Tourist Activities To Do in Kilimanjaro National Park | What To Do
Kilimanjaro National Park is in Tanzania, 1688 square kilometers (652 sq miles) between latitudes 2°50′ and 3°10’S and longitudes 37°10′ and 37°40’E. The park, which is administered by the Tanzania National Parks Authority [TANAPA] and has been gazetted protected area since 1973, was established as a national park in 1973.
Famous for the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest free-standing mountain in Africa, it is no surprise that this is one of the best places to go for Tanzania safaris and mountain climbing adventures. Kilimanjaro National Park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 for its exceptional natural beauty and importance for conservation.
In 2013, it was also named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, easy to understand why travelers from across the globe are eager to experience extraordinary wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes.
There are a lot of things to do in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park for those visitors who are interested in Tanzania safaris and adventure travel. They include;
Mountain climbing
One of the main attractions is the climbing of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest mountain in Africa. Mountaineering is one of the most popular activities and lots of tourists want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to Uhuru Peak. There are numerous ways up Kilimanjaro, and each is a different journey.
The Marangu Route is known as the “Coca-Cola Route” and is the easiest and most comfortable route, making it the most popular route among tourists. The Machame Route, referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” is considered to be more scenic and adventurous. The Rongai Route is on the north side of Mount Kilimanjaro and is considered to be less crowded.
The experience of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro takes between five and seven days, with tourists enjoying the experience of walking through rainforests, meadows, and glaciers. On the way, tourists have an opportunity to spot some of the wildlife, including Abbott’s duiker, blue monkeys, black and white colobus, elephants, buffalo, and leopards.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is another prominent activity that can be carried out at Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. There are over 30 species of wildlife that thrive in the diverse ecosystems found at the park. Wildlife that can be spotted at the park includes mammals such as impalas, zebras, giraffes, elephants, and buffaloes. tourists can also spot predators such as leopards and lions, which makes the park a fascinating place for wildlife viewing. Bird watchers will also enjoy the experience at the park, which has over 200 species of bird species, including the Grey Crowned Crane, Malachite Kingfisher, and crowned eagles.
Birdwatching
Birdwatching at Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is a thrilling experience for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts who want to experience a genuine Tanzania safari. It is a home to over 200 species of birds, making it a top spot for birdwatching. Forest birds top the list of the many bird species found at the park. Birdwatching at the park provides a chance to see a variety of bird species. Both resident and migratory birds from Asia visit the park. Some of the notable bird species that a visitor to the park might see include the 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 the white-necked raven among others.
Cycling
Cycling is another activity that can be carried out at the park, with the Kilimanjaro bike trail offering a unique experience for cyclists. There are two routes that can be used for cycling, namely the Kilema route, which is used for cycling to the summit, and the Shira Plateau route for non-summit cyclists. When cycling, one can enjoy the scenery while going through the Chagga farmlands, as well as the breathtaking views of the surroundings of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Walk the Shira Plateau
The Shira Plateau, located a few kilometers to the west of Kibo, on the way to Mount Kilimanjaro, is a significant destination for trekking enthusiasts and adventure seekers. This caldera is a remnant of a volcanic eruption, which occurred more than 500,000 years ago.
Trekking to the Shira Plateau provides a unique experience of trekking on volcanic rocks of historical origin, in addition to the scenic view of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also a significant destination for wildlife enthusiasts on a safari in Tanzania, as the area is highly diverse in terms of flora and fauna. Visitors may be able to see elephants, buffaloes, elands, and lions, although the dense vegetation makes it necessary to observe carefully to spot these animals. The Shira Plateau is one of the attractions for eco-tourists and mountain trekkers in Tanzania.
Photography
For photographers Kilimanjaro National Park is going to be a paradise with its scenic landscapes, birds and the stunning beauty of the mountain. At sunrise and sunset, the mountain’s snow-capped historic peaks are lit by brilliant colors. Photographers are advised to bring cameras or even smartphones to take pictures of this one-of-a-kind event.
