Ulike other national parks, people don’t visit Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania for the wildlife, although the wildlife is there. Rather, it’s to gaze in awe of a mountain on the equator coated in snow – or perhaps to climb said mountain and see Africa from its very highest peak.

Since its official opening in 1977, Kilimanjaro is one of the most visited parks in all of Africa. At its heart is the mountain itself sprawling a whopping 5896m high making it one of the continent’s most magnificent sights. It is also one of the highest volcanoes and highest freestanding mountains in the world. It’s expansive land mass rises from the lush cultivated farmlands on the lower leaves through to rainforest and then across a barren landscape to the twin summits of Mawnzi and Kibo. The rainforest located on the lower section is home to many wild animals including monkeys, leopards and buffaloes.

The Marangu Gate is where visitors should pay their fees if they are to trek through the Rongai Route. The lure of Kilimanjaro is partially because it’s possible to walk to the summit without ropes or technical climbing experience, although the climb is serious and expensive. Entry can be gained through several other places as there are also plenty of options for exploration in the lower slopes and to learn about the Maasai and the Chagga tribes of the area.