Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania, East Africa, has an area of 75,675 hectares (756.75 sq kilometers) and protects the largest free-standing volcanic mass in the world and the highest mountain in Africa, rising 4,877 m above the surrounding plains to 5,895 m at its peak. With its snow-capped peak, Kilimanjaro is an excellent natural phenomenon, standing in isolation above the surrounding plains overlooking the savannah.
Mount Kilimanjaro is located about three degrees or 206 miles south of the equator in the Kilimanjaro region, in northern Tanzania, adjacent to the boundary of Kenya. It is one of the largest volcanoes in the world. It has three main volcanic peaks: Kibo (5,895 m) in the center, Mawenzi (5,149 m) in the east, and Shira (3,962 m) in the west. Its snow-capped peak and glaciers make it the highest mountain in Africa.
The mountain has five main vegetation zones from the lowest to the highest point: lower slopes, montane forest, heath and moorland, alpine desert, and summit. The whole mountain including the montane forest belt is very rich in species, in particular mammals, many of them endangered species. For this combination of features but mostly its height, its physical form and snow cap, and its isolation above the surrounding plains, Mount Kilimanjaro is considered an outstanding example of a superlative natural phenomenon.
How to get there
Mount Kilimanjaro is a major tourist attraction for experienced and beginning climbers. To get to the mountain, the most convenient way is to fly into Tanzania (Kilimanjaro International Airport), and then travel to Arusha or Moshi, Kilimanjaro’s gateway towns, by vehicle. Both cities are approximately 50 minutes away from the airport and taxi services are readily available. Top Travel Safaris offers expert travel planning and guides for getting here.
When to climb Kilimanjaro
Usually, March, April, and May are the months with long rains and should be avoided. In November and December, Tanzania’s short rainy season, it can be wet in the rainforest with snow toward the top of the mountain. However, clouds often disperse in the evening, allowing for excellent visibility in the night and morning. Climbers sometimes encounter violent storms with thunder and lightning in December, especially on the northern and western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The best times for climbing Kilimanjaro are the driest months of the year, especially January, February, and June to October. July can be colder, and January to February are the warmest months, with almost clear skies each evening and morning.
Which route to take while climbing Kilimanjaro?
There are six established routes to use while climbing Kilimanjaro. They vary in length and difficulty. All except one require you to camp. If you climb Kilimanjaro on the Marangu route your accommodation is in huts and camping is not allowed.
Five days are the absolute minimum duration for a Kilimanjaro climb, six days are much better. If climbing using the Machame route, six days is the minimum, seven days are recommended. Taking an extra day for acclimatization will greatly improve your chances to reach the summit. There are longer treks available for those who can afford them.
What is the weather like on Kilimanjaro?
In the forest at lower elevations, you will experience hot and humid weather with temperatures around 15 to 25°C / 60 to 75°F. As you ascend on days 2 and 3, it can be dry and warm with temperatures around 10 to 18°C / 50 to 65°F. As you climb higher, temperatures will fall. Expect freezing temperatures at night. At the summit average daytime highs are about -4°C / 25°F with overnight lows around -10°C / 15°F, though it always feels much warmer in the sun and much colder at night. Wind chill temperatures can be as low as -18 to -12°C / 0 to 10°F.