Kilimanjaro national park

Welcome to Kilimanjaro national park! You are now at the foot of the highest mountain in Africa, Snow caped and World’s highest free-standing Volcano; the Kilimanjaro climbing to the top roof which is far up into the sky it is a memorable lifetime experience that no one can forget.

Mount Kilimanjaro national park was established in 1973, official opened in 1977 and declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1987 and natural wonder of Africa in 2013. Its size is 1688 km2. One among of the world’s heritage site to be found in the worlds. Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world’s and found in the Equatorial regions and tropical zone, which having snow thought of the year. Kilimanjaro is surrounded by dense forest so as to get higher Moorlands and main peak (Uhuru peak 5,895M) Although Mount Everest is the combination of several peaks which makes Everest to be highest Mountain in the world. Kilimanjaro is composed of three volcanic peaks those are, – First Kibo peak which extend up to 5,895 M above the sea level.

Kibo is the highest volcano peak of all three peaks and it is worn Uhuru point is.

Second, Mawenzi peak found east part of the mount extend up to 5,149 M above the sea level and it is used to be a technical mount to hiking,

Third, Shira peak plateau the oldest peak which collapse and formed Plateau peak extend to 3,962 M above the sea level. Mount Kilimanjaro has different cultivations zone. Cultivation zone characterized with plantation of crops and human agriculture activities.

There are four/ five eco-climatic zones take you to the equivalent of a trip from the equator to the arctic in a brief tour. As one climb Kilimanjaro, vegetation and weather changes in response to the changing elevation from montane forest, heath and Moorland, Alpine desert and the Summit zone (Arctic). The mountain peak is covered by snow all year – around.

The Montane Forest (Evergreen) zone, A layer of the forest zone different flora and fauna species such as Lichens and other highly prolific form in the montane forest include butterfly, Senecio, Red hot poker, Hagenia abyssinica, Impatiens Kilimanjari which is Endemic plants in Kilimanjaro.

Tropical region zone / Rainfall forest characterized

• Hot and Wet
• Rainfall 500-1500 MM
• Temperature 32 C
• Preferable by animals like Elephant, Buffalo, Duiker, Suni, Bushbuck.

Heather and Moorland zone

• 400 M above sea level plants species found are Mariscus kerstenii, Red hot poker, Kniphofia thomsonii, Erica excelsa, Erica arborea, Protea kilimandscharica, Helichrysum, Philippia trimeria, Adenocarpus, Giant tree groundsel (Senecio kilimanjarii) Senecio johnstonii cottonii, Lobelia denkenii.

Alpine desert zone

In Alpine desert zone there are species of mice found known as the (four striped mice) the four striped mice it is adapted to lives in the desert due to some characteristics make to stay on that layer. First is fat layer of their skin , diurnal active in afternoon hours but not evening and the last is the way you go deeper the hotter is comes out.

Desert (Summit point) zone

Here there is no life exist of any living organism / diversity existing on the altitude of (4,700 – 5,895 M) . Mount Kilimanjaro has popular routes to trekking up to the top Six route makes you success to Uhuru those are: –

1. Machame route (Whisky route)
2. Marangu route (Coca cola route)
3. Lemosho/ Shira / Londorossi route
4. Rongai route
5. Umbwe route
6. Mweka route (descending).

Machame, Marangu, Rongai, Umbwe and Lemosho all of this route is the only for Ascent but Marangu are including both.

Mweka route is the only for descending down and for resupply Mount. Mount Kilimanjaro the most iconic unique of Kilimanjaro is to found in a Tropical region which very close to the Equator region and possess glaciers and lastly Is the free highest outstanding mountain in the world.

The background of the words Kilimanjaro are known as Kilima comes from word Mlima (Mount) while njaro comes from a word used on the coast demon causing cold.  Mt Kilimanjaro have four major zone mainly based on the cooling of the climate with increasing altitude. 

Montane Forest, A wide band of exceptionally beautiful montane forest encircles the whole of Kilimanjaro from about 1800 – 2800m. The Forest zone is worth a visit even if you are not climbing to the peaks. The present nature trails in particular take you through this forest belt. This belt supports several plant species, including endemic plants like Impatiens Kilimanjaro.

