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Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is a Tanzanian national park located in the Kilimanjaro Region of the country. It is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. The park also includes the surrounding montane forest belt.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is a popular tourist destination, and it is known for its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. The park is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and lions. The park is also home to over 1,800 species of plants, including many that are found nowhere else in the world.
There are a number of activities available to visitors to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, including hiking, camping, and birdwatching. Visitors can also climb Mount Kilimanjaro, which is a challenging but rewarding experience.
What to do
Here are some of the things to see and do in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park:
- Climb Mount Kilimanjaro: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a challenging but rewarding experience. There are a number of different routes to the summit, and visitors can choose a route that suits their fitness level and experience.
- Go on a hike: There are a number of hiking trails in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. Visitors can hike through the montane forest belt, to the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, or even to the summit.
- Camp in the park: There are a number of campsites in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Visitors can camp in the montane forest belt, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, or even on the mountain itself.
- Go birdwatching: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is home to over 1,800 species of birds, including many that are found nowhere else in the world. Visitors can go birdwatching in the montane forest belt, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, or even on the mountain itself.
Climbing Routes & tips
There are seven main climbing routes on Mount Kilimanjaro:
- Marangu Route: The Marangu Route, also known as the Coca-Cola Route, is the most popular and accessible route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a six-day roundtrip route that starts and ends at the Marangu Gate. The Marangu Route is a relatively easy route, and it is a good option for first-time climbers.
- Machame Route: The Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is a seven-day roundtrip route that starts and ends at the Machame Gate. The Machame Route is a more challenging route than the Marangu Route, but it is still a good option for first-time climbers. The Machame Route offers stunning views of the mountain and its surrounding landscape.
- Lemosho Route: The Lemosho Route is an eight-day roundtrip route that starts at the Lemosho Gate and ends at the Mweka Gate. The Lemosho Route is a more challenging route than the Marangu Route and the Machame Route, but it is also a more rewarding route. The Lemosho Route offers stunning views of the mountain and its surrounding landscape, and it also passes through a variety of different ecosystems.
- Rongai Route: The Rongai Route is a six-day roundtrip route that starts and ends at the Rongai Gate. The Rongai Route is a relatively easy route, and it is a good option for first-time climbers. The Rongai Route offers stunning views of the mountain and its surrounding landscape, and it also passes through a variety of different ecosystems.
- Umbwe Route: The Umbwe Route is a five-day roundtrip route that starts and ends at the Umbwe Gate. The Umbwe Route is the shortest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, but it is also the most challenging route. The Umbwe Route is not recommended for first-time climbers.
- Shira Route: The Shira Route is a seven-day roundtrip route that starts and ends at the Lemosho Gate. The Shira Route is a more challenging route than the Marangu Route and the Machame Route, but it is still a good option for first-time climbers. The Shira Route offers stunning views of the mountain and its surrounding landscape, and it also passes through a variety of different ecosystems.
- Northern Circuit Route: The Northern Circuit Route is a nine-day roundtrip route that starts and ends at the Londorossi Gate. The Northern Circuit Route is the longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, but it is also the most scenic route. The Northern Circuit Route offers stunning views of the mountain and its surrounding landscape, and it also passes through a variety of different ecosystems.
When choosing a climbing route, it is important to consider your fitness level, experience, and budget. It is also important to book your climb in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
Here are some tips for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro:
- Train for your climb. Mount Kilimanjaro is a challenging mountain to climb, so it is important to train for your climb. You should train for at least three months before your climb.
- Pack the right gear. You will need to pack the right gear for your climb, including warm clothes, rain gear, and hiking boots.
- Hire a guide. It is recommended to hire a guide when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. A guide can help you navigate the mountain, and they can also help you in case of an emergency.
- Be prepared for altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is a common problem for climbers on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness, and to take steps to prevent it.
- Listen to your body. It is important to listen to your body when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. If you are feeling tired, take a break. If you are feeling sick, turn back.
Random experiences
Views of the mountain as seen from Moshi Town
Random experiences
Ice capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation
There are two types of accommodation options available on Mount Kilimanjaro: tents and huts.
Tents
Tents are the most common type of accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro. They are provided by your tour operator and set up by your porters. Tents are typically two-person tents, but there are also some four-person tents available.
Huts
Huts are only available on the Marangu Route. They are basic but comfortable, and they offer a good option for climbers who are looking for a more permanent place to stay. Huts typically have bunk beds, mattresses, and pillows.
The type of accommodation you will have on your climb depends on the route you choose. If you are climbing the Marangu Route, you will stay in huts. If you are climbing any other route, you will stay in tents.
Here are some tips for choosing accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro:
- Consider your budget. Tents are typically less expensive than huts.
- Consider your comfort level. Huts offer more comfort than tents.
- Consider your fitness level. If you are not used to camping, you may want to choose to stay in huts.
- Consider the time of year you are climbing. If you are climbing during the rainy season, you may want to choose to stay in huts.
No matter which type of accommodation you choose, be sure to pack warm clothes, rain gear, and a sleeping bag. You should also bring a headlamp or flashlight, and a water bottle.
First and last days may be spent in Moshi or Arusha towns. Browse accommodation within Kilimanjaro
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Team of Climbers
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