Kilimanjaro National Park
How to get to Kilimanjaro
Arusha and Moshi are the closest cities for local flights.
But many international airlines fly directly into Kilimanjaro International Airport daily. They include KLM, Condor Air, Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airlines, RwandAir, Precision Air, and Ethiopian Airlines.
You can also fly there from Nairobi, Kenya.
When to Visit Kilimanjaro National Park
Between July and October, vegetation is sparse. Animals become easy to find. Most camps are close to waterholes where the animals come to drink.
There are also fewer mosquitoes.
Accommodation in Kilimanjaro National Park
- Shu’mata Camp
- Ndarakwai Ranch
- Kambi ya Tembo
- Fountain Mountain Resort
- Kahawa Shambani Campsite
- Kaliwa Lodge
- KIA Lodge
- Kilemakyaro Mountain Lodge
- Kilimanjaro Halisi Retreat
- Lake Chala Safari Lodge
- Marangu Hotel
- Myombo Lodge
- Marangu Shine Star Hotel
- Nakara Hotel
- Pentagon Cottages
What to wear in Kilimanjaro
You will need multiple layers of clothing to go hiking up Mt. Kilimanjaro. At least three layers will keep you comfortable.
Start with a close-fitting shirt to pull moisture from your skin. Wear another base layer item of clothing for your bottom.
The next layer prevents your body heat from escaping. A fleece jacket will do quite nicely. A blend of polyester and spandex can also work.
The outer layer keeps the elements at bay. Low temperatures, rain, and chilly winds can make you so cold. The outer layer is a waterproof rain jacket and waterproof pants. Together they make sure that you do not get cold or wet.
Gaiters will keep your boots dry. A waterproof backpack will protect your gear and supplies. Carry a hat, a balaclava, and a beanie for your head.
Warm, waterproof gloves will protect your hands. Hiking boots should be waterproof. Warm socks will keep your feet warm and dry. Change them often to keep your feet dry.
Kilimanjaro National Park Attractions
- The highlight of Kilimanjaro National Park is the mountain. Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the uppermost peak in Africa. You will have a guide with you for your safety. It takes 4-7 days, depending on how far you are climbing and your speed.
- Hiking on Mt. Kilimanjaro will take you through a rainforest. Get closer to the butterflies, birds, insects, endangered colobus monkeys, and olive baboons.
- Shira plateau is a 500,000-year-old Caldera with an incredible array of flora and fauna.
- Visit Chala Crater Lake. This stunning mountain lake might be midnight blue, emerald, or turquoise blue. Chala lake hosts the Chala tilapia. Chala tilapia does not exist anywhere else. Do not go swimming alone because it does not have lifeguards.
- Get to know the Maasai of Olpopongi. See the Maasai kraals. Taste authentic Maasai food. Learn about Maasai culture.
- Kilimanjaro National Park has several idyllic picnic sites.
- Go cycling in Mt. Kilimanjaro along the Kilema trail. Experienced cyclists will love it.
- Game drives on the lower parts of the mountain will expose you to large mammals like cape buffaloes and elephants.
- Kilimanjaro is great for bird watchers to see forest birds.
