Background
At 5,895 m, Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa. UNESCO describes a volcanic massif standing in splendid isolation above the surrounding plains, its snowy peak looming over the savannah, encircled by mountain forest where numerous mammals, many endangered, live.
Wikipedia: the park covers 1,688 km2 above the tree line and the forest belt above 1,820 m, with headquarters at Marangu, 44 km from Moshi; it became a national park in 1973, World Heritage in 1987 and was extended over the whole montane forest in 2005. Climbing is only on designated routes with licensed operators, and summit attempts are most of what visitors do. Wikivoyage warns that Kilimanjaro is a high-risk destination for altitude sickness because of its height, technical ease and the usual rapid ascent.
- Early 1900sThe mountain and its forests become a German game reserve
- 1921Designated a forest reserve
- 1973The area above the tree line becomes a national park, opened in 1977
- 1987Inscribed as World Heritage
- 2005The park grows to include the whole montane forest
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1KiboThe summit cone, Africa's highest point.
- 2MawenziThe jagged second summit.
- 3Shira PlateauThe high western plateau inside the park.
- 4The Forest BeltMontane forest with monkeys and birds on the lower trails.
- 5Marangu Gate to Maundi CraterWikivoyage's one-day hike for those not going to the top.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Forest Day from Moshi
Not yet in a GoGo guide
- 08:00Marangu Gate1 hrPark headquarters, 44 km from Moshi; permits and guide.
- 09:00Hike to Maundi Crater4.5 hrsThrough the forest, monkeys and birds, and back.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: Jan–Feb, Jun–Oct. Rainy season Apr.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
