The highest mountain in Africa is the main attraction of this national park on the border with Kenya. At 5,895 metres tall, Mount Kilimanjaro is an imposing presence, visible from many miles across the plains when not veiled in cloud. Like other parts of the Great Rift Valley, Kilimanjaro was formed by volcanic activity. The park protects the mountain above 2,700 metres and so multi-day treks to the summit are largely within the park.

Kilimanjaro treks pass through montane rainforest, where colobus monkeys, duikers and bushbucks are among the animals that can sometimes be seen from the trail. A trek to the summit takes at least three days and climbing permits, porters and guides should be organised well in advance. Reaching the snow-capped Uhuru Peak at dawn, limbs aching and breathing deeply, but filled with a deep sense of achievement, is for many travellers their absolute Tanzania highlight.