Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

This is a lifetime thing to be done in Kilimanjaro National Park. Reaching the highest peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime experience worth a picture, and most tourists reaching Kilimanjaro National Park are always interested in climbing this magnificent mount to its summit (and absolutely one of the Seven Summits in the world).

Mount Meru, a little wild brother of Kilimanjaro, which is 4566 meters high is a perfect peak for first-timers. You can book a Mount Meru climbing trip for acclimatization if you have never been exposed to high altitudes before. A Mount Meru climb itself, is a perfect hiking trip that rewards climbers with climbing experiences, stunning views of Momella lakes, wildlife, and the distant views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Depending on which route are you choosing, Mount Kilimanjaro can be hiked through seven routes, each with unique experiences for those who choose it. These include Machame, Lemosho, Northern Circuit, Umbwe, Rongai, Marangu, and Shira. Popular routes are Machame, Marangu, Northern Circuit, and Umbwe while Shira, Rongai, and Lemosho are pristine and untouched, thus giving unique views to mountain climbers. 

Hiking trips to Kilimanjaro National Park

Apart from being home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park hosts stunning montane forests, wild animals, and birds, which inhabit the lower slopes of this wonderful mountain. Therefore, this park is not necessarily for mountain climbers but also for hikers and wildlife viewers. You can therefore spend a full day hiking this seemingly beautiful national park, and you can do the following;

Game viewing: Kilimanjaro National Park is home to diverse wildlife, which includes elephants, hyenas, giraffes, monkeys, aardvarks, bush babies, antelopes, baboons, leopards, and buffalos. A hike around the foot of this majestic mountain will meet you with these beautiful animals. They inhabit the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and can be encountered in rivers, grasslands, and woodlands.

Bird watching:

With over 150 bird species residing in it, Kilimanjaro National Park is perfect for birders. You will encounter some gorgeous bird species such as grey hornbill, African pygmy kingfisher, white-necked raven, long-tailed trogon, and African fish eagle to name but a few.

Guided nature walks:

You can also book a nature walk through the lower slopes of this exotic national park. You will flora and fauna species including trees, small plants, small animals and insects as well as big animals and birds. 

Visiting Chala Crater Lake:

This is another stunning feature within Kilimanjaro National Park, close to the Tanzania-Kenya border. It has crystal clear water giving it a blue appearance.

Cultural visit:

You can also book a trip to the local communities to learn more about their culture. You can drive to the Maasai villages and share some important stories with them.

Visiting nearby destinations:

You can pay for a trip to other neighboring destinations and of course, you won’t regret having it. Some splendid destinations close to Mount Kilimanjaro include national parks like Serengeti, Tarangire, Arusha, and Lake Manyara, small volcanoes like Oldonyo Lengai, and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Planning a trip to Tanzania has been easier since several tour companies have invested much in Tanzanian safaris. Just choose a reputable tour operator who will organize everything for you. It is simple, pick a good operator and he will organize your safari before even landing in Tanzania and enjoy the magical Mother Nature of this country. If I am to recommend, then Pounce Africa is obviously the best and the most reliable tour operator in East Africa. You can always consult Pounce Africa, and then rest assured that you will have a great safari ahead of you. Good luck!