Mountain Kilimanjaro Day Hike

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Your day trip begins with a hotel pick at either Moshi or Arusha then jump in for a relaxing drive to Marangu gate for registration with the authorities before you begin your long-awaited hike. This route approaches the mountain from the southeast part. Our main task for the day is to make sure we reach Mandara Hut, the first point of a full hike. We will only trek through the lower attitudes, taking our picnic lunch en route to Mandara Hut. Once we are at Mandara Hut, we will rest for approximately 30 to 45 minutes before we begin our slow descent back to the Main Gate. Our driver will be waiting for you to drive you back to your hotel with relaxing music and cold or warm Kilimanjaro beer to take away the tiredness. Not only should you climb it but drink it too. Please bring your non-disposable water bottle.

   10 hAdmission included

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 114 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

• 5Fantastic experience!

  Zakayo was a wonderful, encouraging, and extremely knowledgeable guide. He tailored the tour to our preferences and pace, ensuring that we had the best possible experience. I researched extensively before deciding whom to book with, and I have taken various tours since living in Arusham I couldn’t be happier with my choice of this guided hike with Zakayo and Brian. I highly recommend this experience.

  261mashalaAugust 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Excellent!!

  My one-day Kilimanjaro hiking tour with Zak was absolutely amazing! I booked this tour at the last minute, almost at midnight, after another company canceled on me. Despite the short notice, Polecat Safari sent Zak to my rescue. Early in the morning they picked me up on time, and was I ready to go. Zak professionalism, reliability, and accountability are truly priceless. He was extremely knowledgeable about the trail, kind, patient, and very helpful throughout the entire hike. His positive attitude and great companionship made the experience so enjoyable and memorable. Zak went above and beyond my expectations, especially considering how last minute everything was. I felt safe, comfortable, and well taken care of from beginning to end. I highly recommend Zak as a tour guide He is an excellent guide and truly deserves five stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Nora

  Freedom373481August 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Amazing day hike

  Brian and Zach were excellent from start to finish. The hike was fun, informative, and we ahd a surprise visitor for lunch, a blue monkey! I thoroughly enjoyed this activity and Zach and Brian made it so fun!

  Sasha_MAugust 2026via Viator

• 5Safe and professional agency

  Super easy to book with them, secure payment by bank transfer (link via whatsapp). Very nice guide Zack and driver Bryan. Amazing experience.

  Emidr3amzJuly 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Day hike Kilimanjaro

  Great guide, so patient, knowledgeable and friendly. Made the trip worth it, would do again if I came back.

  Alys_HMarch 2026via Viator

• 5Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut with African Polecat Safaris

  I had one free day before my safari adventure began so I decided to hike from the Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut on Mt Kilimanjaro and back down. African Polecat Safaris is a wonderful company to work with. We kept in contact via email and WhatsApp and they answered all my questions. Zakayo G my guide and Brian T my driver arrived at my lodge at the expected time. I was the only person on this ride. Although the drive was long, Zakayo pointed out many things along the way to make the ride interesting. We stopped along the way to pick up lunch. After checking in at the gate, we started the hike. Zakayo matched my pace (slow). I was able to enjoy the rainforest, spot some birds, see the colobus and blue monkeys, enjoy the waterfalls. Zakayo is very knowledgeable about the wildlife and plants. He also knew many of the other guides and porters since he has been leading hikes for many years. Eventually, we made it to Mandara Hut and ate the delicious lunch. A nice surprise was seeing a few blue monkeys just hanging around the grassy area at the hut. The hike back down to the parking lot was twice as fast! If you're interested in doing the One Day hike on Kilimanjaro or any other adventures, check out African Polecat Safaris' website.

  FarAway111576September 2025via Tripadvisor

Know before you go

How it compares in Arusha

• Its from-price is 83% below the median of the 2454 experiences we list in Arusha.
• It is shorter than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 54 of 2454.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Arusha

Arusha, in northern Tanzania beneath Mount Meru, is the starting point for safaris to the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire.

The town sits on the green lower slopes of Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest peak, with coffee farms and banana groves on its outskirts and a busy central market at its heart. Arusha National Park, just outside town, offers walking safaris, canoeing on the Momella Lakes, colobus monkeys in the forest and the climb up Meru itself.

Top-ranked sights in Arusha: Lake Manyara National Park, Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre, Arusha National Park.

See all 2454 experiences in Arusha