Mount Kilimanjaro Animals

Mount Kilimanjaro Animals : Most climbers of Africa’s highest peak wish to see Tanzania’s diverse wildlife at some time before or after they reach its summit. Going on a wildlife safari to one of Tanzania’s national parks or the well-known Ngorongoro Crater is unquestionably the best way to experience the amazing wildlife of Tanzania. Climbers to Mount Kilimanjaro can still observe some fascinating wildlife while hiking, though.

The Rongai route is recommended for hikers seeking to see elephants because it passes on the northern side of the mountain, where elephant sightings are more common. Even if you choose a different route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, you’re still sure to observe a lot of unusual species there. During Kilimanjaro treks, it’s not unusual to witness a variety of monkeys, antelope, exotic cats, and highland creatures. Here, we list some of the favorite species visitors frequently see while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

What animals can one see on Kilimanjaro? Due to easier access to food and water, more animals can be found in the lush tropical rainforests near Kilimanjaro than in the highlands. There will be less wildlife nearby as your troop ascends higher. Any animals seen on Mount Kilimanjaro are unquestionably “wild” because all animals in Tanzania’s national parks are allowed to roam freely. Thankfully, during your climb, your squad won’t come across any lions or other dangerous creatures. During your ascent, you are more likely to observe the Abbott’s Duiker, a shy type of antelope, or babbling monkeys. Here are eight of our top wildlife sightings from Mount Kilimanjaro.

Colobus Monkey

The colobus monkey is a native of Tanzania, where it inhabits the tallest trees in family groupings. If you spot one colobus, there are often siblings hiding in a nearby tree. Be on the lookout for these monkeys’ distinctive long black-and-white tail and loud chattering sound. You should snap lots of pictures of these unique monkeys without disturbing them because colobus monkeys are considered “guereza primates” and the ones on Mount Kilimanjaro are an endangered species.

Serval Cat

While lions and leopards receive most of the media attention, Tanzania is also home to a number of other “big cats”. The serval cat is a wild cat with a coat that resembles a cheetah but is smaller and more slender than its relative. The serval cat has the longest legs in relation to the rest of its body. It also has big ears and a black body pattern with spots and stripes.

The only time people see this lone cat is when it is out hunting. It is active day and night. Serval cats consume almost anything, including grass, antelope, wild rabbits, insects, and reptiles, in addition to tiny rodents. During your climb of Kilimanjaro, if your hiking group is quite, you might be fortunate enough to see a serval cat.

Aardvark

Only in Sub-Saharan Africa can one find this unusual and fascinating species. Despite the fact that they resemble pigs somewhat (and that their name comes from the Afrikaans word for “ground pig”), they are actually connected to one of favorite African mammals: the elephant. Even though the large ears and long snout are not exactly like those of an elephant, we won’t contest science.

Tree Hyrax

The little, agile tree hyrax is another animal that may be seen on Mount Kilimanjaro and is strangely connected to the powerful elephant. Tree hyraxes can be found in forested areas, where they—you got it—live among the trees. These creatures have a natural habitat in the lower forests of Kilimanjaro. Tree hyraxes produce a distinct “call” in the early evening and at night, so you might hear one before you see it. Be not afraid; the tree hyrax may simply be marking its territory as the sounds range from a giggle to a loud shriek.

You must pay close attention after nightfall in order to see these unique creatures. Because they are nocturnal, aardvarks stay out of the sun’s heat throughout the day. They emerge at night when it is cooler and eat termites and ants. They have been observed traveling great distances in search of a nice termite mound to feast on, reaching the small insects with their long snouts.

Duiker

The name “duiker” is derived from the Dutch verb “to dive,” which aptly depicts this animal’s plunge into the bushes to elude predators. Duikers are a type of antelope. The duiker is smaller than a typical grassland antelope and has horns that are distinct shapes in addition to having a hump on its back. You are unlikely to see duikers on a conventional safari in the savannah because they live in thickly wooded locations. Tanzania’s native duikers can be observed in their natural habitat in the Kilimanjaro Mountains.

The Abbott’s Duiker is a tiny, critically endangered species of duiker that only exists in a few places left in Tanzania; among the uncommon spots to observe this antelope are the Udzungwa Mountains and Mount Kilimanjaro. The most likely reason for the decrease of the Abbott’s Duiker is thought to be the loss of their native habitat and the impact of deforestation on their diet rather than predators. Tanzania’s wildlife is extremely valuable, and an increasing number of species are in danger. Travelers should choose trustworthy tour operators and take into account the steps each one is taking to conserve Tanzania’s most valuable resource.

White-Tailed Mongoose

The nocturnal animal endemic to Africa, the mongoose, has a body shape similar to that of a weasel. The capacity of mongooses to kill enormous, poisonous snakes, particularly cobras, may be what makes them most well-known, as demonstrated in Rudyard Kipling’s tale The Jungle Book. The white-tailed mongoose is the biggest member of the family of mongooses. For camouflage in forested areas, their bodies are often brown in color. They are called “White-tailed Mongoose” because of their long, white, fluffy tails, which set them apart from other mongooses. If you happen to observe a mongoose, be careful not to startle it because, like a skunk, it can exude a musky odor when startled.

