Kilimanjaro Wildlife

The Kilimanjaro National Park boasts an expansive ecosystem that spans 1,688 square kilometers or 652 square miles. This area was designated as a forest reserve in 1921, then became a national park in 1973, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. This conservation has helped protect the Kilimanjaro wildlife from human encroachment.

Climbers will witness the diverse ecological zones of Kilimanjaro, including bushland, rainforest, heath, alpine desert, and arctic. The resources necessary for sustaining life such as plants, insects, and water sources decrease with altitude. Correspondingly, the wildlife population decreases as the elevation rises.

The montane forest belt comprises most of the park and is abundant with wildlife. The mountain is home to 154 recorded mammal species, including seven primates and a vast variety of bird species. Although rare sightings of larger mammals like buffalo, as well as smaller unique mammals like porcupines, honey badgers, and aardvarks have been reported, these animals generally avoid humans and retreat into the dense rainforest.

Common animals that are found at Kilimanjaro national parks includes;

• White colobus monkey
• Blue Monkey
• Four striped mouse
• Jackson’s Chameleon

Different bird species can be encountered on the mountain including White necked Raven which is a most popular bird.