Mountain Kilimanjaro Day Hike
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Moshi, Tanzania
- 10 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Get a shot at climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro without reaching the summit on this private day trek from Arusha or Moshi. Perfect for beginners or those without time for a full climb, this hike covers the first leg of the Marangu Route to Mandara Huts. Enjoy views of Kilimanjaro’s peak, trek rainforest trails with birds, mongoose, and blue and colobus monkeys, and re-energize with a picnic lunch at Mandara before descending.
- Private day trek from Moshi or Arusha for a taster of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro
- Ideal for those without time or training to reach the summit
- See the summit and wildlife on a rainforest trek to and from Mandara
- Relax with a picnic lunch and return transfers from Arusha or Moshi
What's Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional) All Taxes/VAT
- Drinking water on all days
- hiking poles
- All things of personal nature Tips and gratuities for Mountain Guide and porters and Cook
- Visas International flights Laundry Services Travel Insurances
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Hassle-free collection from any accommodation in Arusha or Moshi – we come to you.
Itinerary
1
Mount Kilimanjaro
10 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 110 reviews
Alys_H, Mar 2026
Great guide, so patient, knowledgeable and friendly. Made the trip worth it, would do again if I came back.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words! 🦁❤️
I'm truly honored to hear that Zak made your safari experience special his patience, knowledge, and genuine warmth are exactly what make guiding on Kilimanjaro and in the Serengeti so rewarding for us.
It means the world to the whole Polecat Safaris team to know the trip was worth it and that you'd come back for more. We’d love to welcome you again anytime the mountain and the plains will always be waiting!
Safe travels, and until next time… keep climbing higher! 🏔️✨
Warmest regards,
Zak & the Polecat Safaris Family
Arusha, Tanzania
WhatsApp: +255 654 592 688
www.africanpolecatsafaris.com
Jen_V, Aug 2025
We had a great experience hiking with Zak! He was so passionate and knowledgeable about his country and Mt Kilimanjaro, answering all of our questions and explaining various flowers, trees, and monkeys. He even stopped by a market on the drive back home to pick us some local avocados. The hike itself is a moderate three hours to reach the Mandara Huts, where we enjoyed a delicious box lunch. On our particular day, it was a little misty and some spots were muddy. (Once you come down, bring some cash because the women working the washroom may offer to clean your shoes which was a blessing.) Meanwhile, Zak’s shoes were spotless because he was an expert at knowing where to step!!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thanks for the wonderful feedback! We're so glad you had such a great experience hiking with Zak.
He's a fantastic guide, and it's no surprise he was able to share so much about the local plants and wildlife. It's also great to hear that he went the extra mile to get you some local avocados—that's a perfect example of his passion for his country.
We're happy you enjoyed the hike to Mandara Huts and the delicious lunch. It sounds like a bit of misty, muddy weather didn't stop you from having an amazing time! We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to Zak and the team.
Carinelisa_G, Dec 2024
Just WOW! Words cannot fully detail this experience. Talk about a once in a lifetime experience fulfilled, and we just hiked up to base camp! Zack (our hike guide) and Brian (our driver) were so thoughtful & informative. What a hike! I don’t know if I would do it again (it was more mentally & physically challenging than I prepared for). But I’m so very glad that I did.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
"Wow, what a powerful review! We're overjoyed to hear you had such a profound experience hiking to base camp, even if it pushed you beyond your limits. It's truly an unforgettable journey. We're proud of Zack and Brian for their excellent service. We understand it's not for the faint of heart, but the sense of accomplishment is indescribable. We hope you cherish the memories forever!"
Cesar_P, Nov 2024
I love hiking and I just had one day to visit part of the Kilimanjaro National Park.
All was perfect from the beginning, the plan worked as it was described at the publicity. I had the luck of meeting a great guide, Zakayo, who demonstrated his experience and knowledge about the Park, the views were impressive and we even had the chance of watching part of the fauna and forest.
