Mount Kilimanjaro Trek-Marangu Route
Day Trip
Overview
Our one-day Kilimanjaro hiking tour to Mandara Huts which are A-shaped, gives you the chance to trek to the first stage of the legendary Marangu Route, through a rainforest teeming with wildlife and chattering, curious blue monkeys. Be on the lookout for a black and white colobus monkey or two!
Itinerary
Start time: 8.00am
Elevation: 1860 (marangu gate) to 2700m asl (Mandara Huts)
Duration of excursion: Full day
Meals included: Packed lunch. Bottled water.
The 1 day hike to Kilimanjaro’s Mandara Hut, the first accommodation point along the Marangu route begins with an early morning breakfast at your hotel or lodge in Moshi or Arusha but preferably in Moshi since it is the nearest town to Mount Kilimanjaro. We drive for 1 hour to the Marangu Gate at an elevation of 1860 m where all the paperwork and registration are processed before we begin our day hike on the mountain. Marangu Gate is located in the dense forested and wet region of the rainforest. traversing the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to see the resident black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and a variety of bird species. Our knowledgeable mountain guide will share their knowledge of Mount Kilimanjaro and its environs while pointing out the different species of plants and animals of the mountain.
- Morning Departure: Start your day early with a departure from Moshi or Arusha to the Marangu Gate, the starting point for the Marangu Route. The drive takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on your location.
- Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut (First leg of the trek): Begin your hike from the Marangu Gate (1,860 meters) and trek through lush rainforest trails towards Mandara Hut (2,700 meters). This section of the route is relatively easy and suitable for children, with gentle slopes and well-maintained paths.
- Picnic Lunch at Mandara Hut: Arrive at Mandara Hut in time for a picnic lunch surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest. Enjoy a break to rest, refuel, and take in the natural beauty of the area.
- Exploration and Nature Walk: After lunch, explore the surrounding area with a guided nature walk. Learn about the diverse plant and animal life found in the rainforest ecosystem, including unique flora and playful monkeys.
- Return to Marangu Gate: After spending a few hours at Mandara Hut, begin your descent back to the Marangu Gate. Take your time on the return journey, allowing children to explore and enjoy the experience at their own pace.
- Evening Return: Arrive back at the Marangu Gate in the late afternoon or early evening. From there, return to your accommodation in Moshi or Arusha, reflecting on the day’s adventure and the memories made on Kilimanjaro.
What to wear for this day hike to Marangu
Each hiker requires a small rucksack/backpack to carry water, warm clothes, and full waterproofs – the weather may be unpredictable fast as clouds swoop down from the peak depending on the time of year. Additionally, each hiker needs a pair of sturdy walking boots since the ground in some sections might be soft. For this day excursion to Mount Kilimanjaro, hiking boots are not required. However, we advise wearing closed-toe footwear, such as trainers.
INCLUDES:
- Lunch Box
- Park Fee
- Salaries to the Tour Guide and Team
- Rescue