Overview
About Kilimanjaro National Park
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain, rising to 5,895 metres at Uhuru Peak. The mountain is a vast volcanic massif formed by the principal volcanic centres of Kibo, Mawenzi and the ancient Shira Plateau, its exceptional elevation creates an extraordinary transition from cultivated lower slopes while climbing routes pass from montane forest and moorland into stark alpine desert and the glacier-fringed summit zone. Kilimanjaro National Park protects much of this remarkable mountain environment and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
Most visitors experience Kilimanjaro on a multi-day guided climb, but Vion Africa Travel offers guided day hikes, forest walks, Shira Plateau experiences, mountain cycling, specialist crater camping and technical climbing on Mawenzi under specific conditions.
Wildlife
Flora in the park includes ancient trees, ferns, and unique plants like giant groundsels. Fauna is diverse, with elephants, buffaloes, leopards, monkeys, tree hyraxes, antelopes, and various bird species inhabiting the lower forests.
Things to Do
Activities
Mountain Climbing
Guided Day Hiking
Nature Walks
Mountain Cycling
Crater Camping
Mawenzi Technical Climbing
Shira Plateau Visits
Birdwatching
Photography
Botanical Exploration
Cultural Experiences
Plan Ahead
Best Time to Visit
Kilimanjaro can be climbed throughout the year, but conditions vary considerably, no season guarantees clear skies or dry trails, so climbers should be prepared for changing mountain weather at any time.
January and February often provide a relatively drier window, while March to May normally brings the long rains and wetter trails.
June through October is generally drier and is a popular climbing period, although high elevations remain cold throughout the year.
November and early December bring the shorter rains, with conditions changing quickly between cloud, rain and clearer periods.
Plan Your Safari
Ready to Explore Kilimanjaro National Park?
Tell us what you would like to experience and we will help create a Safari around your interests, time and travel style.
Good to Know
Travel Tips
Acclimatisation
Choose a route and duration that gives your body enough time to adjust to altitude.
Licensed Operator
Kilimanjaro climbs must be arranged through a licensed mountain operator.
Altitude Symptoms
Report headache, nausea, dizziness, unusual fatigue or breathing problems to your guide immediately.
Mountain Weather
Pack for rain, strong sun, freezing temperatures and rapid weather changes.
Wildlife
Most wildlife is found in the lower forest; Kilimanjaro is primarily a mountain-climbing destination.
Before Travel
Reconfirm route availability, park regulations and current climbing conditions before departure.
Gateway Stay
Allow time before and after the climb in Moshi, Marangu or another suitable base.