This tour is suggested for people who loves the nature and do not have enough time to reach the mountain summit.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Asante sana for your fantastic review! We're so happy to hear you enjoyed your Kilimanjaro day hike, especially with Zakayo as your guide. He truly is passionate about sharing the wonders of the park with our guests.
We're glad the experience met your expectations and that you found it to be the perfect way to connect with nature, even with limited time.
We hope to welcome you back for another adventure someday, perhaps even to summit the mountain! 🏔️
Sheila_R, Oct 2024
This tour far surpassed what I expected. Zack and Brian went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time We were picked up promptly at 730 at the Gran Melia Hotel in Arusha. The hike was challenging but Zack made sure we were always safe and had a great Zack knew everything about the mountain and very informative, a very experienced climber. I would recommend this day hike to anyone who would like to experience what the climbers do to get to the top on a much smaller scale. It is a long day bit totally worth it
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Dear Sheila,
Asante sana (thank you very much) for sharing your fantastic experience on the Kilimanjaro day hike! We're absolutely thrilled to hear that it surpassed your expectations and that you had such a great time with Zack and Brian.
We're incredibly proud of our guides, and it's wonderful to know that their passion for Kilimanjaro and dedication to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience shone through. Zack's expertise and knowledge of the mountain are invaluable, and we're delighted he could share that with you.
It's fantastic that you found the hike challenging yet rewarding and that you were able to appreciate the beautiful trail and diverse wildlife along the way. We agree - it's a truly unique way to experience the magic of Kilimanjaro, even on a smaller scale!
Thank you for your kind words and recommendation. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure in Tanzania soon!
Warmest regards,
The African Polecat Safaris Team
Amish_S, Sep 2024
Awesome hike. Zak and Brian were great and super professional. We learned a lot about Kilimanjaro and the history of the mountain along the trek. Absolutely recommend!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Asante sana (thank you very much) for taking the time to share your fantastic experience on the Kilimanjaro hike! It's music to our ears to hear that you had an awesome time and that Zak and Brian made the journey informative and enjoyable.
We're incredibly proud of our guides, and it's wonderful to know that their professionalism and passion for Kilimanjaro shined through. We're happy you learned so much about this majestic mountain and its history along the way.
We're also grateful for your recommendation! We strive to provide exceptional experiences for all our adventurers, and your kind words mean the world to us.
We hope to see you again soon for another unforgettable adventure in Tanzania!
Warmest regards,
The African Polecat Safaris Team
candace_r, Aug 2024
Being in the presence of Kilamanjaro is amazing, I followed in the footsteps of so many. My guide was enormously patient with my slow speed, this tour is perfect for those who want to walk the path of Ernest Hemmingway but don't have a great deal of time.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your Kilimanjaro trek and found our guide patient and accommodating. It's wonderful to know that you were able to follow in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway while exploring this iconic mountain. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
Charlton_C, Jul 2024
The hike was wonderful. Our guide, Zak, was knowledgeable, communicative, encouraging and kind both before, during and after our walk. He and the driver made time for us to take pictures as we left Mt Kilimanjaro. He showed concern for another hiker who exhibited some difficulties during the hike. He answered questions about animals, terrain, and other topics.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you for your kind words about Zak and the team! We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience and that Zach's knowledge and care contributed to your enjoyment of the hike. We're proud of our guides and strive to provide exceptional service.
We look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure in the future!
Ryan_C, Jul 2024
Our guide Zach and driver were great. They served a very big lunch. It was a very challenging 8km ascent which we did not expect. And then another 8km descent. It was a very long day. If traveling from Arusha, be prepared for several hours of travel to and from Kilimanjaro.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
**Here’s a revised response:**
Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad to hear that Zach and your driver provided excellent service, and that the lunch was satisfying.
We understand that the 8km ascent was challenging. While we cannot alter the natural terrain or distance of the hike, we appreciate your feedback and will consider incorporating more detailed information about the trek's physical demands in our future communications.
