Above the gently rolling hills and plateaux of northern Tanzania rises the snowy peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro, its slopes and glaciers shimmering above the rising clouds. Kilimanjaro is located near the town of Moshi and is a protected area, carefully regulated for climbers to enjoy without leaving a trace of their presence. The mountain’s ecosystems are as strikingly beautiful as they are varied and diverse. On the lowland slopes, much of the mountain is farmland, with coffee, banana, cassava, and maize crops grown for subsistence and cash sale. A few larger coffee farms still exist on the lower slopes, but much of the area outside the national park has been subdivided into small plots. Once inside the park, thick lowland forest covers the lower altitudes and breaks into alpine meadows once the air begins to thin. Near the peak, the landscape is harsh and barren, with rocks and ice the predominant features above a breathtaking African view.
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highlight of most visitors’ experiences in Tanzania. Few mountains can claim the grandeur, the breathtaking views of Amboseli National Park in Kenya, the Rift Valley, and the Masaai Steppe, that belongs to Kilimanjaro. Hiking on the ‘rooftop of Africa’ — the highest point on the continent at 5896 meters — is the adventure of a lifetime, especially because, if paced well, everyone from seasoned trekkers to first-time enthusiasts can scale the snowy peak. For more information, see the ‘Mountain Climbing‘ section under ‘Things to Do.
Kilimanjaro. The name itself is a mystery wreathed in clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness, or Mountain of Caravans. Or it might not. The local people, the Wachagga, don’t even have a name for the whole massif, only Kipoo (now known as Kibo) for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious, overseer of the continent, the summit of Africa.
Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa. When you see it, you understand why. Not only is this the highest peak on the African continent; it is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding coastal scrubland – elevation around 900 meters – to an imperious 5,895 meters (19,336 feet).
Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most accessible high summits, a beacon for visitors from around the world. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing, and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman’s Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates.
And their memories.
But there is so much more to Kili than her summit. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropics to the Arctic.
Even before you cross the national park boundary (at the 2,700m contour), the cultivated foot slopes give way to lush montane forest, inhabited by elusive elephants, leopards, buffalo, the endangered Abbot’s duiker, and other small antelope and primates. Higher still lies the moorland zone, where a cover of giant heather is studded with otherworldly giant lobelias.
Above 4,000m, a surreal alpine desert supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichen. Then, finally, the last vestigial vegetation gives way to a winter wonderland of ice and snow – and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the continent.
About Kilimanjaro National Park
Size: 1668 sq km 641 sq miles).
Location: Northern Tanzania, near the town of Moshi.
Helpful We thoroughly enjoyed working with the people at Moorland safaris. They were warm and welcoming and provide excellent services. We loved it so much and would like to return for another excursion. When we do, we will reach out to Them because they are extremely thorough and helpful.MARTHA M2021-11-13A great and amazing safari Everything was fine. Friendly Guides with a lot of knowledge. They try everything to get you a great trip and help by each Problem. They Guide do anything to give you a save Feeling in every Situation. The food was very good. And all things like food, water, other drinks and sleeping places were enough, always there and very good. I would go with them again.Teresa2021-11-08Classic!! Positive: Professionalism extremely knowledgeable drivers, with very good english, they were always super punctual, and very attentive to details, animals and to us ... honestly, I don't even know what to say. This is such a unique and wonderful experience, and our guides made it even better. So special shout out to Nasr and Simba for making this trip unforgettableReece S2021-10-11We will Miss Tanzania! We absolutely happy with the Service! We chatted with Nasr and he picked us at Airport for free! We spot a Big 5 thanks to our Guide Simba, he was incredible, we will miss Tanzania!!Edgar I2021-10-06Amazing safari with authentic Tanzanian company The tour was absolutely AMAZING and I would do the exact thing again. The driver, tour operator and our cook were amazing. We saw so many animals - UNBELIEVABLE. Our driver, Lukas, spotted really everything and explained everything in nearly perfect English. Our tour operator was calm, helpful, open and easy-going. I can only recommend to enjoy the adventure of a safari with Moorland Safaris, which is btw an authentic, Tanzanian company run by young professionals. Just go for it!!juliafromaustria2021-09-22Amazing experience It has been a amazing trip. Nasr organised everything really well and really cared for the well-being of his customers. The trip was excellent. It has been really fun three days of safari.Janina B2021-09-17Amazing !! The experience was amazing, we got to see so many animals. It was the best experience of my life. In addition, the team is extremely friendly and professional. the advice and lessons of Isaac (the guide) allowed us to grow out of this experience. the team was incredibly kind.iliass_ar2021-08-23Amazing Safari very well organised. Nasir managed everything including transportation and hotels. Our guide Isaac gave us very good explanations about the animals.Rafik S2021-08-22Wonderful Andrew took care of us from the beginning until the end of the day. Very good experience to see the waterfalls. Justin took me at the top by climbing!Rafik S2021-08-21Amazing !!! Thanks !!! The day with Andrew was amazing. His professionalism, his experience, his good vibes and his sense of service allowed us to have an incredible and unforgettable experience. thank you for that ! thank you also to Justin who accompanied us for part of the day, thanks to him the experience was doubly incredible!iliass_ar2021-08-18