Marangu Day Trip

You don't need to climb to the summit to set foot on Kilimanjaro. At 5,895 m, Africa's highest mountain is a dormant stratovolcano, the tallest free-standing volcanic mountain in the world, with a base about 80 km across. This day trip follows the first stage of the Marangu route, often called the Coca-Cola route, from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut and Maundi Crater.

The walk starts at Marangu Gate (1,879 m / 6,165 ft) and climbs 8 km through quiet, untouched montane forest to Mandara Hut at 2,720 m. The hut sits on the edge of the forest belt, just below Maundi Crater. Beyond it, the trail enters heath and moorland, with endemic plants and, from Maundi Crater, superb views of the mountain. Along the way you will see birds, primates, trees and flowers, and streams running down towards the villages and town of Moshi.

The trails are well established and make for excellent trekking. Allow about 3.5 hours for the climb and 3 hours for the descent. The weather on the mountain changes a lot with the season, but the hike can be done year-round, always with a professional English-speaking guide.