Kilimanjaro National Park – Lovebird Safaris

Kilimanjaro National Park

Introduction

The highest mountain in Africa, snow caped and world’s highest free standing volcano.

It comprises of two dormant volcanoes (Kibo 5,895m a.m.s.l and Mawenzi 5,149m a.m.s.l) and one extinct volcano (Shira 3,962m a.m.s.l) respectively. The origin of the word is not well known but it said to be a combination of the Swahili word Kilima meaning “Mountain” and the KiChagga word Njaro, loosely translated as “Whiteness” giving the name “White Mountain”.

Welcome To Kilimanjaro National Park

Is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). The mountain features five distinct ecological zones, from tropical forests to an icy summit. It’s one of the world’s most popular trekking destinations.

About the Area

Climate

There are two rainy seasons in a year. The wet season is from March to May during which it rains around the mountain base and snow accumulates on its peak.

The dry season is from late June through September during which the nights are cool and the days completely clear.

The park is located at an altitude between 1700 m to 5895 meter with annual average rainfall ranging from 828 mm at alpine desert to 2500 mm at Montane forest

Getting there

The park can be accessed by road or flight via Kilimanjaro International Airport – about 45km to the west. The Park Headquarters and one of the ascending gates are at Marangu, about 41Km from Moshi town and 86km from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The other seven gates of Rongai, Machame, Londorosi, Lemosho, Kilema, Mweka and Umbwe are located around the mountain base and can be reached by road.

Park Attractions

The Park is endowed with a diverse variety of attractions ranging from terrestrial wilderness to permanent glaciers on the mountain peaks.

Kilimanjaro National Park has a diverse wildlife population, particularly in the lower forested areas. Animals such as elephants, buffalo, leopards, and various antelope species can be found. Primates like blue monkeys and colobus monkeys are also common. The park is rich in birdlife, with over 180 bird species, including hornbills and turacos, thriving in the forested and montane zones. Wildlife becomes less frequent at higher altitudes as the environment becomes harsher.