Mount Kilimanjaro Day Hikes

1 and 2-day hikes through the iconic Marangu route. Feel the spirit of a real Kilimanjaro adventure in only one or two days
Help me plan my trip
5 Star rated Tour Operator in Africa
See our reviews

Kilimanjaro Day Hikes

If you are not quite sure whether you are ready for a full Kilimanjaro adventure, you might want to take one of our shorter Kilimanjaro trips via Marangu route. Only one or two days on the mountain will be enough to give you a full picture of what it takes to be part of a Kilimanjaro trekking expedition.  

This adventure is perfect if you travel with children who are not ready for the full hike yet, or if your holiday is too short but you still want to enjoy the trip. 

On these hikes you will reach the lower camps of Kilimanjaro, delve into pristine tropical wilderness and see breathtaking landscapes around. The trail taken by first Kilimanjaro explorers, Marangu is home to black-and-white colobuses living in the branches of tropical trees growing along the trail.

A one-day Kilimanjaro trip leads you up to Mandara Hut and back to the entry gate. A two-day option is a more immersive trip with an overnight stay at Mandara Hut, followed by a hike towards Horombo Hut Camp or Maundi Crater. Overall, it is a short, yet fascinating adventure where wildlife and local culture blend.

Itinerary

Day 1
Trekking from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut and descend back

Our guides will arrive at the hotel in the morning to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro National Park's eastern entrance: Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,046 f)). After the quick formality of registering the  climbing permits and registering with the rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Mandara Hut (2,700 m/8,858 ft ). The trekking route includes a passage through the rainforest where tropical showers are highly probable, so we recommend taking raincoats. 

When you reach the camp, you will be provided with lunch-boxes.

After lunch you can take a hike to the beautiful Maundi Crater nearby. It will take about 30 minutes, after which you will start your descent down to the exit of the park - Marangu gate. There our driver will pick you up and drive you to your hotel in the town of Moshi.

Elevation
1,860 m to 2,700 m
2,700 m to 1,860 m
Hiking time
7-8 hours
Distance
16 km
Difficulty
Medium
Habitat
Rainforest, moorland

Marangu Hiking Cost

All payments in Tanzania are in USD only. The prices in EUR and GBP are given for informational purposes only.
All payments in Tanzania are in USD only. The prices in EUR and GBP are given for informational purposes only.

The price for our Marangu Day-Hikes is way cheaper than that for the full climbing adventures, making it possible to climb Kilimanjaro in one day at an affordable rate and get a taste of this magnificent volcano. All prices include park fees, English-speaking guides and crew, meals and drinks, Kilimanjaro National Park fees, group equipment and other necessary items. Personal hiking gear (outfit and sleeping bag) is not included in the package. You should either bring the gear with you, or hire it from us here on the spot.

Climbing on 1-day
1 pax 2 pax 3 pax 4 pax 5 pax 6 pax 7 pax 8+ pax
Mount Kilimanjaro Day Hikes
Mount Kilimanjaro Day Hikes
$401 $275 $252 $232 $221 $212 $200 $191 Compare prices
Climbing on 1-day
Mount Kilimanjaro Day Hikes
Mount Kilimanjaro Day Hikes
1 pax
$401
2 pax
$275
3 pax
$252
4 pax
$232
5 pax
$221
6 pax
$212
7 pax
$200
8 pax
$191
Compare prices
The climb price includes:

Transfers:

  • Pick-up in Moshi
  • Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park;
  • Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel.

Entry fees:

  • All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).

Meals:
  • Picnic lunch on the 1-day trip
  • Picnic lunch, dinner and breakfast on the 2-day trip
  • Drinks on the hike

Hiking and safety equipment:

  • GPS-tracking service;
  • Complete medical kits;
  • 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats (on 2-day trip);
  • Oxygen cylinders and oximeters (on 2-day trip);

Climbing crew:

  • Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 7+years of successful mountaineering experience;
  • Dedicated support crew on 2-day trip (assistant guides, porters, cooks, etc.).
The price excludes:
  • Costs of getting to Moshi
  • Accommodation and meals before and after the hike;
  • Personal gear rentals;
  • Tips for the guides and the crew (30-80 USD per person);
  • Insurance
Day 1
Trekking from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park's eastern entrance: Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,046 ft ). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Mandara Hut (2,700 m/8,858 f). The trekking route includes a passage through the rainforest (where tropical showers are highly probable), so we recommend taking not only spare clothes, but also raincoats.

