Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro includes the highest peak in Africa and this has made it a popular tourist destination since its opening in 1977. Kilimanjaro was formed over 1 million years ago by volcanic movement along the Rift Valley. Three points - Shira, Kibo and Mawenzi came to be about 750,000 years ago. The highest point is Uhuru Peak on Kibo, which is one of the Seven Summits of the world. The Seven Summits are a list of mountains that are the highest on their continent.

Unlike other parks in northern Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is not visited for the wildlife but for the chance to stand in awe of this majestic snow-capped mountain and for many, to climb to the summit. A sign posted by the Tanzanian government reads "Congratulations! You are now at Uhuru Peak, Tanzania". Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time, although the best period is from late June to October, during the dry season.

The mountain rises through farmland on the lower level to rainforest and alpine meadow and then barren lunar landscape at the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The slopes of the rainforest are home to buffaloes, leopards, monkeys, elephants and eland. The alpine zone is where bird watchers can enjoy finding many birds of prey.