Kilimanjaro Day Hike Trekking

You love to get a glimpse of Kilimanjaro the top of Africa, the highest free-standing mountain in the world, but your time, physical and financial ability don't allow you to get to the summit? We can arrange that  on a private basis which you can start on any day of the year but recommended before safari.

Majestic Mount Kilimanjaro is the awe-inspiring landmark of Tanzania but you don’t need to climb it to experience its full beauty and the captivating terrain that surrounds it. Kilimanjaro day trip gives you the opportunity to scramble up the first leg of the well known Marangu Route, through rainforest twittering with birdlife and chattering, curious blue monkeys.

Tour Itinerary

Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Mandara Hut (2,743m/9,000ft) Elevation Gain: 915 meters, 3,000 feet 

Leave bustling, colorful Moshi early for the drive to Marangu Gate, the threshold of magnificent Kilimanjaro. It’s just an hour’s drive, but you’ll be captivated by the countryside – coffee and banana plantations, through picturesque Marangu village, with Kilimanjaro rising majestically ahead of you.

We’ll register you at the Marangu Gate (because we don’t want to lose you!) and then your adventure will begin. At first, the ridged trail is narrow as you wander through the rainforest. It’s lush and misty, with the trees adorned with moss. The canopy overhead is alive with birdsong and strange rustlings – is that a colobus? Mongoose might scuttle ahead of you. You’ll also meet tired hikers descending from the summit. Give them a high five for effort.

The hike to Mandara Hut is around three hours so stop to rest your legs and have a tasty lunch at the Hut and once you’ve replenished yourself, take the short but challenging walk to the Maundi Crater. On a clear day, the views to the east over Taveta and to the northwest to Mawenzi Peak are stunning. Don’t forget your camera! After basking in the beauty of it, you’ll hike back down to the Marangu Gate where our vehicle will be waiting for you to drive you, tired but happy, back to Moshi. This Kilimanjaro day hike is suitable for most people, even if you’re a little unfit!