KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK

On a road with Mount Meru in background, Tanzania
Kilimanjaro National Park, located in northeastern Tanzania, is home to Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro.

The park, established in 1977 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts climbers and nature enthusiasts from around the world. 

Here’s a detailed overview:
  • Mount Kilimanjaro: Standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), Kilimanjaro is a dormant strato volcano with three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo is the highest point and the most popular climbing destination.
  • Climate Zones: The park features diverse ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests at the base to alpine deserts and glaciers near the summit. The climate varies significantly with altitude, influencing the flora and fauna.
  • Flora: The park is home to unique plant species, including giant lobelias, groundsel, and various mosses. The lower slopes are covered in lush rainforest, while higher elevations feature heath and moorland.
  • Fauna: Wildlife includes elephants, buffalo, blue monkeys, and various bird species, though most animals are found at lower elevations due to the harsh conditions higher up.
  • Ecosystem Protection: The park is crucial for conserving the unique ecosystems of Mount Kilimanjaro and its surrounding areas. It also plays a role in water catchment for local communities.
  • Climate Change Impact: Kilimanjaro’s glaciers are retreating due to climate change, making the park a focal point for environmental studies and conservation efforts.
  • Mountain Climbing: Kilimanjaro is one of the most accessible high peaks in the world, with several trekking routes (like Machame, Marangu, and Lemosho) catering to different skill levels.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Although most wildlife is at lower altitudes, the park offers opportunities for nature walks and guided tours to explore its unique ecosystems.
  • Climbing Seasons: The best times for climbing are generally January to March and June to October, when the weather is more favorable.
  • Wildlife Viewing: The dry season (June to October) is ideal for spotting animals at lower elevations.

Two elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background

A gaping hippopotamus in a pool of water

Cheetah running on the plain

Zebras drinking water at lake

Herd of wildebeest crossing a river

Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro in tents to see the glaciers

An elephant and a herd of impalas gather at a clean pool of water at sunset to drink and combat the excessive heat of the savannah

Lions walking in the savannah

Portrait of a hippopotamus in a swamp

Silhouette of a man looking into sun

The shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) also known as whalehead or shoe billed stork middle of greenery

A zebra near Kilimanjaro

Uhuru peak sign, Mount Kilimanjaro, the top of Africa, Tanzania

When is the best time to go to Tanzania?

According to the climate, Tanzania can be divided into two parts:
- the interior and its highlands, where the climate is temperate tropical.
- the coast located on the coast of the Indian Ocean, where the climate is equatorial and very humid.
It's very simple for temperatures: the further down you go towards the sea, the hotter it is and the further inland you go, the lower the temperature!

Like other countries of the same latitude, Tanzania has two main seasons, the dry season and the rainy season, which are two distinct seasons.
- the dry season (May-October): As its name suggests, there is no rain, or very little, during this period and the temperatures are the most pleasant with an average of 27°C during the day.
- the rainy period (November-April): The "short rainy period" begins in November, with some localized precipitation that never lasts long and ends around mid-December. The "big rainy season" lasts from March to the end of April, with the latter month being the month with the heaviest rainfall.

It is therefore not recommended to travel to Tanzania at this time, as it could result in intense humidity for several days!

In general, the best times to travel to Tanzania are from June to October in order to avoid precipitation and stifling temperatures. However, this is not the case for travelers who want to climb Kilimanjaro: the nights are cold in July and August while snow falls constantly in January and February. Before leaving, make sure you find out about anti-cold equipment.

What are the reasons to choose a tour with Zanzi Tour and Safari?

Tanzania is a land of contrasts that is home to small treasures hidden in a territory twice the size of France. Its borders, which are the result of an English administrative decision, are not geographically or culturally consistent, which is its strength: understanding all the facets of our country can be difficult for non-specialist travelers. This is where a tour guided by a tourism expert brings a real advantage!

After exploring Tanzania with an expert guide who has in-depth knowledge of his country: the history, the cuisine, the geography, the fauna and flora, and many other elements that your guide will be able to tell you about with passion.

In addition, the accompaniment of a guide also allows you to benefit from special offers from a local and to ensure that you do not fall into scams, which saves you any embarrassment. In Tanzania, your trip takes on a new dimension that will leave you with unforgettable memories!

In addition, it is mandatory to have a government-recognized driver-guide to enter a national park and safaris must be carried out in the presence of a ranger.

Exclusive Offer

Get 10% Off Your First Trip

 Give us this code: WEBZANZI

More Places

JOZANI FOREST

STONE TOWN

SPICIES TOUR

MNEMBA ISLAND TOUR

NAKUPENDA TOUR

SAFARI BLUE

DOLPHIN TOUR

BUTTERFLY CENTER

PRISON ISLAND

SCUBA DIVING EXCURSION

DHOW SUNSET CRUISE

DISCOVERIES AND VISITS

STONE TOWN:
DARAJANI BAZAAR
OLD SLAVE AND ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL
PRINCESS SALME MUSEUM AT EMERSON ON HURUMZI
FORODHANI GARDENS
KUZA CAVE

DAR-ES-SALAAM:
THE LARGEST CITY IN TANZANIA, VERY ATTRACTVE AND LIVELY

DODOMA:
THE CAPITAL OF TANZANIA

ASK US WHATEVER YOUR WISHES ARE, WE WILL TRY TO ANSWER THEM!