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.
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.
Lemosho Route Day Hike: 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. Price from €220,- per person
Marangu Route Day Hike: 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. Price from €195,- per person
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.
