Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain, located in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. It also holds the record as the world’s highest free-standing mountain, rising 5,895 meters above sea level.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park lies on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and is among the most visited national parks in Tanzania. It attracts more than 50,000 visitors each year and provides employment for many guides, porters, and park staff.
The park is home to many wildlife species, including elephants, blue monkeys, leopards, tree hyrax, grey duikers, Cape buffalos, servals, hyenas, olive baboons, Jackson’s chameleon, warthogs, bushbucks, dik-diks, forest duikers, elands, zebras, honey badgers, mongooses, and others.
Mount Kilimanjaro Peaks
Mount Kilimanjaro has three main volcanic peaks: Kibo Peak, Mawenzi Peak, and Shira Peak. The mountain and its surrounding areas form part of Kilimanjaro National Park, which was established in 1973.
The park includes the mountain’s entire area above the tree line and six forest corridors. In 2005, the World Heritage Committee recommended the park’s extension to include more montane forest areas.
The exact origin of the name “Kilimanjaro” is unclear. Some believe that “Kilima” means mountain in Swahili and “Njaro” means greatness or caravans. Each local tribe around the mountain has its own name for it, but the most common name, both locally and internationally, remains Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes
There are several routes used to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, each offering unique views and levels of difficulty:
- Lemosho Route: Passes through various climatic zones to Uhuru Peak. The climb takes about 6–8 days.
- Machame Route: Also called the Whisky Route, it’s one of the most popular and takes around 6 days. It is best for experienced climbers.
- Kilema Route: The only route open to mountain bikers ascending Kilimanjaro.
- Mweka Route: Used only for descending from all other routes except Marangu. It is steep and direct, allowing descent in one day.
- Rongai Route: The only route approaching Kilimanjaro from the Kenyan side.
- Western Route: A demanding route that requires technical climbing experience.
- Shira Route: Takes 6–9 days and covers about 46 kilometers.
- Marangu Route: Known as the Coca-Cola Route, it is the most popular and easiest path to Kibo and Mawenzi summits, taking 5–6 days.
Historical Background
Mount Kilimanjaro remained unknown to the outside world for centuries. Ancient geographer Ptolemy mentioned a “moon mountain” and a “spring lake of the Nile,” which may have referred to it. Later, in 1519, Martin Fernandez de Enciso mentioned the “mountains of the moon.”
The first Europeans to attempt climbing Kilimanjaro were Johann Krapf and Johannes Rebmann in 1848. Several expeditions followed:
- Karl Klaus von der Decken and Richard Thornton attempted in 1861, reaching only 2,500 meters due to bad weather. Von der Decken tried again in 1862, climbing to 4,300 meters.
- Charles New reached the equatorial snow line in 1871.
- Ludwig von Höhnel and Count Samuel Teleki climbed in 1887; Teleki reached the snow line at 5,300 meters.
- Hans Meyer, a German geology professor, reached the ice cap on Kibo in 1887 but turned back for lack of proper gear.
- Otto Ehrenfried Ehlers and Abbot, an American naturalist, attempted in 1888. Otto claimed to have reached the summit, but later faced criticism.
- In 1889, Meyer returned with Ludwig Purtscheller and Mwini Amani of Pangani. They reached the Kibo crater rim and became the first climbers to confirm the crater’s existence.
- In 1912, Fritz Kluz and Eduard Hans climbed the Mawenzi summit and named it Hans Meyer Peak.
During the 100th anniversary of Meyer’s climb in 1989, Yohani Kinyala Lauwo—believed to have accompanied the first European team—was honored. He recalled climbing the mountain three times before World War I, each time without shoes.
Remarkable Climbs & Climbers
Mount Kilimanjaro has seen many remarkable climbs:
- Hari Budha and Justin Oliver, both knee amputees, reached the summit in 2020.
- Bernard Goosen from South Africa climbed in a wheelchair.
- Runners such as Fernanda Maciel and Karl Egloff have completed climbs and descents within hours.
- Ann Lorimor, at 89 years, became the oldest person to reach the summit, followed by Fred Dishelhorst, aged 88.
Climate & Vegetation
Mount Kilimanjaro experiences two rainy seasons each year. The southern slopes receive more rainfall than the northern ones.
Vegetation zones on the mountain include savannah grasslands, acacia woodlands, montane forests, hagenia, abyssiniaca trees, and tussock grasslands.
Birding in Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is also a great destination for birdwatching, with 22 globally threatened bird species recorded. Bird lovers can see a wide range of birds, including:
common ostrich, white-faced whistling duck, Madagascar pond heron, black-headed heron, hamerkop, great white pelican, saddle-billed stork, yellow-billed stork, purple-crested turaco, black-bellied bustard, African finfoot, red-chested flufftail, red-knobbed coot, African crake, African rail, African emerald cuckoo, barred long-tailed cuckoo, Mozambique nightjar, yellow-throated sandgrouse, emerald-spotted wood dove, dusky turtle dove, Shelley’s francolin, common quail, African black duck, lemon dove, and African olive pigeon, among others.
Mount Meru – Acclimatize Before Climbing Kilimanjaro
Mount Meru, located in Arusha National Park, is about 70 kilometers from Mount Kilimanjaro. It is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain and is often used by travelers to acclimatize before climbing Kilimanjaro.
Standing at 4,562 meters, Mount Meru was once believed to be taller before part of it collapsed around 7,800 years ago. It last erupted in 1910.
On clear days, Mount Meru offers spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The mountain’s slopes are filled with wildlife and over 400 species of birds.
Unlike the sometimes crowded Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru provides a quieter and more peaceful climbing experience. The climb usually takes 3 to 4 days, compared to 6 to 9 days on Kilimanjaro.
Visitors to Mount Meru can also explore Arusha National Park, enjoying activities such as wildlife watching, canoeing on the Momella Lakes, birding, nature-guided walks, picnicking, and boat cruises.
What to Carry for Your Kilimanjaro Trek
Travelers planning to climb or hike Mount Kilimanjaro should carry essential items such as:
waterproof hiking boots, waterproof jackets, long-sleeved clothes, umbrellas, insect repellent, sunglasses, hats, socks, backpacks, energy-giving snacks, and plenty of drinking water.
If you have a lot of luggage, you can hire porters to help carry your belongings—this is both affordable and convenient.
Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro can be visited throughout the year, but the best time for mountain climbing and hiking is during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February.
During these months, the trails are not muddy or slippery, making hiking easier and safer. The dry season also provides clear skies, allowing excellent views from the summit. Wildlife and birds are easier to spot because the vegetation is less dense.
Where to Stay
There are several accommodation and camping options for travelers visiting Mount Kilimanjaro. Choices range from budget to mid-range and luxury lodges.
Some of the popular places to stay include: Natron Palace Hotel, Hotel Aquiline, Arusha Planet Lodge, Millie Lodge Machame, Babylon Lodge, Kilemakyaro Mount Lodge, Karanga River Lodge, and Park View Inn Hotel.
