Kilimanjaro National Park
MountainFeatured DestinationUNESCO World Heritage

Kilimanjaro National Park

Tanzania 1,688 km² (652 mi²) Est. 1973

About Kilimanjaro National Park

Kilimanjaro National Park protects the highest mountain in Africa and the world's tallest free-standing peak, rising 5,895 metres above the savannah plains of northern Tanzania. Spanning 1,688 square kilometres, the park encompasses five distinct ecological zones — cultivated farmland, montane rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine desert, and the summit's arctic glaciers — that climbers traverse in just a few days, the equivalent of walking from the equator to the poles. The mountain is climbed by tens of thousands of trekkers every year via seven established routes including the Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, and Northern Circuit. Reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the crater rim, is the headline achievement, but the park also protects elephants, buffalo, and rare Abbott's duikers in its lower forest belt. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, Kilimanjaro is one of the most iconic destinations on the continent and a defining bucket-list experience for adventure travellers.

2

Safari Tours

4.1

Avg Rating

53

Years Protected

Highlights

  • The highest peak in Africa and a non-technical summit climb
  • Five distinct ecological zones in a single multi-day trek
  • World-class porter and guide infrastructure
  • Year-round climbing outside the long rains
  • Easily combined with northern circuit safaris or Zanzibar

Considerations

  • Altitude sickness affects a large share of climbers
  • Peak routes can feel crowded in July, August, and January
  • Summit success requires good fitness and acclimatisation
  • Permit and porter fees make it an expensive climb

Wildlife

Big Five Status

🦁

Lion

Not present

🐆

Leopard

Not present

🐘

Elephant

Not present

🦬

Buffalo

Not present

🦏

Rhino

Not present

Best Time to Visit

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season Good Time Less Ideal

Climate Overview

Getting There

Most climbers fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), then transfer 45 to 90 minutes by road to Moshi, Arusha, or one of the gate towns. Marangu and Machame gates are the busiest entry points; Lemosho, Rongai, and Londorossi gates serve longer routes around the mountain.

Nearest Airport

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Nearest City

Moshi

Drive Time

1 hour

Kilimanjaro National Park

2 tours available