Kilimanjaro National Park

Kilimanjaro is a national park in Tanzania with the highest point in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. The name of the mountain translates from Swahili as "sparkling mountain". The snow cap at the top can be seen even from great distances in clear weather.

Kilimanjaro National Park is located in the region of the same name, 128 km from the city of Arusha. In 1910, Germany, whose colony was Tanzania at that time, realized that it was necessary to save these places for posterity and created a hunting reserve. In 1921, it received the status of a forest reserve, and in 1973, a national park was declared on this territory above 2,700 meters on the mountain. In 2005, the territory of Kilimanjaro National Park was increased from 753 ^km2 to 1668 ^km2.

Every year, Mount Kilimanjaro is conquered by up to 10,000 people, and 6 routes have been laid out for them to climb the mountain. It is also worth admiring the Shira Plateau or fishing on Lake Chala. The highest point of the mountain is Kibo Peak (5895 meters), and the base of the mountain is 60 km. Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa, as well as the tallest single mountain in the world. The mountain appeared as a result of the movement of tectonic plates, and its 3 peaks appeared due to the activity of the volcano. Sometimes you can see gas emissions in the craters, because the volcano has not yet gone out. The Kilimanjaro volcano was first mentioned by Ptolemy when he drew it on his map, but it was only in the 17th century that Europeans were able to see the glaciers of the mountain in the heart of Africa.

Climbing to the top of Kilimanjaro, travelers pass through several vegetation zones: crops grow on the slopes below, beautiful tropical forests spread over 2 km, many birds nestle in their crowns, and small animals hide in the bushes. From 3 km away, heather, lichen, and shrubs begin to dominate. Only some varieties of mosses and flowers can live next to a snow cap, but strangely enough, buffaloes and leopards come across here. Besides them, lions, elephants, various monkeys, and over 170 species of birds can be found on the slopes of Kilimanjaro.

Serious preparation is desirable for climbing the mountain, almost all tourists come here to get unforgettable impressions, to admire the views from the top, to see a variety of animals and birds. It is best to climb the mountains from August to October and in January-February. At other times it is very hot or torrential rains. It is worth considering that there are sharp temperature changes and powerful winds on the mountain.

In Kilimanjaro, the slopes are kept clean, holiday huts have been erected at high altitudes, and the routes are well marked.