to Moshi and covers the entire Mount Kilimanjaro as well as montane forest best above 1820 meters. It stretches up to about 1688 square kilometres and it is run by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA).
This park was founded in 1973 and previously consisted of the entire mountain above the tree line and 6 forest corridors extending via the montane forest belt. It offers refuge to one of the largest volcanic mountains in the world and highest in Africa that rises up to 4877 meters above and surrounded by plains to 5895 meters at its peak. Mount Kilimanjaro features about 3 incredible volcanic peaks-Shira, Mawenzi and Kibo. It features snow-capped peaks and glaciers and 5 unique vegetation zones that thrive from its lowest to the highest point.
Its vegetation zones consist of the montane forest, lower slopes, heath and moorland, alpine desert and summit. The notable wildlife species to spot out in this park include tree hyrax, grey duikers, rodents, bushbucks, red duikers, cape buffaloes, elephants, black and white colobus monkeys, bush babies, leopards, zebra, wildebeest, dik-dik, hippos, giraffes, warthogs, cheetahs, lions, gazelles, elands bird species and many others.
Getting to Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park is located in northern Tanzania just next to Moshi town and about 128 kilometres away from Arusha approximately an hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Tourist activities in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
The notable tour activities for you to participate while on safari in Kilimanjaro National Park include mountain climbing at Mount Kilimanjaro; this can be done at any time of the year and note that most visitors book for this adventure especially during Christmas season and take note that wet season falls in the months of April, May and November.
Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Adventures
Before undertaking this breathtaking adventure, make sure that you are physically fit to hike through this stunning volcano to and fro. Game viewing to spot out most of the savanna wildlife species especially the big game and other interesting species that are eye-catching and that will amaze you, birding and the notable birds include resident black-shouldered kite, long-tailed trogon, Gabar goshawk, white-necked raven, blue napped mousebirds, grey hornbill, African fish eagles, white-cheeked barbet, African pygmy kingfisher, red-capped robin chat and the best time to go for birding to this park is mainly from November to April to spot most of the migratory bird that concentrate into this park. You can also engage in cycling, camping and nature guided walks, picnicking, trout fishing in Chala Crater Lake, filming especially in Mount Kilimanjaro.
When to visit Mount Kilimanjaro National Park?
The best time to visit Kilimanjaro National Park depends on the traveller’s interests. Generally, wildlife species can easily be sighted when the vegetation is scarce and dry especially from July to October. Temperatures at this national park range from 15 to 32 degrees Celsius but heavy rains are experienced from March to May.
Accommodation in Kilimanjaro National Park
Fortune Lodge Marangu – Kilimanjaro
There are very many accommodation and lodging facilities that are found in and around Kilimanjaro National Park. They include Moshi Lodge, Mount Kilimanjaro, Satao Elerai Camp and Shu’mata camp, Babylon Lodge, Acacia Tree Apartments, Marangu View, Nakara hotel, Fortune Lodge Marangu, Honey Badger Lodge, Weru Weru River Lodge, Altezza Lodge, Fortunate Mountain Resort and many more.
In conclusion, if you want to challenge yourself with breathtaking adventures while on vacation in Tanzania then do not miss to include Kilimanjaro National Park in your travel plan.
