Private Tour
Mountain Kilimanjaro Day Hike
Overview
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
It’s impossible to climb this famous highest Mount Kilimanjaro in a day, but our day trip to this majestic iconic snow-caped mountain will give you a shot to scramble up the first leg of the well-known Marangu route. On your way through the thick rainforest you will come across twittering and chattering bird life, colobus monkeys and don’t forget to watch out for the curious blue Monkeys.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Park fees (for non-residents) All activities (unless labeled as optional)
All transportation (unless labeled as optional) All Taxes/VAT
hiking poles
Drinking water on all days
All Fees and Taxes
All accommodation as stated in the itinerary A professional driver/guide
All things of personal nature Tips and gratuities for Mountain Guide and porters and Cook
Visas International flights Laundry Services Travel Insurances
Sleeping Bags
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Mount Kilimanjaro
Your day trip begins with a hotel pick at either Moshi or Arusha then jump in for a relaxing drive to Marangu gate for registration with the authorities before you begin your long-awaited hike. This route approaches the mountain from the southeast part. Our main task for the day is to make sure we reach Mandara Hut, the first point of a full hike. We will only trek through the lower attitudes, taking our picnic lunch en route to Mandara Hut. Once we are at Mandara Hut, we will rest for approximately 30 to 45 minutes before we begin our slow descent back to the Main Gate. Our driver will be waiting for you to drive you back to your hotel with relaxing music and cold or warm Kilimanjaro beer to take away the tiredness. Not only should you climb it but drink it too. Please bring your non-disposable water bottle.
Options
Kilimanjaro National Park Day Trip
Duration: 7 hours
lunch box
Marangu
Alphard, Toyota rav4, Noah
Pickup included
Reviews
109 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut with African Polecat Safaris
FarAway111576,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had one free day before my safari adventure began so I decided to hike from the Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut on Mt Kilimanjaro and back down. African Polecat Safaris is a wonderful company to work with. We kept in contact via email and WhatsApp and they answered all my questions. Zakayo G my guide and Brian T my driver arrived at my lodge at the expected time. I was the only person on this ride. Although the drive was long, Zakayo pointed out many things along the way to make the ride interesting. We stopped along the way to pick up lunch. After checking in at the gate, we started the hike. Zakayo matched my pace (slow). I was able to enjoy the rainforest, spot some birds, see the colobus and blue monkeys, enjoy the waterfalls. Zakayo is very knowledgeable about the wildlife and plants. He also knew many of the other guides and porters since he has been leading hikes for many years. Eventually, we made it to Mandara Hut and ate the delicious lunch. A nice surprise was seeing a few blue monkeys just hanging around the grassy area at the hut. The hike back down to the parking lot was twice as fast! If you're interested in doing the One Day hike on Kilimanjaro or any other adventures, check out African Polecat Safaris' website.
Great experience
369sanfordw,
Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tough hike but excellent guided. they even carried lunch lightening our load. The trail wasn't in the greatest shape being muddy but of course that is beyond the control o f the guides
Perfect Tanzaniana experience.
walterrR1206PI,
Aug 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hadada is an amazing company. Very nice and organized. They aranged many activities for me along with driver. Every property they chose was perfect and everything was well organized. I travel to Tanzania two times a year and they will be the only company I use from now one. I even met the owners and they were so pleasant. Everything they arranged was on time and as promised. I highly recommend this company for any travel related needs you have while in the Tanzania region. I look forward to working with them again.
Great hike with Zakayo!
Jen V,
Aug 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great experience hiking with Zak! He was so passionate and knowledgeable about his country and Mt Kilimanjaro, answering all of our questions and explaining various flowers, trees, and monkeys. He even stopped by a market on the drive back home to pick us some local avocados. The hike itself is a moderate three hours to reach the Mandara Huts, where we enjoyed a delicious box lunch. On our particular day, it was a little misty and some spots were muddy. (Once you come down, bring some cash because the women working the washroom may offer to clean your shoes which was a blessing.) Meanwhile, Zak’s shoes were spotless because he was an expert at knowing where to step!!
Amazing experience will come back again!
894margauxp,
Jul 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such an amazing trip! I highly recommend the tour guide: Zakayo! He is so knowledgeable and friendly and was able to make sure I was comfortable on my hike! He continued to motivate me all the way to the top, and made sure I didn’t fall coming down. He makes sure you are able to see blue monkeys and gives you information about all the different types of birds! I would do this again but go to the summit next time!
Great Intro to Tanzania!
Kaitlin O,
Jul 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved our Kilimanjaro hike and had a great experience with the guide, driver and tour company! Loved learning about Tanzanian culture and language throughout the day from our guide Samuel and seeing tons of monkeys in the trees! The hike was super slippery at parts so good shoes are needed.
Ask for Zakayo, Great Guide
Paul H,
Jul 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day and a great guide. Zakayo was our mountain guide and he couldn't have been more accommodating or more patient. We got a special pickup time and location, no problem. Friendly driver Brian and Zakayo were communicative but not too much. We got to park and Zakayo handled everything and off we went. We aren't hikers normally and we aren't in great shape. No problem!! Pole pole (slow slow) and we moved along stopping frequently to rest. During those times he explained the plants, the animals, incredibly knowledgeable. We made it to the spot where they provided lunch, table cloth and all. Wonderful food and then we returned. He stopped us at least twice to show us monkeys that we would have missed if not for him seeing them and pointing them out. Great day, would recommend Zakayo in an instant
Mount Kilimanjaro day hike
M6501IZcaroleb,
Jun 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a truly memorable day! Our guide Zakayo from African Polecat Safaris was very experienced and knowledgeable and made the hike an enjoyable experience. He was friendly whilst making sure we were safe and provided so much information on the plants and animals as we made our way to the Mandara Huts. The hike wasn't too challenging but hiking boots are a must especially in the rain. Also a shout out to our driver Brian - professional and friendly! I would definitely recommend this tour!
Great!
Michaela Y,
Apr 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My experience was great. My guide Zakayo was knowledgeable, friendly, and made sure I was safe and comfortable during the climb. He is truely an expect of the mountain and nature. My driver Brian was also friendly and professional, even stopping the car so I could take a photo of the mountain, and was a very safe driver. I recommend!
Mt Kilimanjaro Day Hike
692eufemiam,
Jan 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I Hiked Kilimanjaro! Yiiippeee!!! Zakayo & Brian Were Such A Joy To Spend A Day With,They Took So MucH Care Of Us My Now Forever Friends 🤗
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Operated by African polecat safaris