Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Mandara Hut (2,743m/9,000ft)
Elevation Gain: 915 meters, 3,000 feet
Early in the morning, depart from vibrant, colorful Moshi town or Arusha city for the trip to Marangu Gate, the gateway to beautiful Kilimanjaro. It’s only an hour’s journey, but the scenery – coffee and banana fields, past charming Marangu hamlet, with Kilimanjaro rising magnificently ahead of you – will capture you. It is also possible to be picked up from Arusha to Marangu but it will have to be a little bit earlier since Arusha is about a 2-hour drive to Moshi town or Arusha city.
Your trip will begin after we register you at the Marangu Gate (since we don’t want to lose you!). The ridged trail is narrow at first as you travel through the rainforest. It’s lush and gloomy, with moss adorning the trees. Birdsong and weird rustlings fill the canopy above us — is it a colobus? It’s possible that a mongoose will scurry ahead of you.
You’ll also come across exhausted hikers on their way down from the peak. Give them a thumbs up for their efforts.
The climb to Mandara Hut takes around three hours, so take a break and eat a delicious lunch there before continuing on to the Maundi Crater for a short but hard walk. The views to the east across Taveta and to the northwest over Mawenzi Peak are breathtaking on a clear day. Remember to bring your camera! After taking in the scenery, you’ll trek back down to the Marangu Gate, where our van will be ready to transport you back to Moshi town or Arusha city, exhausted but pleased. Even if you’re a little out of shape, this Kilimanjaro day trek is acceptable for most individuals!
The cost for the 1 day Mount Kilimanjaro hike includes and excludes the following items
1 Day Kilimanjaro Hike Price includes
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Arusha hotel
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries, and park fees
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents
- Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Surcharge for online payment of deposit (5%)
Price Excludes
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation in Arusha
- Tanzania Visa
- Gratuity
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed above
- Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
Can I do a day hike on Mount Kilimanjaro?
Yes, a day trek may be done by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro through the popular Marangu route or from the western slope to the beautiful Shira Plateau, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Can you climb Mount Kilimanjaro in a day?
No, regular climbers will not be able to summit Mount Kilimanjaro in a single day. Experienced mountaineers have established records for climbing in a few hours or a day, but this is not for everyone.
What is the fastest Mount Kilimanjaro ascent and descent record?
In August 2014, Swiss mountain runner Karl Egloff broke the record for the quickest climb and descent of Mount Kilimanjaro. He raced to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro and returned in 6 hours and 42 minutes, breaking the previous record of 6 hours and 42 minutes established by another mountain runner from Spain, Kilian Jornet, in September 2010.
How Long Does it Take to Climb Kilimanjaro?
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro may take anywhere from 5 to 11 days, depending on a variety of criteria such as route selection, physical ability, and budget.
How many people climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Every year, around 110, 000 individuals attempt to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. A total of around 30,000 climbers and 80,000 porters and guides made up the total.
What to Wear for a Kilimanjaro Day Hike?
Closed shoes, although not necessarily hiking boots, are advised. Wear warm clothing as well.
Who should do a Mount Kilimanjaro day trip?
A day excursion to Mount Kilimanjaro is ideal if you’re traveling with youngsters who aren’t quite ready for the whole trek yet, or if you don’t have much time but still want to enjoy the experience.
Where does the Kilimanjaro day trip take you?
On these one-day treks, you’ll visit Kilimanjaro’s lower camps, such as Mandara Hut and Shira Plateau, before returning to the gate and exploring the unspoiled tropical forest and magnificent views around the mountain.