Thank you for choosing us
Sophia_S, Jul 2024
We had the most wonderful time with Zac and Elisha. They arrived early to our hotel and we had a smooth drive to the mountain. The car was very comfortable and spacious. During the hike Zac was extremely attentive, caring, and encouraging. He ensured comfort and safety throughout, and thanks to him we reached the hut. The route up can be muddy if it is raining therefore I would strongly recommend hiking boots and a light rain jacket. The lunch was generous and tasty.
Zac was extremely knowledgable and fun to talk to throughout and has such passion for nature which makes the experience even more wonderful. We can honestly say Zac is one of the best guides we have ever had. Also, Elisha was a great DJ during the drives! Thank you both for making our trip so special - we could not have asked for a better experience!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Dear Sophie,
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful time on your Kilimanjaro trek with Zac and Elisha.
It sounds like Zac's attentiveness, care, and encouragement made a big difference in your experience. We're especially happy to hear he ensured your comfort and safety throughout the challenging hike. His passion for nature truly shines through, making the journey even more enriching.
Elisha's DJ skills on the drives sound like a delightful bonus! Creating a fun and memorable atmosphere is what we strive for.
We're incredibly proud to have guides like Zac and Elisha on our team. Your kind words about them will be shared, and we're sure they'll be delighted to hear how much their efforts meant to you.
Thank you again for choosing us for your Kilimanjaro adventure. We're so glad we could help make it an unforgettable experience!
Sincerely,
The Team at Polecat
Coco_L, Jul 2024
The hike was okay but u wouldn’t do it again, I don’t recommend it for single female. It didn’t feel safe, I was accompanied by three male staff and me in a van, for such a long drive in a foreign country (from Arusha to the park was 4 hours one way). Plus I felt uncomfortable.
The guide provided little info about the park, it was almost a silent hike for half of the time.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Dear Coco,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review about your recent hike with African Polecat Safaris. We appreciate you sharing your honest feedback, both positive and negative.
We're sorry to hear that the experience wasn't what you expected and that you didn't feel entirely safe or comfortable during the long van ride.
**Safety and Guest Comfort:**
Safety is our top priority, and we take all necessary precautions to ensure the well-being of our guests. We will be reviewing your concerns about the staff-to-guest ratio on solo adventures, particularly for long journeys.
**Communication and Information:**
We understand your disappointment regarding the limited information provided by the guide. Effective communication and informative hikes are essential for a positive experience. We'll be addressing this with our guides to ensure they consistently provide engaging commentary throughout the hike.
**Addressing Your Concerns:**
While the hike itself may not have been what you envisioned, we hope you were able to appreciate some aspects of the day. We would love to hear more about your specific concerns and explore how we can improve our solo traveler offerings.
Would you be open to a follow-up call to discuss your experience in more detail? This would allow us to learn from your feedback and ensure we're providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all our guests.
Thank you again for your review. We value your feedback and are committed to continuous improvement.
Sincerely,
The African Polecat Safaris Team
Jeffrey_H, May 2024
Zach was a fantastic guide. He's obviously familiar with the route but is also very personable and positive, truly a fun person with whom to spend a day!
Response from Host, May 2024
That's awesome to hear! Zach truly is a gem of a guide, isn't he? It's fantastic to know that you had such a positive experience with him. Thanks a ton for sharing your thoughts! If you ever decide to hit the trails again, you know who to call. Happy adventures! 🌟🚶♂️🏞️
Mona_R, Feb 2024
Do not miss this day hike if you don’t want to spend 5-7 days to go to the summit! I had the BEST time with my guide Zac who was very knowledgeable and super nice and friendly! I will definitely do this again if I ever come back. Thank you Zac! Thank you Elisha for driving us there.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you for your wonderful review!
We are thrilled to hear that you had an amazing time on the day hike with Zac. He is indeed a fantastic guide, and we are delighted that you found the experience enjoyable and memorable. We will make sure to pass on your kind words to Zac and Elisha.
We look forward to welcoming you back in the future for another adventure!
