Hike to Kilimanjaro’s Mandara
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 from your hotel to the Marangu Gate at an elevation of 1860 m where all the paperwork and registration are processed before we begin our day trek 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.
- Altitude gain: 1860m to 2700m
- Distance (one way): 8 km
- Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours up / 2 – 3 hours down (total time 5 – 7 hours)
- Habitat: Rainforest
Important Info: Each hiker requires a small 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.
