What You Need to Know: A Kilimanjaro day hike from Moshi drives about an hour to Marangu Gate (6,135 ft / 1,870 m) and walks up through the rainforest towards Mandara Hut (8,924 ft / 2,720 m) and back, about 10 miles (16 km) in total, with a licensed guide. It costs US$245 per person, including the Kilimanjaro National Park entry fee, your guide and transport. Anyone in reasonable health can do it, including children with a parent.
How Does the Kilimanjaro Day Hike from Moshi Work?
The day hike starts with a 7:30 pickup in Moshi and about an hour's drive to Marangu Gate. You walk up through the rainforest with your guide, eat your packed lunch near Mandara Hut, take the short path to the Maundi Crater viewpoint and walk back down, reaching Moshi at about 16:30.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 7:30 | Pickup in Moshi, about an hour to Marangu Gate |
| 9:00 | Register at the gate, start the walk with your guide |
| 12:00 | Picnic near Mandara Hut, short walk to Maundi Crater |
| 13:30 | Walk down to the gate |
| 16:30 | Back in Moshi |
The full walk to Mandara Hut and back is about 10 miles (16 km) and 5–7 hours. Your guide adjusts the distance to your group; you can turn around earlier. Look for blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus in the forest, and the Maundi Crater near Mandara on clear days.
How Much Does the Kilimanjaro Day Hike Cost?
The Kilimanjaro day hike costs US$245 per person, including the park entry fee, your guide and transport. Most of the price is the Kilimanjaro National Park fee, which is charged per person.
Who Is the Kilimanjaro Day Hike For?
Anyone in reasonable health who can walk for several hours on a forest trail, including children with a parent. It is popular with travelers who aren't climbing but want to see the mountain up close, with climbers' families and friends, and as a warm-up before a full climb. For the summit, see our Kilimanjaro climbs.
How High Does the Kilimanjaro Day Hike Go?
The day hike usually climbs from Marangu Gate (about 6,100 ft / 1,860 m) through rainforest towards Mandara Hut (about 8,900 ft / 2,720 m), with an optional short walk to the Maundi Crater viewpoint. That is a gain of about 2,820 ft (860 m): a steady uphill walk on a good path, suitable for most reasonably fit walkers. At this height altitude sickness is rare, but walk slowly and drink plenty.
What Will You See in Kilimanjaro's Rainforest?
Kilimanjaro's rainforest wraps the mountain between about 5,900 and 9,200 ft (1,800–2,800 m). It catches most of the mountain's rain, feeding the rivers that water the farms below. Tall trees hung with moss and lichen, giant ferns and flowering impatiens line the path, and the air is cool and damp. Black-and-white colobus monkeys leap through the canopy, and blue monkeys are often seen near Mandara Hut.
On the day hike you walk the first stage of the Marangu route, the same path climbers take on day 1 of their climb. It is a good taste of the mountain, and for many guests the first step towards a full climb; see our Kilimanjaro climbs.
- Black-and-white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys in the canopy
- Giant ferns, mosses and old-man's-beard lichen hanging from the trees
- Turacos and other forest birds
- From Maundi Crater, on clear days, views across the plains towards Kenya
What to Bring on the Kilimanjaro Day Hike
Pack for a wet, cool forest: the trail is often muddy, and the Maundi Crater viewpoint can be chilly.
- Comfortable walking shoes or boots with good grip
- A light rain jacket: the forest is often wet
- A warm layer for the Maundi Crater viewpoint
- A packed lunch, 2 liters of water and snacks
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Your passport for park registration
Thinking About Climbing Kilimanjaro to the Summit?
The day hike gives you a feel for the mountain and its forest. If it leaves you wanting more, our Kilimanjaro climbs reach the summit in 5 to 9 days, and our acclimatization guide explains how longer routes improve your chances.
Common Questions About the Kilimanjaro Day Hike
Do you need a permit for a Kilimanjaro day hike?
Yes. The park fee and registration are included, and a licensed guide goes with you.
How far do you walk?
Up to about 10 miles (16 km) to Mandara Hut and back; your guide can shorten it.
Can children do the day hike?
Yes, with a parent, if they can walk several hours.
How high do you go on the Kilimanjaro day hike?
Usually to around Mandara Hut, about 8,900 ft (2,720 m), from Marangu Gate at about 6,100 ft (1,860 m).
Do I need hiking experience for the day hike?
No, just reasonable fitness. The path is good but uphill all the way.
Is the Kilimanjaro day hike worth it?
Yes, to experience the mountain's rainforest and views without a full climb.
What is the weather like on the day hike?
Cool and often damp in the forest, with rain possible in any month; bring a rain jacket and a warm layer even if Moshi is hot.
The Bottom Line
Walk the rainforest on Kilimanjaro's lower slopes in a day, with a guide and the park fee included. It's the easiest way to say you've been on the mountain.
Send us your date, where you are staying and the number of travelers (with children's ages) through the form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our team will confirm the pickup time and send your quotation.