Not only Adventurous but also Leisure: Re-defining Tourism in Tanzanian Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, holds diverse attractions across its altitudinal gradients that can appeal to a broader range of tourists beyond just adventurous ones. Research reveals unique experiences at different elevations: leisure and acrophobic tourists enjoy endemic forest flowers and wildlife between 1800-2800 meters above sea level (masl), while floristic tourists appreciate giant groundsels like senecio and lobelia, along with the Shira Plateau, from 2800 to 4000 masl. Semi-adventurous visitors are drawn to distinctive rock formations resembling a cathedral or turtle at 4000-5000 masl, while adventurers seek the summit's dazzling stars and tropical snow above 5000 masl. This diversification of attractions could significantly increase tourism numbers and revenue, suggesting that marketing mountains as not only adventurous but also leisure destinations may be a viable strategy for tourism planners.

Kilungu, H. (2023). Not only Adventurous but also Leisure: Re-defining Tourism in Tanzanian Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Pan-African Journal of Business Management, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.61538/pajbm.v7i1.1287