• Montane forest (1900-2900 M)
• Dense, lush forest
• Temperature during day hours 18-24C, night hours 5-10C
• Rainfall on the southern slopes up to 2000 MM
• Heath and Moorland (2900-4000 M)

Mostly low growing bushy plants and tussock grass

• Temperature by day 10-18C, mostly frosty by rainfall (500-1300 MM) year.
• Alpine desert (4000-5000 M)
• Sparse, low – growing vegetation or barren ground
• Temperature by day 4-10C, frost every night.
• Rainfall around 250 MM every year precipitation in the form of both rain and snow.

Summit zone / Desert (5000-5895 M)

• Lava desert, pitches of glacier to be found at the highest altitude
• Maximum temperature slightly over 0C by day, freezing cold at night
• Rainfall negligible, precipitation only in the form of snow.

The park can be accessed by road or flight via Kilimanjaro international airport- about 45km to the west. The Park Headquarters and one of the ascending gates are at Marangu, about 41km from Moshi town and 86km from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The other seven gates of Rongai, Machame, Londorossi, Lemosho, Kilema, Mweka, and Umbwe are located around the mountain base and can be reached by road.

Kilimanjaro Climate conditions, are two rainy seasons in a year mainly influenced by the prevailing trade winds. The Short rainy period is from October to November and the wet season is from March to May during which it rains around the mountain base and snow accumulates on its peak. The dry season is from late June to September and from December to early March during which the nights are cool and the days completely clear and this provides good climbing conditions.

Attractions the Kilimanjaro national park is endowed with a diverse variety of attractions ranging from terrestrial wilderness to permanent glaciers on the mountain peaks.

The three peaks Kibo, the highest peak (5,895m) is covered by snow throughout the year though located near the equator and to many climbers, conquering this peak is an adventure of their lifetime. Mawenzi (5,149m) is rugged and opened for technical climb. Shira (3,962m) is the oldest peak that collapsed and forms a Shira plateau with outstanding scenic beauty on the mountain with several kinds of migratory large mammals such as Buffaloes, Elephants and especially elands.

Kilimanjaro national park have a cultural site which is known as Kifinika Cultural Site.

This is a site along Marangu route that is sacred by the local Chagga people. Historically, the site was used for cultural rituals.

Maundi Crater, located just 15 minutes’ walk past Mandara huts on the Marangu route the crater provides a  panoramic view of Lakes Chala, Jipe and Nyumba ya Mungu, all of which derive their waters from the Majestic Kilimanjaro.

The Lake Chala, Lake Chala is located about 30 minutes’ drive from Himo town. Although situated outside the park, the lake is an important geological link to the park as this deep fresh water lake can be visited prior to, or after climbing the mountain.

Lauwo waterfall, located along Marangu route 2.8 kms provides a spectacular experience while enjoying walking inside the thick montane forest.

Major tourism activities in the national park,

Climbing to the Summit of Kilimanjaro, climbing to Kibo peak takes 5 – 9 days depending on the route. Seven mountain trails can take a climber to the mountain peak each route offering different attractions and challenges.

Mountain Cycling, on two wheels a tourist can cycle to the roof of Africa. There are two routes which are used for cycling, one for summit bound visitors (Kilema route) and second one for non-summit visitors (Shira route).

Paragliding, Tourists can fly from the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and tourists may use parachutes or wingsuits while undertaking this activity.

Mawenzi Climbing, Mawenzi is the second highest peak on Mount Kilimanjaro. Technical climbers can hike the present seven sub-peaks enjoying the view of cliffs, complex of gullies and rock faces.

Non Summit tourism activities includes, Visit to the water falls, walking on nature trails, visiting Maundi Crater and Cultural sites such as Kifinika ( in the park ) and Cultural camps in the villages around.

Kilimanjaro national park provides some tourism facilities inside the park,

The Park provides accommodation for Mountain climbers using Marangu route at Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo mountain huts. On the wilderness routes of Rongai, Mweka, Umbwe, Machame, Lemosho and Londorossi, there are designated camping sites with toilet facilities. Also rescue services for the sick and injured including first aid and Radio communications are available in all mountain stations.

