When climbing Kilimanjaro, you’ll pass through five dramatically different ecological zones, each with its own character and unique wildlife. This diversity is one of the mountain’s lesser-known highlights, and while you won't see the dense concentrations of animals found on safari, there's still plenty to observe, especially if you know where (and how) to look.

Let’s keep this simple. Below, I’ll walk you through each ecological zone and the animals you're most likely to encounter, based on my own experience guiding on the mountain.

Wildlife in the Rainforest Zone (1,800–2,800m)

This is the most biologically rich zone on Kilimanjaro. The lush forest, high humidity, and abundant food sources make it an ideal environment for a wide range of mammals, birds, and insects. Every time I guide through this section, I can almost guarantee sightings of several of the species listed below.

Commonly Seen Wildlife:

• Black-and-white colobus monkey
  I have never climbed Kilimanjaro and not seen these amazing creatures. With their flowing white tails and tuxedo-like coats, these monkeys are impossible to miss. “Colobus” comes from the Greek kolobos, meaning “maimed,” because they’re born without thumbs. But don’t feel sorry for them-their long fingers and tail help them leap gracefully between trees like acrobats.

• Blue monkey
  Despite the name, they’re not actually blue, more of a greyish tone with a white throat. These monkeys are known for their expressive faces and curiosity. They often follow groups along the trail from above, almost like they’re people-watching. I most commonly see these monkeys near the camps in the rainforest. They are really confident.

• Bush babies
  These tiny, wide-eyed primates are mostly nocturnal, so you’re more likely to hear their eerie cries at night. They can jump over 2 metres in a single bound. Quite a feat for a creature the size of a squirrel.

• Tree hyrax
  Small, shy, and a little awkward-looking, tree hyraxes are actually one of the elephant’s closest living relatives-despite their rabbit-like appearance. Their high-pitched, almost demonic screeches are unforgettable if you happen to camp near them at night. Despite their size, their closest relatives are elephants! I have been lucky enough to see the Tree hyrax a number of times on the mountain. They are hard to spot!

• Abbott's Duikers
  These secretive, small antelopes prefer to hide in the undergrowth. They’re known to freeze completely when startled, relying on their camouflage and stillness rather than running away.

Animals of the Heath and Moorland Zones (2,800–4,000m)

As you ascend out of the forest, the landscape opens up into rolling moorlands and heath. Wildlife becomes sparser, but some interesting species still call this home.

Historically, areas like the Shira Plateau (on the Lemosho and Machame routes) supported a surprising number of large mammals. It was once a vital migration corridor, thanks to its open grasslands and seasonal water sources.

Species once common in this zone:

• Elephants

• Buffalo

• Elands

• Lions

• Leopards

• Hyenas

Unfortunately, wildlife numbers have declined due to:

• Climate change, which has dried up key water sources

• Habitat changes reducing vegetation cover

• Human activity, including tourism infrastructure and trail development

• Historic poaching, though it's thankfully now rare and strongly condemned in Tanzania

Wildlife you may still encounter:

• Four-striped grass mouse
  These little guys are fast, bold, and everywhere near camps. Their stripes act as camouflage, and they’re known to sneak into tents if you leave snacks unguarded. They live all the way up to 4600m!

• Jackals
  Typically only active at night or early morning, jackals are clever scavengers. They’ve been known to shadow groups, hoping for leftovers from camp kitchens. I have never seen them on the mountain but I have heard them playing and hunting on the Shira Plateau a number of times.

• Jackson's Chameleons
  The Jackson’s chameleon, with its three horns, looks like a miniature dinosaur. It can change colour not just for camouflage, but to express mood and temperature. Watch for them clinging to low bushes in the moorland zone.

What You Might Spot in the Alpine Desert (4,000–5,000m)

The alpine desert is stark and dry, with intense sun by day and freezing cold by night. Life here is harsh—but not absent.

Common sightings:

• White-necked raven
  These clever, croaking birds are survivors. They’re known to mimic sounds, play in the wind, and even drop nuts or bones from the sky to crack them open. They often hang around camps looking for crumbs—they’re the Kilimanjaro clean-up crew.

Cool fact: Ravens have been spotted as high as 5,500 metres—almost at the summit!

Birdwatching Highlights on Kilimanjaro

Now, let’s talk about birds. I’ve found that many trekkers don’t come to Kilimanjaro expecting to enjoy birdlife—but they leave pleasantly surprised. Birds are the constant thread that connects the different zones, and you’ll hear or see them throughout your climb.

Here are some of my favourites:

• Malachite sunbird
  Males are a bright iridescent green with tails twice the length of their body. You’ll often see them feeding on alpine flowers, zipping from bloom to bloom like little green jewels. We often see these birds near Barranco camp!

• Hartlaub’s turaco
  Flashy, loud, and unmistakable. Their vivid blue and green feathers and red wing flashes make them stand out in the forest. Their croaking call sounds like a cartoon character laughing.

• Silvery-cheeked hornbill
  With their massive bills and powerful wingbeats, these birds are jungle royalty. Pairs often duet with loud honking calls that echo through the trees.

• Augur buzzard
  Commonly mistaken for an eagle, this large raptor is often spotted soaring over valleys and ridgelines.

• Scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird
  Rare and beautiful, this alpine bird is found at surprisingly high altitudes, drawn to the flowers of giant groundsels.

Rare Species: Can You See Leopards or Elephants?

It’s the most common question I get asked—and the honest answer is: yes, but it’s very rare.

• Elephants have been spotted on the northern slopes (Rongai Route) and occasionally in remote areas of the Shira Plateau. They’re usually solitary or in small groups.

  
  

• Leopards, though extremely elusive, have been recorded by camera traps and occasionally seen by rangers.

Fact: In 2022, a group of climbers reported seeing elephant dung just off the Rongai route-proof that these giants still roam high on the mountain’s quieter sides.

Unforgettable fact: In 1926, a frozen leopard was famously found near Kilimanjaro’s summit-made legendary in Hemingway’s The Snows of Kilimanjaro. No one knows why it climbed so high.