Kilimanjaro Day Hike
A full day on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a completely different environment from the safari.
Full day, returning to Arusha in the late afternoon
Approximately 5–7 hours round trip
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut and return
Arusha
Private minibus / SUV, round trip from Arusha
1–6 travellers
Packed lunch
One day on Kilimanjaro's lower slopes.
This is not a summit attempt, but a real experience of the mountain’s lower slopes — giving a sense of its scale, terrain and atmosphere.
The day
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut and return
- Hiking approx. 5–7 hours round trip
- Meals: Packed lunch
Early morning pickup from Arusha and transfer to the base of Mount Kilimanjaro at Marangu Gate.
After registration, the hike begins through dense rainforest — a completely different landscape from the safari. The air is cooler, the trail is shaded, and the surroundings feel quiet and untouched.
The route ascends gradually toward Mandara Hut, passing through thick forest where you may spot blue monkeys and colobus monkeys moving through the trees. The pace is steady and manageable, allowing time to take in the environment rather than rush.
A picnic lunch is taken along the route.
After reaching Mandara Hut, the descent begins back through the forest, with the light changing as the day progresses. Return to Arusha in the late afternoon.
What's included
- Round-trip transport from Arusha to Marangu Gate by private minibus / SUV
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Arusha
- Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees
- Rescue fee
- Professional mountain guide
- Packed lunch
- Drinking water
- All government taxes and fees
- Hiking gear such as boots, jackets and rainwear
- Hotel accommodation in Arusha
- Airport transfers, available on request at USD 50 each way
- Tips and gratuities: guideline USD 5 per traveller for your guide and driver
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Personal expenses
- Additional snacks or drinks beyond what is provided
Before you travel
This day starts and ends in Arusha
We collect you from your hotel in Arusha in the morning and drop you back there at the end of the day.
Arriving by air?
Airport transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport can be arranged at USD 50 each way. Let us know your flight details when you book.
Need a hotel in Arusha?
Accommodation is not included, but we are happy to book it for you. Just tell us your dates and the kind of place you have in mind.
What to wear
The trail passes through rainforest and can be wet and muddy in any month. Sturdy walking shoes or boots, a waterproof jacket and long trousers are strongly recommended. Hiking gear is not provided.
Travelling with purpose
Tanzania is one of the most extraordinary places on earth. When you travel with us, you experience the country while helping to secure the lives of orphaned children.
We support Severe Children’s Home in Arusha, a registered Tanzanian non-governmental organisation. Every booking contributes directly to its work.
Severe Children’s Home
OONGO/R/8978, registered under the Non-Governmental Organizations Act, 2002
4 February 2026, valid to 3 February 2036
P.O. Box 3013, Arusha, Tanzania
Follow the home on Instagram: @severechildrenshome. Our certificate of registration is available on request: just ask and we will send it with your booking confirmation.
Prices depend on the number of travellers in your group.
All prices in US dollars, per person. Smaller groups pay more, as the guide and vehicle are shared across fewer people.
Full day · starts and ends in Arusha
1–6 travellers
Every booking contributes directly to the work of Severe Children’s Home in Arusha.