Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not only home to Africa’s highest peak but allows a treasure trove of diverse natural wonders and exhilarating activities. Kilimanjaro National Park covering an area of some 75,575 ha protects the largest free standing volcanic mass in the world and the highest mountain in Africa, rising 4877 meters above surrounding plains to 5895 meters at its peak. With its snow-capped peak, the Kilimanjaro is a superlative natural phenomenon, standing in isolation above the surrounding plains overlooking the savannah.
Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the largest volcanoes in the world. It has three main volcanic peaks, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. With its snow-capped peak and glaciers, it is 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. Mount Kilimanjaro consists of montane forest belt is very rich in species, in particular mammals, many of them endangered species. Kilimanjaro National Park offers an unforgettable experience that embodies the spirit of adventure. This article highlights some of the tourist activities offered at Kilimanjaro National Park and these includes;
Birdwatching
Birdwatching at Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is a captivating experience that showcases a diverse range of avian species amidst breathtaking landscape. The park boasts an impressive variety of habitats, from lush rainforest to alpine moorlands, hosting over 700 species of birds, each offering a unique opportunity for bird enthusiast. During your birdwatching tour, you will have the chance to spot a variety of colorful bird species such as Silvery-Cheeked Hornbill, Trumpeter Hornbill, Emerald Cuckoo, Klaas Cuckoo, Lark-Heeled Cuckoo, white brown Coucal and many more. Kingfishers like African pygmy kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, bee-eaters, African Pitta, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Schalow’s Turaco, Violent Crested Turaco, Rose Turaco and many more, Narina Trogon among others.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing at Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is an enchanting experience that allows visitors to observe a diverse array of flora and fauna in their natural habitat. Nestled around the Africa’s highest peak, the park accompanies various ecosystems, from lush rainforest at lower elevation to alpine desert near the summit, each supporting unique wildlife species. During your wildlife viewing safari in the park, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter with a wide range of wildlife species such as mammals like colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, bushbuck, duikers, elephants, lizards, snakes as well as bird species such as abbot’s starling, hartlaub’s turaco, African wood owl, crowned eagle and sunbirds among others.
Trekking and climbing
Trekking and climbing in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is one of the most sought-after adventures in the world. As the highest peak of Africa, standing at 5,895 meters above the sea level, Kilimanjaro attracts a thousand of trekkers each year, ranging from seasoned mountaineers to novice adventures. Mount Kilimanjaro offers several trekking routes, each with its own unique appeal, scenery and level of difficulty. One of the most and popular routes includes Machame route well known for its scenic views and varying landscape, this route takes approximately 6-7 day to complete you adventures and its conserved one of the more challenging routes due to its steep sections and altitude gain. Another popular route is the Marangu route, often refer as the “Coca-Cola route” this is one of the easiest and most popular paths for trekkers. It features huts accommodations and tales about 5-6 days, though it has a lower success rate fir reaching the summit due to its rapid ascent, other routes include Lemosho, Rongai and Umbwe routes among others.
Cultural tours
Cultural tours in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park offer visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the rich heritages and traditions of the local communities, particularly the Chagga people who have lived in the shadow of the Africa’s highest peak for generations. During your guided cultural tours here, you will have the chance to explore the traditional Chagga villages, where you will be having the chance to engage with the local community. You will also have the chance to visit the coffee plantains, local markets, community centers as well as visits to homes. You will also have the chance to participate in a number of local activities such as basket weaving, pottery and local music and dance. visitors may also get the chance to participate in workshops, where you will have the chance to learn more about crafts from skilled artisans, gaining a deeper appreciation for the community’s artistic heritage. Visitors can also have the great opportunity to visit the traditional healing doctors to learn about the various medicinal plants native t the area and how they are utilizing in local healing practices among others.
Nature walks and hiking
Nature walks and hiking in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is one way you can explore the hidden gems of he parks and its deviser landscape on foot. Nature walks and hiking offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems, stunning landscape, and rich biodiversity of this iconic region. The national park has got several hiking and nature trails such as Mandara hut trail, Shira route, Machame route and Mweka trail all offering its own unique adventure experiences.
During your Nature walks and hiking tours in the park, you will have the chance to get up close look of the park’s rich diverse wildlife such as colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, bushbuck, duikers, elephants, lizards, snakes as well as bird species such as abbot’s starling, hartlaub’s turaco, African wood owl, crowned eagle and sunbirds among others as well as the breathtaking views of the landscape.
Cycling
One of the few really original methods to explore Kilimanjaro National Park and ascend Mount Kilimanjaro is the Kilimanjaro cycling tour. The only route for cycling tours to reach the summit is the Kilema Trail. This activity enhances visitors’ experiences by encouraging physical health and the responsible use of the outdoors for pleasure. However, it is advisable that only knowledgeable motorcycle riders and guides take part in this activity. While admiring the gorgeous surroundings, ride across the farmlands of the Chagga people.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about tourists’ activities in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, and then book with our tours and travel companies, such as Achieve Global Safaris, who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Tanzania.
