Day hike on Kilimanjaro (Marangu route)
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Description
Day hike on Kilimanjaro (Marangu route) : This day hike up Mount Kilimanjaro is perfect for those who want to experience Kili, without actually going to the top. In one day you walk via the Marangu route to the Mandara Huts at 2,700 meters or 8,858 feet. This guided hike takes 4 – 6 hours to walk up and another 2 – 3 hours to come down, and leads you past a dense rainforest with higher up some amazing views of Mawenzi Peak as a reward (on clear days). You might also spot Colobus monkeys and hyraxes along the way.
The day trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro starts around 5 AM from Arusha (or even earlier to avoid traffic). Depending on the location of your accommodation, the journey will take 1.5 to 2.5 hours. From here, you’ll depart with your guide after an early breakfast to start the drive to Kilimanjaro National Park and begin the Kilimanjaro day hike.
The Kilimanjaro day hike begins on the western side of the mountain and goes up through the forests to the Londorossi Gate. Here, at an altitude of 2,100m, the hike begins. The ascent is over 1,000m, moving steadily up through tropical mountain forests, home to a variety of animals and birdlife. With the help of your guide, you may spot colobus monkeys, crested turacos, and more. It is not uncommon to hear elephants rumbling through the forest; you may even catch sight of them through the trees.
The Kilimanjaro day hike takes you up to the vast Shira Plateau, at 3,600m. It is a 500,000-year-old volcanic caldera that is now a World Heritage Site. You can stop for lunch here or continue on to Shira 1 Camp, Lion Gorge, and the foothills of the Shira Pinnacles. Kilimanjaro’s iconic snow-covered tabletop, Kibo Peak, should be visible from here, as well as neighboring glaciers.
The Marangu Route Day Hike starts at Marangu Gate on Kilimanjaro’s southeastern side, taking you through lush rainforests to Mandara Hut, with chances to spot monkeys and enjoy views of Maundi Crater. It’s a well-maintained, less challenging trail compared to Lemosho, making it ideal for a more relaxed hike. Due to the starting point being closer and the absence of forest fees, this route is substantially cheaper but does not visit the Shira Plateau. Price from $195,- per person
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Most day hikers use the Marangu Route. You will begin at the Marangu Gate (approx. 1,860m / 6,100ft), trek through the dense montane rainforest to Mandara Hut (2,700m / 8,875ft), and then hike back down to the gate. Total trekking distance is about 12 km (7.5 miles)
Alternatively, some tour operators offer a Shira Route day hike for a higher-altitude moorland experience, though it requires a 4x4 drive up the western side of the mountain.
No. It is legally mandatory to be accompanied by a registered guide and to purchase a Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) permit. Even for day hikes, you must hike with a licensed local tour operator
- Footwear: Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with thick socks.
- Clothing: Moisture-wicking base layers, a fleece mid-layer, and a waterproof, wind-resistant outer jacket.
- Gear: Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed sun hat, sunscreen, and a waterproof daypack.
- Hydration: A reusable water bottle or hydration bladder to carry at least 2 liters of water.
The Marangu day hike is considered moderately challenging. While no technical climbing skills are required, you will be hiking on uneven, often muddy terrain, gaining nearly 840 meters (2,775 feet) of elevation. A decent level of cardiovascular fitness will ensure you enjoy the day comfortably.
Our staff are 100% dedicated to looking after our climbers and we are 100% dedicated to looking after them and you. Any climb is only as good as the mountain crew that accompanies it. That’s why we employ top professionals and look after them. We pay them properly, on time and in full – not something you can take for granted with cheap operators. We equip and clothe them appropriately, we make sure they are fed nutritiously, three times per day and we ensure that the tipping by the climbers is done in a transparent manner. We are a partner of the independent porters’ welfare organisation, KPAP who ensure that operators look after their porters. There is a KPAP representative porter on every climb, something we are very happy to encourage.
Most of our guides have worked with us for many years, which is testament of the great relationship we have with them. But we never take them for granted, as we know how valuable they are – to you and to us.
On the mountain, the water comes from the mountain streams. We treat all the water to make it safe, before you drink it. You must keep well-hydrated throughout the day, aiming to consume between 3 and 5 liters daily. You may also wish to consider bringing additives to top up your electrolytes.
Toilets up on the mountain are usually of the ‘long-drop’ type (essentially, pit latrines), though some of the huts on the Marangu route do have flush toilets. Easy Travel provide toilet paper. On routes other than Marangu, climbers can choose to hire portable toilets at an extra cost. Please advise us in advance if you wish to hire a portable toilet for your climb.
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Location / Contacts
- Address : Arusha, Tanzania
- Phone : +255687590560
- Mail : info@serengetitrips.com
- Website : http://serengetitrips.com/
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