Kilimanjaro National Park

Located approximately 300 kilometers (190 miles) south of the equator in Kilimanjaro region, the Park is one Tanzania’s most remarkable national parks which are often visited throughout the year.

The Park lies near the city of Moshi and it includes the whole of Mountain Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, thus the entire Park covers an area of 1,688 square kilometers and it is managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA).

The Park is one of Tanzania’s major sources of income, with the main attraction being Mountain Kilimanjaro.

Hiking of Mountain Kilimanjaro

The glamorous snowcapped Mountain Kilimanjaro is higher than any other mountain existing on the African continent and thus attracting a humongous number of tourists, basically hikers – Kilimanjaro National Park is only next to Serengeti National Park to receive more visitors than any other Tanzania’s national park.

Hiking Mountain Kilimanjaro is realistically very challenging but amazing. However for a guaranteed successful hike of this legendary mountain you are highly advised to hire porters during a hike, of which porters are typically local energetic youths who will assist you in carrying your luggage to unburden you as you are hiking.

Above it all, you should be mentally and physically prepared in order to have an exultant and memorable hiking to the summits of Mountain Kilimanjaro.

Worried of the additional charges to pay the porters?! Factually you shouldn’t because porters are really very vital as far as a successful hike is concerned and fortunately these guys are very cheap if you are to compare to the work they do.

The permanent mountain guides will lead the way as they are fully responsible for your safety and will encourage you and lend a helping hand, but also mute the hike in case something bad occurs, such as; unfavorable weather, altitude sickness or injury, if necessary.

As you go hiking, you should not forget to pack enough drinking water and snacks to revive and nourish you when you need it most.

On most routes, you will sleep in high-quality tents which will be pitched and taken down by the porters. You can concentrate on getting to the top, one step at a time. When you arrive at camp after a long day’s hike, your tent will already be waiting for you.

The tents are always cleaned on daily basis, thus you are guaranteed with good hygiene. While there are no showers on the camping routes, you will be provided with a bowl of hot water in the morning to start the day fresh.

When mountaineering Kilimanjaro on the Marangu Route, you will spend the nights in mountain huts.

Other Attractions in the Park

Besides hiking Africa’s highest mountain, there is a variety of animals to be spotted in the park. Above the timberline, the Kilimanjaro tree hyrax, the grey duiker, and rodents are frequently encountered.

The bush-buck and red duiker appear above the timberline in places. Cape buffaloes are found in the montane forest and occasionally in the moorland and grassland.

Elephants can be spotted between the Namwai and Tarakia rivers and sometimes occur at higher elevations. In the montane forests, blue monkeys, western black and white Colobus, bush babies, and leopards can be sighted.

Things to pack when visiting Kilimanjaro National Park

Whenever you are to visit Kilimanjaro National Park, there are some crucial equipment that you should not forget to pack, among them include; light hiking shoes, walking sticks, hats, gloves, waterproof clothing, hats, and sunglasses.

Hikers should also possess a yellow fever vaccination card, and porters are very important too. Porters are available for hire to help support you by carrying heavy backpacks.

Porters are paid US$ 10 per day, cooks US$ 15 per day and US$ 20 for guides per day as well. To take note of, that fees inclusive of all packages vary depending on the choice of the hiking route and time taken to complete that route.

Accommodations in Kilimanjaro National Park

Kilemakyaro Mountain Lodge
This lodge is located in Moshi, just 0.6 miles from Highway Supermarket. Mini-Supermarket is 1.4 miles away. Kilemakyaro Mountain Lodge comprises of 40 spacious, cozy single, double and triple rooms all with a unique view of Mountain Kilimanjaro.

Guests can relax on the veranda, take a stroll in the lodge’s beautiful landscaped garden or lounge by the pool which has a spectacular view of Mountain Kilimanjaro as well.

The accommodation is equipped with a sitting area. Every unit is fitted with a private bathroom with a shower slippers, and free toiletries, as well as bed linen.

The lodge also includes a year-round outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, followed by a drink at the bar. The property also has packed lunches.

Bike rental is available at the property and the area is popular for hiking. Police Academy Tanzania is 1.4 miles from Kilemakyaro Mt. Lodge, and Mosque Moshi is 1.5 miles from the property. The nearest airport is Kilimanjaro Airport, 17 miles away.

Kaliwa Lodge, Kilimanjaro

Amidst the fascinating tropical vegetation of the mountain-rain forest, with its perennial mild climate, lie the bungalows nestled between eucalyptus, banana trees and blooming exotic plants.

Numerous animal species guide to sleep underneath a starry sky, alongside the tender chirr of the crickets together with the laughing of the bush babies to wake up from the unique tunes from the hornbill and the screech of the black monkeys.

The terrace is the ideal place for events and a popular place for meetings held by yoga-groups from all over the world. Its upscale lay, above the river valley, offers a direct view to the nearby Kibo.

The lodge is situated at a height of 1300m on the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro and it is just a few minutes away from Machame Gate, the entrance to the Kilimanjaro National Park.

The small bustling town of Moshi which is roughly 20 kilometers from the lodge can be reached easily, thanks to the good tarmac roads.

Semira Farmhouse Kilimanjaro

Featuring a garden and free Wi-Fi, Semira Farmhouse Kilimanjaro provides accommodation in Machame. A patio with stunning mountain views is offered in every unit. Guests at the country house can enjoy a continental or a buffet breakfast.

Guests can grab a bite to eat in the in-house restaurant, which serves a variety of International and Grill Barbecue dishes and also offers dairy-free and vegetarian options. Semira Farmhouse Kilimanjaro offers a terrace. Moshi is 32 kilometers from the accommodation.

Millie Lodge

Located only 100 meters from the Kilimanjaro Machame gate, Millie Lodge is nested at 1,800 meters above sea level in the Kilimanjaro National Park. Its standard rooms are well ventilated and specially designed to make you comfortable after a hectic day.

Relax in an atmosphere designed to make you feel at home. The rooms are very modern in design and equipped with a refrigerated mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, en-suite bathroom, hair dryer and wireless internet.

Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort

A first class tourist destination, tucked deep in the lush green banana and coffee plantations of Kyalla Village in Marangu West on the slopes of the Kilimanjaro Mountain.

Situated extremely close to the front gates of the Kilimanjaro National Park – it is the start climbing point to the roof of Africa, the Kibo peak. Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort is a graceful luxury boutique hotel with sweeping views and immediate access to the “Killi” in a picturesque garden.

With a swimming pool, Gym centre, Business centre, massage corner and a large tropical gardens as well as a superb Bar, Restaurant and a sun deck, the Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort is your destination for cool relaxation and country adventure for all seasons.

Kibo Slopes Gardens Resort

Located in Loitokitok at the Kenyan – Tanzanian border, surrounded by vast gardens and coffee plantations, Kibo Slopes Gardens Resort is an ideal place for any visitor whether on holidays, business or honeymoon.

It offers 5 deluxe double (queen size) rooms and 12 Standard rooms with twin or double bed arrangements. As a family-friendly facility, Kibo offers free baby cots upon request.

Its vast and mature garden resort offers the perfect setting for your special events. The main house features a restaurant with international and local cuisine, a well-stocked bar and a conference room for up to 30 people.