Things to do in Mount Kilimanjaro National park.
Spanned in the Northern part Arusha lies Africa’s highest and biggest volcanic mountain. Mount Kilimanjaro has an altitude of 55895m above sea level and has 3 volcanic cones of Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. The park was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 and it was expanded to include the entire tropical forest that had had previously been a part of the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve in 2005. The present of Mountain Kilimanjaro makes the park among the most visited parks in Tanzania
The mountain has 5 ecological climatic zones of civilization zone, rainforest, heather moorland, Alpine, Desert and artic summit. Climbers interested in reaching the peak of the mountain at Uhuru will experience all these zones. All these offer different views when it comes to flora and fauna. Animals expected to be seen include elephants, elands, buffaloes, bushbucks, primates like black and white Colombus monkeys among others. Among the notable plant species includes lobelia and large groundsel
Mountain climbing: This is the commonest activity in the park that thousands of people visit the park for. With its snowcapped peaks, you will be thrilled when you climb to the top of the giving you views of lush flora and fauna, which call for a photographic session. 2 routes can be used to get to the mountain and 7 can be used to climb to Uhuru peak. To enjoy your visit to the climax as you climb the natural wonder, we advise you reserve in time for appropriate payments.
Bird watching: As you plan for your trip to Mount Kilimanjaro for climbing, you will be able to kill two birds by one stone. The park boasts with over 750 birds flock around the parks cultivated zones making it a one-stop destination. In order to have the best birding experience, birders opt to take long days to reach the peak of the mountain. Among the birds to be seen include Violent Crested Turaco, Rose Turaco, Silvery Cheeked Hornbill, Emerald Cuckoo, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Bee eaters, Malachite Kingfisher, hornbills among others. The best time to enjoy this is in the months of November- April giving views of migratory birds.
Wildlife viewing: When compared to other national parks in Tanzania, a visit to Mount Kilimanjaro national park offers views of a variety of wild life animals. Hikers can view some of them as they climb the mountain. Among them include elephants, cape buffaloes, giraffes, black rhinos, baboons, bushbabys, honey badger, Colombus monkeys to mention but a few.
Primate trekking: Not only ideal for mountain climbing, Mount Kilimanjaro provides shelter to primates like baboons, monkeys like blue monkeys among others. These primates can be seen as they swing from one tree to another.
Guided nature walks: Get more of the primate encounters through the guided nature walks as you move through the parks forest canopies. Expect to see primates like Colombus monkeys, baboons among others. This also comes along with plant species that are present in the forest, farmlands of Chagga and towns neighboring. All this adds to the thrill on your visit.
Cycling: If you are a cycling enthusiast, do not miss this out on your visit to Mount Kilimanjaro national park. These cycling activities are done using the Kirema trail offering admiring views of the Chagga people and their farmlands. Travelers interested in reaching the peak of the mountain using two wheels will inquire additional costs.
Cultural experiences: This is yet another activity to be experienced by travelers on their visit to Mount Kilimanjaro national park. The Olpopongoi Masaai village has authentic experiences that travelers can enjoy. Among them include speaking their languages, visiting their kraals.
Camping: For an exclusive bush experience, do not miss camping within numerous campsites that are scattered along the hiking routes to the top of the mountain. These sites offer comfortable accommodation, bush toilets and piquant meals. This is a must do as this is the only means of accommodation.
Best time to visit Mount Kilimanjaro.
Although Mount Kilimanjaro is accessible throughout the year, the weather is difficult and un predictable to forecast. However, the best time to visit the park lies within the dry season in the months of June- October.
Due to the mountains proximity to the Equator, it experiences both dry and wet seasons in its immediate vicinity. When the weather is poor/ wet, hiking Mount Kilimanjaro may be rather due to the slick trails, snow, mud and other weather disasters that could be harmful to the body. This therefore means that the best time to descend the mountain is within the dry season.
The months of December- March and late June- September are the driest and the best for trekking. Booking your Mount Kilimanjaro hiking safari during months is thus advised.
Where to stay in the park.
The western portion of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is where you will find most of the lodging options. On the mountainside slopes inside the park, there are some cottages and camping areas. In Moshi town, it is also possible to book a hotel room away from Kilimanjaro National Park.