Visit to Chala Crater Lake
A visit to Chala Crater Lake offers another unique experience for those who are interested in exploring unique natural wonders around the country. The bright waters of this lake vary in color ranging from a turquoise to an emerald green according to the season and weather. It lies inside the high crater rim of Chala Crater and occupies 1.6 square miles. There are limited camping sites around the crater where individuals can enjoy the serene environment from their campsites or take a tour of the marsh areas. Chala Crater Lake is an important destination for those who are looking for unique Tanzania safaris experiences other than those offered by the mountain.
Kilimanjaro Coffee Tour
The lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, which are part of the Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania, are fertile farmlands fed by the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. This area is famous for its high-grade 100% Arabica coffee, which is prized for its freshness and texture. The Kilimanjaro Coffee Tour is one of the best activities for tourists in Tanzania safari. After an exciting adventure on the Kilimanjaro climb or the Kilimanjaro safari, nothing beats sipping a cup of coffee, whether it is the cappuccino or the Americano type, at the coffee farms in the area.
Walking safaris
Walking safaris are a unique experience compared to mountain climbing, as there is no aim to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Rather, these nature walks offer a chance to enjoy a relaxing time and connect closely with nature. Nature walks and walking safaris are a popular activity on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, thus making it a perfect opportunity for tourists to explore the area and enjoy a unique experience during their tours of Tanzania or the Kilimanjaro national park. During these walks, tourists can enjoy a chance to see a variety of wildlife and nature, including black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, butterflies, insects, and a variety of bird life.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KILIMANJARO FOR ITS MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES
The best time to visit Kilimanjaro for trekking is during the dry seasons, which include June to October and the period between late December and early March. The dry seasons present the most conducive environment for climbing Kilimanjaro, as it is usually clear and the mountain is not slippery.
The Kilimanjaro safaris and mountain climbing expeditions are usually carried out during these periods, and they present an enjoyable experience. It is advisable to avoid November and March to April, as they coincide with the rainy seasons. The rainy seasons present difficulties, as the forest path is usually muddy and slippery, and snow covers the mountain climbing routes, especially the challenging Western Breach route. The best time to plan your Tanzania safari and mountain climbing is during the dry seasons.
WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS NEAR THE PARK?
The park has different accommodation options. The options of accommodations available here include Budget, mid-range, and luxury. You will select your preferred accommodation to stay in, depending on your interests and budget. The options of accommodations near Mount Kilimanjaro National Park include Kilemakyaro mountain lodge, Kaliwa Lodge, Mount Kilimanjaro View Lodge, Salinera Millie Lodge, House of West Kili, Ameg Lodge Kilimanjaro, Lindrin Lodges among others.
HOW TO GET KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK
By air. Most tourists who visit Tanzania fly to the country’s major international airports. These airports are Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airport near Moshi and Arusha. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the best entry point for tourists who want to visit the park.
It lies about 35 kilometers from the town of Moshi and 45 kilometers from the town of Arusha. Daily scheduled flights to Kilimanjaro and Arusha Airport from Dar es Salaam, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, as well as from Kenya using Auric Air, Coastal Aviation, and Precision Air, are available.
By road means. Visitors to the park can also drive to the park using long-distance buses from other parts of Tanzania or from other countries like Kenya. However, this might take a long time. Other gates like Rongai, Machame, Londorosi, Lemosho, Kilema, Mweka, and Umbwe, which are around the base of the mountain, can be accessed by road.
Why book with Elephant Whispers Safaris for your Mount Kilimanjaro hiking in Tanzania?
Elephant Whispers Safaris has vast experience in delivering exceptional safari and adventure travel experiences in Tanzania. We are rated and reviewed on trip Advisor, indicating our commitment to delivering customer satisfaction. We combine the best of Tanzania safari experiences with eco-adventure and luxurious high-end safari experiences, focusing on the preservation of biodiversity and supporting local communities.
Our safari experiences include gorilla trek, chimpanzee trek, Big 5 safari, game viewing, mountain hiking, boat cruise, and culture, among others, to deliver a total African safari experience. Apart from Tanzania, we offer safari experiences in other renowned destinations such as Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, among others. Feel free to contact us for more information about hiking Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