When you reach the camp, our mountain support crew will take care of all the necessities and prepare lunch for you.

You will spend your night in special huts.

Elevation
1,860 m to 2,700 m
Hiking time
3-5 hours
Distance
8 km
Difficulty
Medium
Habitat
Rainforest, morrland
Day 2
Hiking towards Horombo Camp/Maundi Crater and descent to Marangu Gate

After breakfast at Mandara Camp, the guide will offer two trekking options: you can either hike towards Horombo camp (6 km) or to Maundi Crater (2 km). Considering your pace and overall condition, he will advise which option is better. The guides know the route and the time you are likely to spend for ascent and descent, so we recommend following their instructions to make this trip a memorable experience. 

Upon returning to the Mandara camp, the cook will prepare lunch for you, and you will begin hiking down to the exit from the national park, where our driver will meet you and transfer to the hotel.

Elevation
2,700 m to 3,100 m
3,100 m to 1,860 m
Hiking time
6-9 hours
Distance
14 km
Difficulty
Medium
Habitat
Rainforest, morrland

Marangu Hiking Cost

All payments in Tanzania are in USD only. The prices in EUR and GBP are given for informational purposes only.
All payments in Tanzania are in USD only. The prices in EUR and GBP are given for informational purposes only.

The price for our Marangu Day-Hikes is way cheaper than that for the full climbing adventures, making it possible to climb Kilimanjaro in one day at an affordable rate and get a taste of this magnificent volcano. All prices include park fees, English-speaking guides and crew, meals and drinks, Kilimanjaro National Park fees, group equipment and other necessary items. Personal hiking gear (outfit and sleeping bag) is not included in the package. You should either bring the gear with you, or hire it from us here on the spot.

Climbing on 2-day
1 pax 2 pax 3 pax 4 pax 5 pax 6 pax 7 pax 8+ pax
Mount Kilimanjaro Day Hikes
Mount Kilimanjaro Day Hikes
$1 031 $803 $745 $721 $712 $689 $663 $626 Compare prices
Climbing on 2-day
Mount Kilimanjaro Day Hikes
Mount Kilimanjaro Day Hikes
1 pax
$1 031
2 pax
$803
3 pax
$745
4 pax
$721
5 pax
$712
6 pax
$689
7 pax
$663
8 pax
$626
Compare prices
The climb price includes:

Transfers:

  • Pick-up in Moshi
  • Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park;
  • Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel.

Entry fees:

  • All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).

Meals:

  • Picnic lunch on the 1-day trip
  • Picnic lunch, dinner and breakfast on the 2-day trip
  • Drinks on the hike

Hiking and safety equipment:

  • GPS-tracking service;
  • Complete medical kits;
  • 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats (on 2-day trip);
  • Oxygen cylinders and oximeters (on 2-day trip);

Climbing crew:

  • Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 7+years of successful mountaineering experience;
  • Dedicated support crew on 2-day trip (assistant guides, porters, cooks, etc.).
The price excludes:
  • Costs of getting to Moshi
  • Accommodation and meals before and after the hike;
  • Personal gear rentals;
  • Tips for the guides and the crew (30-80 USD per person);
  • Insurance

Kilimanjaro Weather

Month
Weather
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Dry season

The most favorable weather conditions for a Kilimanjaro day hike are middle June - late September and late December - early March. This is when the sky is clear and the chances of rain are very slow. You will enjoy clear views of the surrounding wilderness. The trek, however, may be busy at these times of the year.

Rain season

The periods of late March - early June and late October - middle December are when the weather at Kilimanjaro is more rainy. It is foggy and a rain poncho is an absolute must. Trekking is more challenging during the rainy season, but at the same time, the verdure is lush green, creating inimitable wilderness experience. The number of other trekkers on the trek is considerably lower.

Weather on Kilimanjaro now
We are regularly updating weather forecasts. Visit altezza-weather.com to get the most accurate information about the weather on Kilimanjaro.
Altezza-weather.com

Perhaps, you want to make a full Kilimanjaro hike?

REQUEST A PRICE QUOTE!
Drop us a line. Our experts will answer all your questions in 24 hours
Optional