Trail Network, the network of nature trails offers a spectacular scenic beauty of the vegetation zones. Each trail represents distinct flora and fauna with a view of the mountain peaks, geological features and the physical challenge to climb differs significantly between the trails.

Welcome to Climb Mountain Kilimanjaro, visit the park and experience the real side of an African culture where locals can share their traditions and cultural values, where you can contribute by improving their livelihood in this ever changing world.

Discover uniqueness, travel and explore with us!

Nyamera Safaris: Mount Kilimanjaro preparations checklist.

You are responsible for bringing your personal gear and equipment while Communal equipment.

(Tents, Meal, cooking’s, camping items such mess, more….) is provided, below is a gear list of required, recommended and optional to bring on your adventure climb: 

1 – waterproof jacket, breathable with hood.

1 – Insulated jacket, synthetic or down.

1 – Soft jacket, fleece or soft – shell.

2 – Long sleeve shirt, light – weight, moisture wicking fabric.

1 – Short sleeve shirt, light – weight, moisture

wicking fabric.

Waterproof pants, breathable (Side – zipper recommended).

2 – Hiking pants (convertible) to shorts recommended).

1 – Fleece pants.

1 – Short (Optical).

1 – Long underwear (moisture – wicking fabric recommended).

3 – Underwear, briefs (Moisture – wicking fabric recommended).

2 – Sport Bra (women).

HEAD WEAR LIST:

1 – Brimmed hat, for sun protection.

1 – Knit hat, for warmth.

1 – Balaclava, for face coverage (optional).

1 – Bandana (optional).

HAND WEAR

1 – Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended).

1 – Glove liner, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth (optional).

FOOT WEAR

1 – Hiking boots, warm, waterproof, broken in, with spare laces.

1 – Gym shoes, to wear down at camp (optional).

3 – Socks, thick, wool or synthetic.

3 – Socks liner, tight, thin, synthetic worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional).

1 – Gaiters, waterproof (optional).

ACCESSORIES LIST:

1 – Sunglasses or goggles.

1 – Backpack cover, waterproof (optical).

1 – Poncho, during rainy season (optical).

1 – Water Bottle (Nalgene recommended).

1 – Towel, light weight, quickly – dry (optional).

1 – Pee bottle, to avoid leaving tent during at night (recommended).

EQUIPMENTS LIST:

1 – Sleeping bag, warm, four seasons.

1 – Sleeping bag liner, for added warmth (optional).

1 – Trekking poles (recommended).

1 – Head lamp, with extra batteries.

1 – Duffel bag, (waterproof recommended).

for porters to carry your equipments.

1 – Daypack for you to carry your personal gear.

OTHERS LIST:

• Toiletries.
• Prescriptions.
• Sunscreen.
• Lip balm.
• Insect repellent, containing DEET.
• First aid kit.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Toilet paper.
• Wet wipes (recommended).
• Snacks, light – weight, high calorie high energy (optional).

PACKAGE INCLUDED IN PRICE:

• Private transport from the Airport to the Hotel.
• 2 nights of accommodation at Panama hotel, Park views inn or Kilimanjaro wonders hotel in Moshi.
• Park entry fees.
• Camping fees.
• Rescue fees.
• 18% VAT on tour fees and services.
• 4 Season mountain tents.
• Double layered sleeping Mats.
• Friendly and professional Mountain guides, cook, and porters.
• 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain.
• Enough treated and filtered drinking water throughout the trekking’s.
• Salaries for crew. (Guides, Cooker, and porters).
• Government taxes.
• Portable oxygen tanks and Ox meter.
• Emergency first aid kit.

PACKAGE NOT INCLUDED:

• Lunches, dinners and drinks at your first day before and after done Climb in the hotel.
• Travel insurance.
• Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent, Is available for extra charges $ 70 the entire trek.
• Flights.
• Laundry (Available at the hotel).
• Personal items and toiletries staff.
• Tips for guides, cooker, porters. (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain).

*Tipping on Kilimanjaro from the trekking group (Not per climber).

• Guides $ 20/ day
• Cook $ 15/ day
• Porter $ 10/ day.

But we aren’t limit you to give more extra tips for them, because it’s little bit hard experience adventure in a lifetime.