Tanzania Kilimanjaro Region

Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro is the roof of Africa — a snow-capped volcanic massif rising 5,895 metres above sea level, making it the tallest free-standing mountain on Earth and Africa's highest point.

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Destination Guide

About Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro is the roof of Africa — a snow-capped volcanic massif rising 5,895 metres above sea level, making it the tallest free-standing mountain on Earth and Africa's highest point. Kilimanjaro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects this awe-inspiring mountain and its five distinct climatic zones: from cultivated farmland and lush montane rainforest teeming with blue monkeys and colobus at the base, through giant heather moorland and surreal alpine desert, to the frozen summit glaciers of Uhuru Peak. Climbing Kilimanjaro is one of the world's great adventures — no technical mountaineering skills are required, yet the challenge of reaching the summit through perseverance, acclimatisation, and sheer determination makes standing on the "Roof of Africa" at sunrise one of life's most triumphant moments.

Over 35,000 trekkers attempt the summit each year via seven established routes, each offering a unique experience. The Machame Route ("Whiskey Route") is the most popular for its stunning scenery and high success rates. The Marangu Route ("Coca-Cola Route") is the only route with hut accommodation. The Lemosho Route is regarded as the most scenic and offers the best acclimatisation profile. Beyond summit attempts, the lower slopes offer extraordinary day hikes through rainforest, waterfall visits, and cultural experiences with the Chagga people — the indigenous farming community who have lived on Kilimanjaro's fertile slopes for centuries. With C.A.T.S Safaris, your Kilimanjaro climb includes experienced guides, quality camping equipment, a full support team of porters and cooks, and seamless logistics — so you can focus entirely on the adventure of a lifetime.

Why Visit Kilimanjaro National Park?

Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that belongs on every adventurer's bucket list. Unlike the world's other tallest peaks, Kilimanjaro requires no technical climbing equipment, ropes, or prior mountaineering experience — just fitness, determination, and proper acclimatisation. The journey through five distinct ecological zones in a single trek is extraordinary: one day you are walking through dripping rainforest alive with birdsong and monkeys; the next you are crossing a surreal lunar landscape of volcanic ash; and finally, you are crunching across glaciers as the African sunrise paints the sky. The summit success rate averages 65-85% depending on the route and duration, with longer itineraries (7-8 days) offering significantly better acclimatisation and success rates. For families or those not attempting the summit, the lower montane forest zone offers spectacular day hikes, and the Chagga cultural experience provides fascinating insight into the lives of the people who call Kilimanjaro home. Combining a Kilimanjaro climb with a Serengeti or Ngorongoro safari creates the ultimate Tanzania adventure — ascending Africa's highest peak before descending to witness its greatest wildlife.

Summit Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa and the world's tallest free-standing mountain

Trek through five distinct climatic zones from tropical rainforest to arctic glaciers

Watch the sunrise from the summit — one of the most breathtaking views on the planet

Choose from seven unique routes including Machame, Lemosho, and Marangu

Experience the surreal alpine desert and volcanic formations of the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi

Discover the Chagga people's culture, coffee farms, and underground caves on lower slope tours

See Kilimanjaro's retreating glaciers — a poignant reminder of climate change's impact

Spot colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and exotic birds in the montane rainforest zone

Combine your climb with a world-class safari in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro

🦁 Wildlife Guide

Animals of Kilimanjaro National Park

Black-and-White Colobus Monkey

High

These striking primates with flowing white tail tufts are commonly seen in the montane forest zone between 1,800-3,000 metres.

Blue Monkey

High

Troops of blue monkeys inhabit the lower rainforest zone and are regularly encountered on the first day of trekking.

Kilimanjaro Tree Hyrax

Moderate

These small, nocturnal mammals produce eerie screaming calls at night in the forest zone. Hearing them is common; seeing them is a treat.

Hartlaub's Turaco

Moderate

A stunning green-and-red forest bird endemic to East African mountains, frequently spotted in the canopy of the rainforest zone.

White-Necked Raven

Very High

These intelligent corvids are the most conspicuous birds above the treeline, often seen soaring around camps and the summit zone.

Eland

Rare

Africa's largest antelope occasionally ventures onto the moorland zone. Sightings are uncommon but memorable.

Bushbuck

Moderate

Shy forest antelopes inhabit the rainforest zone and are sometimes seen near trails in the early morning.

Silvery-Cheeked Hornbill

High

Large, striking hornbills with booming calls are a highlight of the rainforest zone on lower routes.

🎯 Activities & Experiences

Things To Do at Kilimanjaro National Park

Adventure

Summit Uhuru Peak

Stand on the highest point in Africa at 5,895 metres as the sunrise illuminates the glaciers and the vast African plains stretch below you to the horizon.

Culture

Chagga Cultural Experience

Visit traditional Chagga homesteads, explore the fascinating underground tunnel systems, learn about local farming, and taste traditional Chagga cuisine and mbege (banana beer).

Culture

Coffee Farm Tour

Join Chagga farmers for a hands-on experience picking, processing, and roasting Kilimanjaro's famous Arabica coffee on the fertile volcanic slopes.

Adventure

Materuni Waterfall Hike

Trek through coffee and banana plantations to the spectacular 80-metre Materuni Falls, one of Kilimanjaro's most beautiful cascades.

Nature

Rainforest Nature Walk

Explore Kilimanjaro's montane rainforest zone on guided day walks, spotting colobus monkeys, exotic birds, and ancient trees draped in moss.

Culture

Marangu Town & Markets

Visit the bustling Marangu town and local markets, sample fresh tropical fruits, and explore the Chagga museum showcasing traditional life.

Leisure

Hot Springs at Chemka

Swim in the crystal-clear, naturally heated Chemka (Kikuletwa) Hot Springs surrounded by fig trees — a perfect post-climb relaxation spot.

📅 When To Visit

Best Time to Visit Kilimanjaro National Park

Peak Climbing Season

Excellent

January – March

Warmer temperatures and generally clear skies. Popular period with good summit success rates. Can have some afternoon cloud build-up.

Prime Dry Season

Excellent

June – October

The driest months with the best visibility and clear summit views. July-August can be cold, but conditions are excellent. Peak season.

Shoulder Season

Fair

November – December

Short rains may affect lower zones but higher altitudes are often clear. Fewer climbers on the mountain.

Long Rains

Fair

April – May

Heaviest rainfall makes the forest zone wet and trails slippery. Lower success rates and limited visibility. Fewest climbers and lowest prices.

✈️ Getting There

How to Reach Kilimanjaro National Park

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Direct international flights from Europe, the Middle East, and regional hubs. The airport is approximately 40 km from Moshi town, the main base for climbs.

Road from Arusha

About 80 km (1.5 hours) from Arusha to Moshi. Route gates are 30-60 minutes from Moshi depending on the chosen climbing route.

Road from Dar es Salaam

Approximately 560 km (8-9 hours) by road, or 1-hour domestic flight to JRO or Arusha airport.

C.A.T.S Safari Transfer

All C.A.T.S climbing packages include airport transfers, transport to route gates, and post-climb accommodation. Combine with safari transfers for seamless logistics.