Kilimanjaro National Park Facts
By the Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris team
Our Arusha-based guides and safari planners know Kilimanjaro National Park first-hand, and write this guide from experience on the ground.
Kilimanjaro National Park protects Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain and the world's tallest free-standing mountain, in north-eastern Tanzania near Moshi. Its summit, Uhuru Peak on the Kibo cone, rises to 5,895 meters. The mountain is formed by three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira, and climbers pass through five distinct climate zones, from cultivated foothills and rainforest to alpine desert and arctic summit. Established as a national park in 1973 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it is managed by Tanzania National Parks.
Kilimanjaro National Park: Key Facts
Twelve essential facts to know before your private safari.
Roof of Africa
Uhuru Peak on Kibo reaches 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa.
Free-Standing Giant
The world's tallest free-standing mountain, rising alone above the surrounding plains.
Three Volcanic Cones
Kilimanjaro is formed by Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira; Kibo is dormant, while Mawenzi and Shira are extinct.
Established 1973
Became a national park in 1973 and is managed by Tanzania National Parks.
UNESCO Since 1987
Listed as a World Heritage Site for its natural beauty and mountain ecosystems.
Five Climate Zones
Cultivated slopes, rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and the arctic summit zone.
Rainforest Belt
Montane forest on the lower slopes shelters colobus and blue monkeys and feeds the mountain's streams.
Giant Plants
Giant groundsels and lobelias give the moorland zone its otherworldly look.
Retreating Glaciers
Summit glaciers and ice fields have shrunk markedly over the past century.
First Ascent 1889
Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller reached the summit with local guide Yohani Lauwo.
Two Best Seasons
The drier months of January to early March and June to October suit most climbs.
Chagga Heartland
Chagga communities farm coffee and bananas on the fertile southern and eastern lower slopes.
Kilimanjaro Safari Packages with Transfers Included
Private Kilimanjaro climbing packages on every main route, each tailored for you with expert mountain guides by Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris.
6-Day Machame Route
Six days on the scenic Machame route, the classic choice for fit trekkers.
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7-Day Machame Route
Seven days on Machame with an extra day to acclimatize before the summit.
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7-Day Lemosho Route: The Most Beautiful Route on Mount Kilimanjaro
Seven days from the remote western Lemosho forest across the Shira Plateau.
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8-Day Lemosho Route
Eight unhurried days on Lemosho for the best acclimatization and summit chances.
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5-Day Marangu Route
Five days on Marangu, the hut route with dormitory-style mountain huts.
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6-Day Marangu Route
Six days on Marangu with an acclimatization day at Horombo Huts.
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7-Day Rongai Route
Seven days from the quieter northern side, ideal in the rainy months.
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6-Day Umbwe Route
Six days on Umbwe, the steepest and most direct route for experienced hikers.
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6-Day Lemosho Route
Six days on Lemosho for strong hikers who want the western wilderness approach.
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7-Day Umbwe Route
Seven days on Umbwe with an extra acclimatization day on the southern circuit.
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7-Day Shira route on Kilimanjaro
Seven days starting high on the Shira Plateau with sweeping western views.
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11-Day Northern Circuit: The Ultimate Extended Kilimanjaro Trek
Eleven days circling the mountain on Kilimanjaro's longest, quietest route.
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Luxury Kilimanjaro Climb Via Machame Routes
Machame with upgraded camping, private toilet tents and premium meals.
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Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari Packages
Combine your Kilimanjaro climb with a private northern Tanzania safari.
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Kilimanjaro Day Hikes
Guided day hikes into Kilimanjaro National Park for a taste of the mountain.
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Machame Day Trip
A guided day trip on the Machame trail through the lush rainforest zone.
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Kilimanjaro National Park Facts: Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro reaches 5,895 meters, or about 19,341 feet, at Uhuru Peak on the crater rim of Kibo, its highest volcanic cone. That makes it the highest mountain in Africa and one of the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each continent. It is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising dramatically from the surrounding plains. Reaching the summit requires no technical climbing skills, but the altitude is serious, so a well-paced private route with experienced guides makes a real difference.
What are the climate zones on Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro has five main climate zones stacked one above the other. The lower slopes are cultivated farmland, followed by a lush montane rainforest belt home to monkeys and birds. Above the forest lies heath and moorland with giant groundsels and lobelias, then a dry alpine desert with sparse vegetation and big temperature swings. The summit zone is arctic, with glaciers, ice cliffs and freezing nights. Climbing through all five zones in a few days is one of the most memorable parts of the trek.
When was Kilimanjaro National Park established?
Kilimanjaro National Park was established in 1973 and opened to visitors a few years later. In 1987 it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding natural beauty and unique mountain ecosystems. The park is managed by Tanzania National Parks, often referred to locally as KINAPA for this park, which oversees routes, campsites, huts, ranger posts and rescue services. The first recorded ascent to the summit was in 1889 by Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller, with local guide Yohani Lauwo.
What animals live in Kilimanjaro National Park?
Most wildlife in Kilimanjaro National Park lives in the montane rainforest belt, where hikers often see black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and many forest birds. Larger mammals such as elephants, buffalo and antelope inhabit parts of the forest but are rarely seen on the main climbing routes. Higher up, white-necked ravens and small birds follow trekkers through the moorland. The real highlight above the forest is the unusual plant life, including giant groundsels and lobelias that grow nowhere else in this form.
Do you need to be an experienced climber for Kilimanjaro?
No, you do not need technical climbing experience for Kilimanjaro, because the main routes are trekking routes without ropes or ice axes. Good general fitness, steady hiking practice and a positive attitude matter much more. The main challenge is altitude, so choosing a longer route with time to acclimatize improves your chances of reaching the summit safely. Consult a travel-health professional before you go. On a private Foot Slopes climb, your guides set a gentle pace and monitor your well-being every day.
Plan Further: Kilimanjaro National Park Guides & Resources
Explore Kilimanjaro National Park
- Kilimanjaro National Park Overview
- Kilimanjaro National Park Map
- Kilimanjaro National Park Wildlife
- Kilimanjaro National Park Birds
- Best Time to visit Kilimanjaro National Park
- Kilimanjaro National Park Weather & Climate
- How to get to Kilimanjaro National Park
- Kilimanjaro National Park Fees
- Kilimanjaro National Park Malaria & Safety
- Kilimanjaro National Park Photos
- Kilimanjaro National Park Reviews
- Kilimanjaro National Park Safari Tours
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