Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Activities in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro offers a variety of activities that captivate visitors during their safari, providing unforgettable experiences. Here are some key activities:

Mountain Climbing

Mountain climbing is the most popular activity at Mount Kilimanjaro, attracting visitors keen to reach the highest point in Africa. This adventure is divided into six main trails that guide climbers to the summit of Kibo Peak, the tallest point. The cost for this activity ranges from $1,000 to $7,000, depending on the route and services chosen.

• Marangu Route: Known as the easiest and often called the “Coca-Cola route,” it is suitable for less experienced climbers, typically taking 5-6 days to reach the summit.
• Machame Route: Ideal for scenic beauty enthusiasts, this route is more strenuous but rewards climbers with stunning vistas. Daily hiking time varies from 3 to 8 hours.

Each trail presents unique challenges and attractions, catering to different preferences and fitness levels. For those with limited time, day trips or overnight hikes are also available.

Wildlife Viewing

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, both small and large, offering tourists a chance to observe animals in their natural habitat. However, due to the altitude, this activity is not recommended for individuals with altitude sickness, as the ground level is still significantly above sea level. Wildlife commonly spotted includes buffaloes, elephants, elands, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, duikers, and Myosorex zinki. Wildlife viewing runs daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM under the guidance of an armed ranger for safety.

Paragliding

Paragliding is an exhilarating activity available at Mount Kilimanjaro, allowing participants to soar freely over the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. This offers a unique perspective and a thrilling experience.

Crater Camping

Crater camping provides an opportunity to experience the unique nighttime environment of Mount Kilimanjaro. Campers can visit the distinctive bench-shaped glaciers that are exclusive to Kilimanjaro, adding a unique element to their adventure.

Filming

Mount Kilimanjaro attracts not only climbers but also filming crews and photographers. Notable films, such as “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” (1952), which won two Oscars, have been shot here. Filming incurs a fee of $250 per person per day, which includes camping, conservation, and filming fees.

Cycling

Cycling within Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is another engaging activity that allows visitors to explore the park while sightseeing. Guided by a ranger, cyclists can choose between two main routes:

• Kilema Route
• Shira Plateau

Cycling activities are scheduled from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, with routes featuring picnic sites and resting points to enhance the experience.

Where to Stay in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Accommodation in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is typically included in the hiking fee. Various huts and camps are available for hikers at different stopover points on the mountain. Some of the notable options include:

• Kilema Camp
• Horombo Huts
• Kibo Hut

These facilities provide basic shelter and amenities for hikers, ensuring a safe and comfortable rest during the ascent.

Best Time of the Year to Visit Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

The ideal time to visit Mount Kilimanjaro National Park varies with the seasons, which can be wet or dry. While mountain climbing is possible year-round, it is recommended to visit during the dry season, which spans from June to October and December to March, to facilitate easier climbing conditions. The rainy seasons, characterized by heavy rainfall, occur in April, May, and November. However, due to the effects of global warming, rainfall patterns can be unpredictable, potentially altering these typical seasonal expectations.

How to Get to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro can be accessed via Moshi and Arusha towns, with the journey taking approximately 1-2 hours. Below are the transportation options:

By Road

Traveling by road is the most common method to reach the park. From Arusha town, the trip covers 123 kilometers and takes about 2 hours. If you are coming from Moshi, it is a 48-kilometer journey that takes approximately 1 hour to reach Marangu, the park headquarters. The roads are generally in good condition, but as you approach Mount Kilimanjaro, they become rougher, often referred to as experiencing the “African Massage.”

We recommend using a 4×4 vehicle, with rental costs ranging from $200 to $350 per day, excluding the driver’s allowance.

By Air

Air travel to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is available through scheduled or chartered flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha. The following airlines operate routes to the park:

• Coastal Aviation: Flies to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
• Air Tanzania: Flies to Kilimanjaro
• Zan Air: Flies to Arusha
• Precision Air: Flies to Arusha and Kilimanjaro

Upon arrival, you will still need road transportation to reach the park, which is 86 kilometers from the airport to Marangu park headquarters, taking approximately 1.5 hours.

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