Day trip
Kilimanjaro Day Hike
Overview
You don’t need a week and a summit night to walk on Kilimanjaro. On this day hike you follow the opening stage of the Marangu Route, climbing from the park gate through montane rainforest to Mandara Hut, the first overnight stop for summit climbers, at about 2,700 m (9,000 ft). That is a gain of roughly 900 m (3,000 ft) in one morning, so it is a proper walk rather than a stroll.
The forest is the star of the day. Moss and ferns cover the trunks, birdsong fills the air, and blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus move through the canopy above. After lunch at Mandara, a short, steep side trail leads to the rim of Maundi Crater, a small volcanic cone with wide views when the cloud stays away. Then you walk back down the same path to the gate.
Tanzania Tourism Safaris collects you from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, handles the park registration and has you back by evening. The hike suits active travelers with reasonable fitness and fits neatly into a free day before or after a safari.
Tour highlights
- Walk the first stage of the Marangu Route
- Montane rainforest with blue and colobus monkeys
- Lunch at Mandara Hut, about 2,700 m up
- Side trail to the rim of Maundi Crater
- Park fees and a licensed mountain guide included
- Pickup in Moshi or Arusha
Day by day
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Day 1 Morning: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut and Maundi Crater Meals Lunch
An early pickup takes you through coffee and banana smallholdings to Marangu Gate, where your guide registers the group with the park. The trail climbs steadily through the forest, and it takes around three hours to reach Mandara Hut. You may pass tired summit climbers heading down. After a picnic lunch at the hut, walk the short, steep path to Maundi Crater for the views, then retrace your steps to the gate and drive back to your hotel.
Prices by season
Per person in US dollars. The price depends on when you travel and how many travelers share the trip.
| Season | 1 traveler | 2 travelers | 4 travelers | 6 travelers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season 1 Mar – 31 May | $615 | $410 | $359 | $341 |
| High season 1 Nov – 20 Dec and 6 Jan – 29 Feb | $648 | $432 | $378 | $359 |
| Peak season Now 1 Jun – 31 Oct and 21 Dec – 5 Jan | $720 | $480 | $420 | $398 |
Tour price includes
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Moshi or Arusha
- Transfer to and from Marangu Gate
- Kilimanjaro National Park entry and rescue fees
- Park-licensed mountain guide with wilderness first-aid training
- Picnic lunch and drinks on the trail
- First-aid kit carried on the hike
- GPS tracking during the walk
Tour price excludes
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips for your guide
- Souvenirs and personal spending
Questions about this trip
How fit do I need to be for the Kilimanjaro day hike?
You should be comfortable walking uphill for around three hours, with short rests, and then coming back down the same distance. The path is well made but can be steep and slippery after rain. If you hike or walk regularly at home, you will be fine at a steady pace.
Will I feel the altitude?
Mandara Hut sits at about 2,700 m (9,000 ft). Most people notice they breathe harder on the climbs but feel little else at this height. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide if you get a headache or feel unwell.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear broken-in walking boots and bring a rain jacket, because the forest is often damp even in the dry months. A warm layer, sunscreen, a hat and a small daypack with water and a camera are all useful. Lunch and drinks are provided.
Can I combine the day hike with a safari?
Yes. Marangu Gate is a short drive from Moshi and can also be reached from Arusha, so the hike fits well on an arrival day, a rest day or the last day of a safari. Tell us your dates and we will slot it into your plans.
Before you go
- Best Time To Visit Tanzania
- How Much Does a Tanzania Safari Cost?
- Top Safari Packing List in Tanzania
- The Best Guides on Tanzania Visa Requirement
- Tanzania Travel Insurance
- Tanzania Travel Safety
- Tipping In Tanzania Safari
- Tanzania Safari Faqs
Listed in Day trips
Where you will go
Parks on this safari
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