Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is the second most famous of the Tanzania national parks. Secondly, it is located in northern Tanzania, with of the world’s most iconic peaks (Uhuru Peak), the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. Note that Kilimanjaro National Park is a must-visit for Mount Kilimanjaro exploration. Also, it is exciting to visit, largely due to its diverse features, including mountainous, dramatic slopes, rainforests, glaciers, and cultural landscapes. These things to see in Kilimanjaro are really electrifying to witness while at the park.

Kilimanjaro National Park’s main hub lies in Marangu, which is a 44 km drive from Moshi and about 86 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport. While at this Tanzania park, there is a lot to see and be thrilled, especially during the Kilimanjaro climbing tours. Here are some of the details about Mount Kilimanjaro National Park that you should be aware of as you are planning a safari to the park. Also, these will help you make better plans and have excellent times at this iconic Africa safari tour destination.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park was first protected as a game reserve in 1910 by German colonial authorities. Later, when it continued to grow, it was redesignated as a forest reserve in 1921 by the British colonial government. In the year 1973, it was established as a Tanzanian national park, but as years went on, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. This Park covers roughly 1,688 km² and is made up of various attractions around it.

Kilimajaro was first documented by a notable explorer called Johannes Rebmann, a German missionary, in the year 1848.  So, this brought global attention to this place in Tanzania, hence causing its fame worldwide.

Rating other climate conditions for the rest of the national parks in Tanzania, Kilimanjaro surely has the most fascinating climate. So, this is due to how the Kilimanjaro Climate transitions through multiple zones as you ascend. This is mainly looked upon during Kilimanjaro hiking from the tropics to the Arctic, experiencing all the climate zones in just a few days.

The Mount Kilimanjaro climate ranges as this below;

1. The base is the starting point of Mount Kilimanjaro, and while at the base, sightseers experience the bushland. Also, it receives around 800–1,000 mm of rain annually. The base area of the mountain is filled with banana farms and villages like those near Marangu, ideal for coffee growing.
2. When you go higher than the base, you will experience the rainforest zone of (1,800–2,800 m). Immediately, when at this point, be ready to be enveloped in mist and lush greenery. This zone of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park experiences 1,500–3,000 mm of rain annually.
3. Beyond that lies the heather and moorland (2,800–4,000 m). While at this point, when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you always experience temperature drops. Also, its landscapes transform into open spaces of giant groundsels and lobelia plants, which are adapted to harsh, high-altitude conditions.
4. Followed by the alpine desert (4,000–5,000 m), which receives a minimal rainfall of just ~200 mm annually and strong winds.
5. Finally, there is the arctic summit zone in Kilimanjaro (above 5,000 m), which is icy, windy, and freezing cold. But the difference is that during daytime the temperatures are 4 °C and nights dip to 9 °C or even lower.

Want to know how to get to Kilimanjaro? Well, Kilimanjaro National Park is accessible via air and road transport. Below are some of the details to know before you book your Kilimanjaro trip.

• By Air: This is the quickest and fastest means of transport to access Kilimanjaro. Air transport is highly recommended for sightseers who prefer not to engage in long travel to this Tanzanian national park. Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located approximately 86 km from the main Marangu Gate and 45 km from Moshi town. Domestic flights are available from Arusha and Dar es Salaam.
• By Road: Regular bus and shuttle services connect Moshi and Arusha to various trailheads and gates like Marangu, Machame, Umbwe, Lemosho, and Londorosi. Once at the points, there are private transfers which usually last about 1- 2 hours or even more. So, this depends on where you are connecting from
  • Lastly, using road transport is excellent for sightseers who would love to have a better connection with nature through drives to the park. And we provide transportation services which are part of the cost for our Kilimanjaro tour packages

Take note: The park opens daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but entry is generally restricted after 4:00 PM. Overnight stays are only allowed as part of a multi-day trek or in designated huts/campsites.

1. Machame Route (“Whiskey Route”)
   • This is the most popular route due to a good acclimatization profile that follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle. Hence, increasing summit success rates on Mount Kilimanjaro. Also, the Machame Route offers a scenic and diverse Kilimanjaro trek through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers. Using this route takes about 6–7 days to summit Kilimanjaro and is moderately challenging.
2. Umbwe Route
   • When considering something more challenging on your Kilimanjaro climbing tour, the Umbwe route is the steepest and most direct path to the summit. Lastly, it takes about 6–7 days and is recommended only for experienced climbers. Hence the less-used route to climb Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
3. Northern Circuit Route
   • The Northern Circuit is the longest route on mountain Kilimanjaro, usually completed in 8–9 days. It’s less crowded and offers the most varied and panoramic views. Due to its extended duration, it provides excellent acclimatization. Therefore, it makes it one of the easiest and best routes to climb Kilimanjaro in terms of success rate, despite being physically demanding.
4. Rongai Route
   • As you are getting to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park from the north, the Rongai Route is less crowded. Also, it typically takes 6–7 days to summit this top tourist attraction in the park, the Uhuru peak. Rongai is moderate in difficulty and has a drier climate and remote wilderness.
5. Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro
   • Using this route takes about 7-8 days to reach the zenith. But it is the best and most popular route on Kilimanjaro due to its scenic beauty, especially in the early stages of the climb. Lemosho is moderate to challenging, just like the Machame Route.
6. Marangu Route (“Coca-Cola Route”)
   • This is the only route with hut accommodations, also called the “Coca-Cola Route.” Using this route takes about 5–6 days to reach the top of Kilimanjaro mountain and follows a gradual ascent through rainforest and moorland. Also, the Marangu route is the easiest route in terms of terrain. Lastly, it has a lower success rate due to the short acclimatization period.