Kilimanjaro National Park

The Kilimanjaro National Park is located in Tanzania along the northern border shared with Kenya, covering an expanse of 1,688 square km. It includes the montane forest that surrounds Mount Kilimanjaro, boasting a diverse landscape and varied wildlife.

Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at 5,895 metres, is the highest peak on the

African continent, affectionately referred to as the rooftop of Africa. It is the largest free-standing mountain rise in the world, meaning it is not part of a mountain range. It reaches its maximum height at Uhuru Peak, part of the Kibo cone which is the only dormant cone of three volcanic cones found on the mountain. The mountain is also known for its snowcapped peak; however, scientists warn that the snow might disappear within the next 20 years or so.

In 1973, the Kilimanjaro National Park was created in order to protect the unique environment of the mountain and the six surrounding forest corridors, later earning the recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.

What sets this national park apart is its representation of almost all ecosystems, spanning from the base to the summit. During their trek up the mountain, visitors can go through cultivated land, rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and eventually reaching the arctic ecosystem at the summit. Since mountaineering gear and experience are unnecessary to reach the peak, Mount Kilimanjaro stands out as the least challenging climb among the Seven Summits, making it the most frequently ascended mountain as well.

The Kilimanjaro National Park is the habitat of some of the largest elephants in the world, along with hyenas, bush babies and duiker. Other common animals to spot in this area include black and white colobus monkeys, and blue monkeys.