Kilimanjaro National Park – The Roof of Africa
Welcome to Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa’s tallest mountain and one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. Located just 128 kilometers from Arusha, in the charming town of Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro proudly stands as the “Roof of Africa”, rising to nearly 6,000 meters (about 5 vertical kilometers) above sea level.
What makes Kilimanjaro so special isn’t just its impressive height—it’s the stunning diversity you’ll experience on your way to the top. From lush tropical rainforests at the base to snowy glaciers at the summit, the mountain takes you through a world of changing landscapes and climates, all in a single journey.
Spanning 753 square kilometers, the national park is blanketed with dense rainforest, home to unique wildlife and bird species. Trekkers are often amazed by how dramatically the environment shifts with altitude—every elevation zone has its own distinct vegetation, weather, and wildlife, making every step feel like a new adventure.
There are six main trekking routes to the summit, each offering its own level of challenge and scenery:
Marangu Route – The only one with hut accommodations
Machame Route – Popular for its scenic beauty
Rongai Route – A quieter path from the north
Lemosho Route – Known for its stunning views and high success rate
Umbwe Route – The most challenging and steep
Shira Route – Less commonly used, merging with Lemosho
Despite being just three degrees south of the equator, Kilimanjaro is capped with ice and snow—a rare and surreal sight in East Africa. It’s also the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, rising majestically from the surrounding plains with no mountain range around it.
Climbing Kilimanjaro isn’t just about reaching the summit—it’s about the journey through diverse zones, climates, and natural wonders that make this mountain a truly unforgettable experience.