- Site Name
- Kilimanjaro National Park
- UNESCO reference number
- 403
- Property Area
- 75,575 hectares
- Universal Value
- Kilimanjaro National Park's Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) derives from its superlative natural phenomenon as Africa's highest freestanding volcanic massif (5,895m Kibo peak), rising 4,877m above surrounding plains. Criterion (vii): The snow-capped, isolated cone looms iconically over savannahs, encircled by montane forests, a unique geological spectacle visible from afar. Expanded in 2005 to 75,575 ha, it safeguards montane forests, alpine deserts, glaciers, and biodiversity hotspots with 2,500 plant species (25 endemics), endangered wildlife. Integrity: Full protection above tree line ensures aesthetic and ecological wholeness, vital as a water catchment
- Geography & Setting
- Kilimanjaro National Park spans 75,575 hectares (755.75 km²) in northern Tanzania's Kilimanjaro Region, 300 km south of the equator near Moshi (2°50'–3°10'S, 37°10'–37°40'E). Geography: Freestanding volcanic massif rising 4,877m above Masai Steppe plains to 5,895m Kibo peak; three cones—active Kibo, eroded Mawenzi (5,149m), Shira plateau (3,962m)—with Saddle high tundra between. Elevations from 1,820m montane forests to glacial summit; radial valleys, lava flows, ash pits, Stiegler's Gorge-like features. Setting: Encircles mountain above tree line plus forests; surrounded by Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve (107,828 ha buffer); overlooks Amboseli plains to Kenya. Kibo's glaciers crown giant lobelias in the alpine zone.
- History & Story
- Kilimanjaro National Park originated as a German colonial game reserve in the early 1900s, became a forest reserve in 1921, and was gazetted as a national park in 1973—initially covering the mountain above the tree line (~2,700m). Expanded 2005 to include full montane forests (total 75,575 ha); UNESCO World Heritage listed 1987 for geological/biodiversity value; opened to tourism 1977; named one of Africa's Seven Natural Wonders 2013. Cultural story: Chagga people farmed lower slopes for millennia, viewing it as sacred; first European sighting by missionary Johann Rebmann (1848, disbelieved); Hans Meyer summited Kibo 1889,Africa's highest freestanding mountain formed ~750,000 years ago via volcanic activity (Shira, Mawenzi, Kibo cones).
- Legal protection & management
- Kilimanjaro National Park is protected under Tanzania's National Parks Ordinance (Cap. 282), Wildlife Conservation Act (2009), and Forest Act (2002), with all activities regulated by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). Management structure: TANAPA oversees operations via a Park Director, zonation (core conservation, tourism routes, buffers), and General Management Plan (GMP, 10-year cycles) for ecological zoning, patrols, research, community partnerships like Joint Forest Management (JFM). Mandatory licensed guides/porters for climbs; permits required for entry, with fines/deportation for violations. International support: UNESCO World Heritage monitoring; transfrontier collaboration with Kenya's Amboseli via joint patrols
- Visitor experience
- Visitors to Kilimanjaro National Park enjoy epic multi-day treks up Africa's highest peak (5,895m Uhuru), passing rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glaciers—no technical skills needed, just stamina for altitude. Main activities: Climbing: 7 routes (Marangu: huts, easiest; Machame/Lemosho: scenic, acclimatization-focused; Rongai: dry side); 5-9 days, 50k+ climbers/year via licensed operators. Day hikes/nature walks: Forest trails, Shira Plateau, Chala Crater Lake, wildlife spotting (elephants, buffaloes, monkeys, 179 birds). Other: Cultural Maasai visits, camping, photography; combine with Arusha safaris. Essentials: Permits/guides mandatory (~$800-2k/person); dry Jan-Mar/Jun-Oct; porters carry gear.
