Kilimanjaro day hike to Mandara Hut

For anyone who wants to stand on Kilimanjaro without a week to give it, or who is travelling with children too young for the summit. From the Marangu gate the path climbs through cloud forest, colobus monkeys overhead, to Mandara Hut at 2,700 metres and the Maundi crater viewpoint just beyond. Back at the gate by late afternoon. A two-day version sleeps at Mandara and walks on to Horombo, 3,700 metres, above the trees.

• The Marangu route rainforest, moss, ferns and colobus
• Mandara Hut at 2,700 metres and the Maundi crater
• A certified mountain guide and full park support
• The two-day option reaches the moorland at Horombo

1. Step 1

   Pickup in Moshi

   An hour to the Marangu gate, registration and the start of the walk by nine.

2. Step 2

   Up through the forest

   Three to four hours of steady climbing on a good path to Mandara Hut, with lunch there.

3. Step 3

   Maundi crater

   A short walk to the crater rim for the view over the plains towards Kenya.

4. Step 4

   Down and back

   Two to three hours back to the gate and the drive to Moshi.