Tour Overview
Climb a part of Mount Kilimanjaro with a one-day hike. This hike has probably been on
your bucket list for a while now, and if you don't have the time or budget (or both) to
climb it, then this is definitely your best option. You'll get up really high and have
the best view of the mountain, without having to pay the full price.
Get a nice taste of the highest mountain in Africa: Mt. Kilimanjaro, at 5,985m tall.
Highlights
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Get a taste of Africa's highest mountain!
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Spectacular views on the mountainside
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Around 1000m elevation gain
How Fit Should I Be?
It's 'just' a day hike, but the fast pace and elevation make it quite exhausting.
So don't underestimate this hike. It is definitely challenging.
Itinerary
Kilimanjaro Day Hike Description
The day trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro starts around 5 AM from Arusha (or even earlier to avoid traffic).
Depending on the location of your accommodation, the journey will take 1.5 to 2.5 hours. From
here, you'll depart with your guide after an early breakfast to start the drive to Kilimanjaro
National Park and begin the Kilimanjaro day hike.
The Kilimanjaro day hike begins on the western side of the mountain and goes up through the
forests to the Londorossi Gate. Here, at an altitude of 2,100m, the hike begins. The ascent is
over 1,000m, moving steadily up through tropical mountain forests, home to a variety of animals
and birdlife. With the help of your guide, you may spot colobus monkeys, crested turacos, and
more. It is not uncommon to hear elephants rumbling through the forest; you may even catch sight
of them through the trees.
The Kilimanjaro day hike takes you up to the vast Shira Plateau, at 3,600m. It is a 500,000-year-old
volcanic caldera that is now a World Heritage Site. You can stop for lunch here or continue on to
Shira 1 Camp, Lion Gorge, and the foothills of the Shira Pinnacles. Kilimanjaro's iconic
snow-covered tabletop, Kibo Peak, should be visible from here, as well as neighboring glaciers.
Day Hike Kilimanjaro Options
Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route Day Hike starts on Kilimanjaro's remote western side, offering a quieter,
more scenic trail through dense rainforests up to the vast Shira Plateau (as described above).
It's a more challenging hike with breathtaking views and diverse landscapes, perfect for
adventure seekers.
$380 per person
Marangu Route
The Marangu Route Day Hike starts at Marangu Gate on Kilimanjaro's southeastern side, taking
you through lush rainforests to Mandara Hut, with chances to spot monkeys and enjoy views of
Maundi Crater. It's a well-maintained, less challenging trail compared to Lemosho, making it
ideal for a more relaxed hike. Due to the starting point being closer and the absence of
forest fees, this route is substantially cheaper but does not visit the Shira Plateau.
$200 per person
Pricing
Lemosho Route
$350
Per person
For 2 clients
$330
Per person
For 3-4 Clients
Best Value
$290
Per person
For 5+ Clients
Marangu Route
$280
Per person
For 2 clients
$260
Per person
For 3-4 Clients
Best Value
$240
Per person
For 5+ Clients
Inclusions & Exclusions
✅ Tour Includes
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Pick-up & drop-off at your accommodation
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English Speaking Driver & Professional trekking guide
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Park fees & Government Taxes
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Lunch box
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Water & Soft drinks
❌ Tour Excludes
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Tips for the mountain guide
🎒 What to Bring
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Good (Closed) Shoes & extra pair of dry socks
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Fleece Jacket
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Rain Jacket & Dry Bag
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Water Bottle
