Kilimanjaro Day Trip

Kilimanjaro Day Trip : Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak. Climbers from all over the world dream of reaching the summit of this majestic mountain capped with white snow, but only a few make it. The climb is challenging and may be difficult if you haven’t been to high altitudes.

Maybe you don’t want to pay for a whole Kilimanjaro climb or you don’t feel comfortable reaching the summit; a Mount Kilimanjaro day hike is the best alternative. You begin your trek from Arusha or Moshi and hike through one of the routes to a certain elevation (usually 2700 m). This day tour will give you a taste of Africa’s highest peak.

 

Can you climb Kilimanjaro in a day?

While it is possible to climb Kilimanjaro in a day, a Mount Kilimanjaro day trip is not about hiking Africa’s highest peak in a day. Reaching the summit in a day is only for expert climbers since it requires high fitness levels.

Apart from being home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park is home to stunning montane forests, wild animals, and birds on the lower slopes. Therefore, you don’t have to climb it to the summit, but you can for a day hike.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is Africa’s highest peak, which rises to 5,895 meters above sea level and is one of the Seven Wonders of Africa.

 

Day Trip to Kilimanjaro from Arusha

Wake up in the morning at around 6:00 a.m. and get ready for a buffet breakfast. At 7:00 a.m., your guide will be picked up, and the drive from Arusha to Marangu Gate will begin. It will take 3 hours to arrive at Marangu Gate. On the way, you will enjoy majestic scenery and views of plantations, buildings, and locals.

When you arrive at the gate, your guide will assist you with paperwork with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. Afterward, we will begin our hike on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro. We will hike to Mandara Hut, the first hut on the Marangu Route, where you will have a picnic lunch. As other hikers continue their trail uphill, we will descend. A guide will be waiting for you at Marangu Gate, and you will be taken to your hotel in Arusha.

 

Day Trip to Kilimanjaro from Moshi

You can also take a day trip to Kilimanjaro from Moshi. You don’t have to wake up early because Moshi is just a one-hour drive from Marangu Gate. Enjoy scenic views of coffee and banana fields as you drive to the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Register at the gate and begin your hike. Hike through the wildlife-rich zone of Kilimanjaro. Enjoy wildlife, like monkeys and others. After three hours, you arrive at Mandara Hut. Eat lunch, walk to the Maundi Crater, and enjoy the scenic views. Afterward, you will return to Marangu Gate and drive to your hotel.

Which route is best for Kilimanjaro day trips?

The Marangu route (the Coca-Cola route) is best for day hikes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a favorite of many mountain climbers as it is easy to ascend due to its gentle inclination. Marangu is the oldest route, well-established, and has accommodations in huts. Climbers take six days to reach Uhuru Peak through this route. Marangu is also the best for Kilimanjaro Day. On your day hike, you will hike to Mandara Huts and descend.

Which route is best for Kilimanjaro day trips?

Many mountain climbers prefer Marangu route as it has a relatively gentle gradient and thus is easy to climb. The Marangu route is the oldest, most popular, and has well-facilitated huts to stay in. It takes climbers six days to ascend through this route and get to Uhuru Peak. Marangu is also the best for Kilimanjaro Day. During your day hike, you will ascend to Mandara Huts and descend.

Kilimanjaro Day Trip
Kilimanjaro Day Trip

What to expect from a Mount Kilimanjaro Day trip?

The Kilimanjaro sightseeing tour comes with a lot of expectations that you have to look forward to.

Wildlife: Wildlife in Kilimanjaro National Park comprises elephants, hyenas, giraffes, monkeys, aardvarks, bush babies, antelopes, baboons, leopards, buffalos, and others. These beautiful animals will welcome you as you go for a hike around the foot of this magnificent mountain. They are also found on the lower grades of Mount Kilimanjaro and can be found in rivers, grasslands, and woodlands.

Birdlife: More than 150 species of birds can be found in Kilimanjaro National Park, making it an ideal spot for bird watching. Beautiful bird species include the grey hornbill, the African pygmy kingfisher, the white-necked raven, the long-tailed trogon, and the African fish eagle among others.

Stunning vegetation: The base of Mount Kilimanjaro has characteristic green vegetation. The montane forest zone is dotted with attractive tree species such as yellowwood, East African camphorwood, wild olive, maracanga, and wild figs. This zone is also endowed with sensational flowers like red-and-yellow impatiens and violets.

 

How much does a Kilimanjaro day hike cost?

A Kilimanjaro National Park day trip from Moshi costs 140 USD per person, while a day trip to Kilimanjaro from Arusha costs around 350 USD per person for two people. The price usually includes transportation, a guide, park fees, a mouth-watering packed lunch, and mineral water, while excluding tips, insurance, and additional transfers.

A Mount Kilimanjaro day hike is the best way to appreciate its splendor. At Focus East Africa Safaris, we organize this safari tour from Moshi or Arusha. Our guides are well-trained and will take you through the trails to the peak.

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