Tanzania is home to Mt Kilimanjaro National Park. situated in Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro area, 190 kilometers towards the southern hemisphere. It has a boundary with the city of Moshi and is 1,688 square kilometers in size. Mountain Kilimanjaro, one of Africa’s seven natural wonders, is situated close to Kenya’s northern border and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The highest peak in Africa is included in the national park. At its highest peak at 5895 meters, Mount Kilimanjaro, sometimes referred to as “the mountain of light,” is the highest point in all of Africa.
Kilimanjaro climbing routes
The following are some of the several routes that are utilized when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro:
Marangu route
The Marangu path is the only one on Mount Kilimanjaro that allows climbers to stay in huts. While climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, many visitors choose the Marangu route, which is also the busiest path. The peak must be climbed over five to six days using the Marangu route.
Marangu route
The Marangu route, which starts from Marangu gate to Mandara hut on the first day, also needs less time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
Machame route
The Machame route, which is well-known for being a picturesque path, is another one that climbers use to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro. The Machame path up Mount Kilimanjaro may be climbed in 6 to 7 days. The Machame path, which starts from the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, is steeper and has longer hikes.
Lemosho route
One of the greatest ways for acclimatization is the Lemosho path, which begins on the western slope of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Lemosho path, which connects to the Machame route, takes roughly 7 days to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
On Mount Kilimanjaro climbs utilizing the Lemosho path, wildlife species can also be seen.
Rongai route
On Mount Kilimanjaro’s northeastern flank, close to the Kenyan border, is the Rongai Route. The Rongai route connects with the Marangu path at some point along the ascent, and it takes 7 to 8 days to trek the entire mountain.
Shira route
Shira route begins from the western slope of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the hike’s ascent begins with some driving first. The Shira path on Mount Kilimanjaro may be climbed in 6 to 7 days.
Umbwe route
The Umbwe route is said to be a straight path to Uhuru peak and is the hardest climbing path on Mount Kilimanjaro. Moreover, the Umbwe path up Mount Kilimanjaro requires 6 to 7 days of climbing.
The northern route
On Mount Kilimanjaro, hiking is also done along the northern path, which is regarded as the mountain’s longest route.
Activities to do in Kilimanjaro National Park
Mountain Climbing
The most popular activity in Mountain Kilimanjaro National Park is mountain climbing. The majority of tourists that visit Tanzania frequently travel to the park in order to climb Kilimanjaro Mountain, which is the highest point in Africa. Depending on one’s aptitude and available time, travelers can choose from a variety of hiking trails or routes on the Kilimanjaro Mountain. Lemosho, Machame, Umbweze, and Kilimanjaro routes are just a few of the many climbing routes up the Kilimanjaro Mountain, and they all present hikers with a satisfying challenge.
Nature guided walks.
Have the chance to get up close and personal with Africa’s wildness, especially at Kilimanjaro National Park, where you may see and engage with a range of wild animals, insects, and plant species. Visitors can take guided nature walks through the Mount Kilimanjaro forest canopy to see a variety of primates, including the red-tailed monkey, olive baboon, and white- and black-faced Columbus monkeys, as well as a wide range of plant species and panoramic views of the Chagga farmlands and nearby settlements. You will be escorted by a park ranger who will watch out for potentially harmful animals as you participate in this wonderful tourist activity in Kilimanjaro National Park.
At the Kilimanjaro National Park, visitors may go on safaris to see many animal species, such as baboons, elands, colobus monkeys, warthogs, gazelles, cheetahs, and lions, among many more.
Bird Watching
Travelers may observe the more than 150 bird species that have been identified in Kilimanjaro National Park by participating in bird watching excursions while on a safari there at any time of the year. The Blue Napped Mouse Bird, African Fish Eagle, Gaber Goshawk, and Black Shouldered Kite are just a few of the many birds that can be seen in the park. The months of November to April are the greatest for bird viewing in Kilimanjaro National Park since more migrating bird species are there during this period.
Cycling
Cycling in Kilimanjaro National Park is a fantastic sport that allows visitors to explore the park’s many paths, see a range of other sights, and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the mountain and the adjacent towns. Unless you brought your own bicycles, of course, you will need to pay to rent the bicycles.
Camping
Those who camp in Kilimanjaro National Park may witness the amazing bushlife. Throughout the several trekking paths to Mount Kilimanjaro, there are around 32 camping areas.