Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Why visit Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park protects the upper slopes and summit of Africa's highest mountain. At 5,895 metres, Uhuru Peak on the Kibo crater rim is also the highest point in the world that can be reached on foot without technical climbing. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mountain rises from farmland through rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and finally an arctic summit zone with glaciers and ice cliffs.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a journey through these climate zones. The lower rainforest is home to black-and-white colobus and blue monkeys and many birds; the moorland is dotted with giant groundsels and lobelias; and from the high camps the views stretch over the clouds to Mount Meru and the plains. The main routes each have their own character: Marangu is the only route with huts; Machame is scenic and popular; Lemosho and the Northern Circuit start in the remote west and give the best acclimatisation; Rongai approaches from the drier north; and Umbwe is the steepest and most direct.

When to go and how to prepare

The best climbing conditions are in the drier months from late June to October and from late December to early March. The long rains of April and May make the trails wet and muddy. More important than the month is the number of days on the mountain: longer routes allow your body to acclimatise and noticeably improve the chance of reaching the summit.

Most climbs start from Moshi, about an hour from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Many travellers add a cultural day in Materuni, a rest day in Arusha or a safari after the climb. Compare our Kilimanjaro trekking routes.