 Marsh Mongoose

The Marsh Mongoose belongs to the same mongoose family as the marsh mongoose is notable despite being smaller than its white-tailed sibling because it is aquatic. This mongoose likes to swim in wetlands. The Marsh Mongoose has a distinctive method of hunting for birds: it will pose as if it is sunbathing and point its belly (and buttocks) upward. Birds flock to the mongoose to have a closer look at the pink skin against the fur, and the fast mongoose then catches its prey.

Raven, White-Necked

As your group ascends Mount Kilimanjaro to higher elevations, you may notice a decreasing amount of wildlife (or signs of wildlife), as the flora dwindles and the environment becomes less hospitable. The White-Necked Raven, however, flourishes at greater elevations. You can spot this regal-looking black bird at your high-altitude campsite; it has a collar of white feathers around its neck.

Ravens consume anything, including human food. Because of this, never leave your food out, even if it is in a container, as this intelligent bird has been known to figure out how to open them or simply carry that bag of chips away to devour it at the top of a tree.

Bush Baby

The forests of Kilimanjaro are home to the endemism Bush Baby, also known as Galagos. This tiny nocturnal primate is distinguished by its charming features and large eyes.

During your ascent of Kilimanjaro, you might hear them from your cozy bed at the Aishi Machame Hotel or from your toasty tent. These animals are most active at night, frequently creating noise and leaping through the woods. The Bush Baby gets its name from the way it sounds, which is much like a baby wailing! Although they are related to monkeys, bush babies don’t exactly resemble other primates in appearance. They are small, have soft, fluffy fur in either grey or brown, and have adorable, pointed ears that help them hear at night.

KILIMANJARO ANIMALS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The most common queries concerning Kilimanjaro wildlife are listed below. Please feel free to contact us if there is anything else you’d like to know about the wildlife of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Which ecosystems are there on Kilimanjaro?

Numerous ecological and animal habitats can be found on Mount Kilimanjaro, including the mountain’s snowier peak and the surrounding alpine desert, moorland, and rainforest. Because they are closer to water and food sources than higher up on the mountain, most Kilimanjaro species, with a few exceptions, may be found in the moorlands and lush tropical rainforests.

 Are there lots of animals on Kilimanjaro?

On Kilimanjaro, there are numerous creatures. More than 150 different mammal species, including monkeys and birds, call the mountain and its surroundings home. Climbers may be able to see some of these creatures on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Because there are more water and food supplies available to other animals and plant species around the mountain’s foot and in the nearby rainforest, the bulk of Kilimanjaro’s wildlife can be found there, Mount Kilimanjaro Animals

When are the best times to see animals on Kilimanjaro?

In general, the dry season in Tanzania, which lasts from June to October and again from December to February, is the best period to watch animals on Mount Kilimanjaro. This makes climbing Kilimanjaro simpler for trekkers and tourists alike. Additionally, the scenery and flora are scant at this time of year, making it simpler to see animals as you ascend. Tourists can also take advantage of this opportunity to view and photograph the local plants and vegetation.

Which animals can be found on Kilimanjaro?

The surrounding rainforest and the slopes of Kilimanjaro are home to a wide variety of animal species. Monkeys, mongooses, large cats, and various species of antelope are the most frequent animals you’ll see scurrying up the mountain sides, Mount Kilimanjaro Animals

 Will I see any elephants on Kilimanjaro?

It’s a good question, and the response is yes. On the northern slope of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Rongai route offers climbers the chance to encounter elephants. Elephants are thought to have lived on mountain slopes for thousands of years and are occasionally able to climb higher, snowy peaks.

What plants can I see on Kilimanjaro?

You may witness a wide range of plants and flowers up close on Kilimanjaro, including the well-known red and yellow Impatiens Kilimanjari, yellow-petaled proteas, and red-hot poker.

This is brought on by how close the peak is to both the equator and the Indian Ocean. Additionally, the fact that Kilimanjaro and its surroundings are divided into four distinct vegetation zones with a range of climates allows for the growth of a wide variety of plants.

There are a lot of trees and other plants in the rainforest at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Examples include wild figs and olives, camphorwood and yellowwood trees, and other plants that provide delightful snacks for the local animals. On the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, you may also find the tallest tree in Africa.

Conclusion: hope this post encourages you to pick up a pair of binoculars and explore Mount Kilimanjaro’s surroundings in search of these beautiful animals and plants. Please feel free to contact us at Focus East Africa Tours if you have any thoughts on this post or ideas for other Kilimanjaro fauna and flora that visitors and climbers can encounter.

Visit Kilimanjaro to see the animals for yourself: These eight species are only a sample of the wildlife you might encounter when climbing Kilimanjaro. While we appreciate describing the stunning scenery and abundant species on Kilimanjaro, you should definitely go and see it for yourself. Do you want to climb Kilimanjaro? Want to see Tanzania’s amazing animals and beautiful environment? To climb Kilimanjaro or go on a safari, contact Focus East Africa Tours right away! Have questions? Any inquiries you may have will be answered by one of our qualified travel specialists.