One Day Marangu Hike

This carefully designed day trip ensures you experience the best of Kilimanjaro’s accessible trails, guided by our expert local team.

Your adventure begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. You’ll enjoy a scenic drive, passing through charming rural Tanzanian villages and lush coffee plantations, as you make your way towards the majestic Kilimanjaro National Park entrance. Upon arrival at Marangu Gate (1,860m / 6,102ft), your guide will handle all necessary registration formalities with the park authorities. This marks the official start of your journey, and you’ll receive a brief orientation before setting off with your guide and an accompanying park ranger.

You’ll then embark on your hike through the incredibly rich and dense rainforest, characteristic of Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. The trail here is well-maintained and offers a gradual ascent, making it an enjoyable walk. As you trek, keep your eyes peeled for the fascinating wildlife that inhabits this vibrant ecosystem, including playful blue monkeys, distinctive black and white colobus monkeys, and a diverse array of birdlife. Your experienced guide will share captivating insights into the unique flora and fauna you encounter along the way.

Your destination for the mid-day break is Mandara Hut (2,720m / 8,923ft), the first camp on the full Marangu route. Here, you’ll take a well-deserved rest and enjoy a delicious packed lunch amidst the serene mountain surroundings. You’ll have ample time to relax, capture some memorable photographs, and visit the nearby Maundi Crater. From this vantage point, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding area, and on a clear day, you might even catch a stunning glimpse of the majestic Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks.

After your rejuvenating break, you’ll begin your gentle descent back down the same path, winding through the enchanting rainforest once more. The downhill walk is typically quicker and offers a different perspective of the forest’s beauty. Your descent will bring you back to Marangu Gate, where you’ll sign out of the park, having successfully completed your immersive Kilimanjaro experience. As a memento of your achievement, you’ll receive a special non-summit certificate from Kilimanjaro National Park. A comfortable vehicle will then be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, allowing you to reflect on the magic of your day on Africa’s highest mountain.