Attractions in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park : The Attractions in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park are what brings many tourists to Tanzania every year. Mount Kilimanjaro national park is located in the Tanzania in the northern part of the country, near the town of Moahi. The national park encompasses Mount Kilimanjaro, which is Africa’s highest peak. Rising 4877m above surrounding plains to 5895m at its peak. With its snow-capped peak, the Kilimanjaro is a superlative natural phenomenon, standing in isolation above the surrounding plains overlooking the savannah. The geographical coordinates of the peak are approximately 3.0674 °S latitudes and 37.3539 ° E longitude. The park is easily accessible from both Kilimanjaro International Airport and the nearby unburn centres, making it a popular destination for trekkers and adventure seekers from around the world. Mount Kilimanjaro National Park was officially established in 1973. It was designated in recognition of the mountain’s remarkable biodiversity, unique ecosystem and cocktail significance. in 1987, the park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, further highlighting its word’s ecological bad cultural importance. Mount Kilimanjaro National Park covers an area of approximately 1,688 square kilometers and includes a variety of landscape, from lush rainforest at lower elevations to alpines desert and glaciers at higher altitudes. The diverse environment supports a wide range of flora and fauna, making it a significant area for both conservation and tourism.
Amazingly, Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the largest volcanoes in the world. It has three main volcanic peaks, Kibo Peak, Mawenzi, and Shira. With its snow-capped peak and glaciers, it is the highest mountain in Africa. The mountain has five main vegetation zones from the lowest to the highest point: Lower slopes, montane forest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and summit. The whole mountain including the montane forest belt is very rich in species, in particular mammals, many of them endangered species. For this combination of features but mostly its height, its physical form and snow cap and its isolation above the surrounding plains, Mount Kilimanjaro is considered an outstanding example of a superlative natural phenomenon.
Mount Kilimanjaro national park is home to a wide a variety of wildlife including several species of mammals, birds and plants. The lush rainforest region supports animals such as elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, Aardvark, tree hyrax, duikers, and various primates including black and white colobus monkey, white- tailed mongoose, marsh mongoose, white-necked raven, bush baby among others. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 150 species, including the endangered Abbot’s and several migratory birds. Mount Kilimanjaro also holds a great cultural significant for the local tribes including the Chaga people, the have lived on the mountain’s slopes for centuries, relying on its fertile land for agriculture and substances. The mountain is seen as a symbol of heritage and identity, and various cultural practices and traditions and tied to its presence. Here are some of the highlights within the park.
Attractions in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Uhuru peak
Uhuru peak is the highest point on amount Kilimanjaro, reaching an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above the sea level. It is located on the Kibo cone of the mountain, which is one of the three volcanic cones that make up Kilimanjaro, the others being Mawenzi and Shira. Uhuru peak is not only the summit of Kilimanjaro but also the highest point of Africa, making it significance destination for climbers and adventurers from around the world. Reaching Uhuru peak is a major achievement for many trekkers and climbers. The peak represents a challenging yet rewarding goal, attracting thousands of climbers each year. The ascent to Uhuru peak is often regarded as a rite of passage for adventure enthusiast. The views from the summits breathtaking, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, glaciers and plans stretching out far below. There are several routes that lead t the Uhuru peak. Each offering unique experiences and challenges such as Machame route, Lemosho route, Marangu route, Rongai route and Umbwe route among others.
Kibo crater.
Kibo crater is the summit of Kibo, the highest of the three volcanic cones that make up Mount Kilimanjaro. Its site at an elevation of approximately 5,695 meters (18,649 ft), making it the highest point of the mountain and indeed, the highest in Africa. The crater of Kilimanjaro- Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira were formed as a result of volcanic activity and subsequently geological processes over millions of years. The Kibo crater is characterized by a large, bowl-like depression that was formed by the collapse of the volcanic structure after a series of explosive eruptions. It has a relatively structure flat floor with several notable features, including furmaroles -opening that emit steam and gases from the interior of the volcano.
Mawenzi peak
Mawenzi peak is the second-highest summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at approximately 5,149 meters (16,893 feet) above the sea level. While it is not as high as Kibo, the highest peak (Uhuru peak)0, Mawenzi peak is renowned for its dramatic and rugged appearance, characterized by share spires and steep cliffs that create a striking silhouette against the sky. Mawenzi is a volcanic cone, having formed though volcanic activity, primarily from ash and lava. The peak is distinguished by its jagged, rocky outcrops abd a series of pinnacles, which provide a sticking contrast to the more rounded and smooth contours of Kibo. The surrounding landscape is dotted with alpine vegetation, including giant groundsels and lobelias, which are unique to high-altitude environment.
Shira plateau
Shira plateaus one of the prominent features on Mount Kilimanjaro national park and serves as a vital point of interest for trekkers and nature enthusiast, the Shira plateau sits at an elevation of approximately 3,800 meters above the sea level, making it one of the highest plateaus in Tanzania. This plateau is a remanent of an ancient volcanic eruption that formed the mountain itself. It is characterized by its flat terrain and panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Kibo and Mawenzi. The plateau is home to a diverse range of plant and animals’ species, many of which are unique to the high-altitude environment of Kilimanjaro. The vegetation includes heath and moorland ecosystems, populated which have adapted to the harsh climatic conditions. The Shira plateau serves as a starting point or a campsite for several trekking roues to Uhuru peak, including the Shira route and Lemosho route. Trekking through this area allows climbers to acclimatize to the higher altitude while enjoying stunning landscapes. Visitors may still encounter various species including monkeys, birds and small mammals. The Shira plateau is also a critical area for birdwatching, featuring species such as the malachite sunbirds and various raptors.
Mochongoi trail
The Mochongoi trail is one of the lesser- known trekking routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a unique and tranquil experience for hikers looking to explore the mountain’s diverse ecosystems without the crowds found on more popular routes. The Mochongoi trail is located on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. It connects the Mochongoi routes to the northern area pf the park, providing an alternative approach to climbing the mountain.
Birdwatching
Birdwatching at Mount Kilimanjaro national park is a captivating experience that showcases a diverse range of avian species amidst breathtaking landscape. The park boasts an impressive variety of habitats, from lush rainforest to alpine moorlands, hosting over 700 species of birds, each offering a unique opportunity for bird enthusiast. During your birdwatching tour, you will have the chance to spot a variety of colorful bird species such as Silvery-Cheeked Hornbill, Trumpeter Hornbill, Emerald Cuckoo, Klaas Cuckoo, Lark-Heeled Cuckoo, white brown Coucal and many more. Kingfishers like African pygmy kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, bee-eaters, African Pitta, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Schalow’s Turaco, Violent Crested Turaco, Rose Turaco and many more, Narina Trogon among others.
Glaciers
The Glaciers on Mount Kilimanjaro are significant features of the mountain and play a crucial role in its ecology and hydrology. The Glaciers on Kilimanjaro attract numerous trekkers and climbers, many of whom makes the gruelling journey to Uhuru peak to witness the Glaciers up close. Their stunning beauty adds to the allure of the climb, making them a highlight for many visitors.
