Mt Kilimanjaro

This park shelters Africa’s highest point – Mount Kilimanjaro, a very popular creation that holds quite a strong profile. Mount Kilimanjaro, along with its three volcanic cones “Mawenzi”, “Kibo” and “Shira” is a dormant volcanic mountain in Tanzania. It is one of the seven summits and also turns out to be the highest freestanding mountain in the whole world. It is hiked by so many tourists who travel to Tanzania annually and is one of those daring places every adventurous traveler should visit at all costs. The climbing experience is quite physical, tiresome and risky but the feeling of hiking till the Uhuru peak is an accomplishment you will always be proud of hence, definitely worth every effort of your endeavors.

Routes for Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro hiking is easier in a way that the trekkers/hikers are able to access different hiking trails which are categorized in the ease of hiking. There are 6 routes that are fully approved for hiking the tallest mountain in Africa to be able to reach the Uhuru Peak. The routes where hiking can be done include; the Lemosho Route which is a 70-kilometer trail that passes through the Londorossi Gate. This route is among the best routes for clients since it has registered high successes to the peak. Another of the routes is the Umbwe Route which is regarded among the hardest routes. Success in this route is hard because of the short acclimatization time. We also have the Shira Route which approaches the mountain from the west close to the Lemosho Route. This route is used by few hikers since it was replaced by an easier route i.e. the Lemosho Route.

The Rongai Route is also one of the Kilimanjaro hiking routes and is also among the hardest routes to hike since there is a short time for acclimatization. There is also the Marangu Route commonly known as the “Coca Cola” route and is the oldest route to use while hiking mount Kilimanjaro. It is one of the cheap options for hiking and it also has a permanent dormitory of sleeping huts for the hikers. Finally, we have the Machame route which is the longest route to hike the mountain. It is long but considered a better option by the hikers because it has better acclimatization time. It is also known as the “Whiskey Route“.

Wildlife Species in Mount

Kilimanjaro National Park: This being a national park, it harbors quite a number of wildlife species that may be eye-catching to the traveler who is on a safari across the Kilimanjaro Plains and may be planning to hike the great mountain. Some of the wildlife species include the cape Buffaloes who leave in the mountain forest that surrounds the National Park. Another of the most eye-catching species is the African Elephants which are seen in big herds traversing the lands between Namwai and Tarankia rivers. In the montane forest, you will be able to find primate species like the blue monkeys, western black and white colobuses, bush babies, and other species like leopards, giraffes, bats, antelopes among others. It is quite an amazing experience for those who are planning to hike to be able to view different kinds of wildlife species as traverse Mount Kilimanjaro National Park.

Things to do in Mountain Kilimanjaro

Bird watching

The fact that Kilimanjaro National Park is home to over 150 bird species, with forest birds at the top of the list, is good news for bird lovers. Both resident and migratory birds from all over the world, including Asia, can be found in the park. The local black-shouldered kite, long-tailed trogon, Gabar goshawk, blue-naped mouse birds, grey hornbill, African fish eagles, white-cheeked barbet, African pygmy kingfisher, red-capped robin chat, and white-necked raven are just a few of the birds that may be seen in Kilimanjaro national park.

Hiking

The most popular activity in Kilimanjaro National Park is hiking up Africa’s highest freestanding summit. Thousands of tourists visit the country solely to do so. At 5,895 meters high, Kilimanjaro’s highest peak, which is always snowcapped throughout the year, summiting the Kibo peak provides excellent views of the surrounding town, other peaks of the mountain, such as Shira peak, and the lush greenery. The majority of the days climbing Kilimanjaro are not difficult because the paths are not steep; instead, the challenge is dealing with the altitude.

Wildlife viewing

Kilimanjaro National Park is home to a range of habitats and climatic zones that are home to a variety of wild creatures, and you may be able to see some of them when hiking to certain spots.

Cycling

The Kilimanjaro bike trek is one of the few truly unique ways to see the Kilimanjaro national park and climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The Kilema trail is the only way to get to the top by mountain bike.