Warm regards,
[James]
African Polecat Safaris
Laura_M, Jan 2024
We had a tone of fun on this hike. I am not a hiker so I found it challenging as it was all uphill, but I made it. Our guide Johnson was amazing. He had a lot of knowledge about nature and grew up near the mountain. He hikes it multiple time a month but definitely waked slowly so I could keep up while learning about the plants and the mountain. It was a highlight of my trip.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Laura, the forest still whispers your names. We really enjoyed getting to know two lovely new people, as well as a terrific time. Johnson is appreciative and frequently mentions you. We are grateful that you left us with such beautiful memories.
With regards
James
Amanda_R, Nov 2023
Incredible start to our honeymoon with Zak!! We couldn’t have asked for a more supportive guide. He was so happy the entire hike and made our first experience in Africa very special and memorable. We wish we could have Zak as our guide on all our hikes! Our driver was also amazing and very accommodating.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
"Amanda, we appreciate your kind review! We strive hard to maintain your satisfaction and that of all our clients. Hopefully, we'll see you soon. Zak will be happy to have you again.
kathy_f, Sep 2023
Got great overview of Tanzania and a taste of Mt Kilimanjaro. Our guide Ami was knowledgeable and experienced and he made it a wonderful experience. We are not serious hikers and he personalized it for us.
Would highly recommend.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Thank you for the recomendation; a day trek up Mount Kilimanjaro is unquestionably one of the finest locations to unwind, push yourself, and experience something different from a safari.
Amory_S, Jul 2023
Chris is a great guide! He kept us motivated. It was a fantastic day! He made us feel safe and we had so much fun! I would have him as a guide any day!
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Dear Amory, we appreciate your thoughts on Chris as a Guide and your review. His following journeys will be greatly inspired by your compliment. We appreciate having been your hosts for the day trek, we believe we have inspired you for a longer treks.
Lina_S, Jul 2023
Chris was an excellent guide! He provided lots of interesting information about the area, kept a watchful eye on us and made it fun!
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Hello Lina, I hope you're doing well. I appreciate your feedback regarding our day hike and Chris as a guide. We enjoyed having you on the hike, and we hope to do it again soon.
Ann_P, Jul 2023
I had a great hike! Chris was an excellent guide—very patient and thoughtful. It was challenging but well worth it. Going up took us 4 hours. The downhill was much easier.
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Hi Ann, thank you so much for taking the time to write such a wonderful review.
We really appreciate it! We’ll make sure we convey the message to our Guide! Chris will be delighted to hear your feedback.
We look forward to hosting you again very soon! Have a great day! And thanks again for the review.
Yinyan_W, Jun 2023
The trip was arranged very well time wise and workload wise. It is good to fit our energy level. Our guide Jonh and Crise are very passioned, professional and considerable. I appreciated their help much. I enjoyed the full day trip to Kilimanjaro National Park and learnt a lot about the local people's everyday life and Tanzania from Jonh.
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Hello Yinyan hope your well. First of all, thank you for taking the time to write this review. We are super glad you loved the hike and our team.
Our team put in a lot of effort to provide the best service kind words like yours put a smile on our faces.
Thank you so much once again. We look forward to seeing you soon!
wimmyjeiljr, Jun 2023
John was great, making the best out of a not so good situation, when the road from Arusha to Moshi was closed due to overturned truck. The scenic route, tho it took an extra hour, was interesting. The hike through the rainforest was very nice and rewarding when reaching Mandara hut. However, if your goal is to see Mt. Kilimanjaro, this is not the hike for you. But if you want to say that you hiked part of the way up, John made the trip very enjoyable.
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Hello Jim, thank you for recognizing John's efforts; having such a positive response is heartwarming. The weather was not ideal on the day of the climb; it was overcast, making it difficult to see the peak. Regardless of the weather or time of day, we tried our best to ensure that your trip was as enjoyable as possible. We had a terrific time with you and hope to see you again soon. Regards
John
David_M, Apr 2023
I’ll start this off by stating that John is awesome! He’s the reason that this is THE trip to book for when it comes to Kilimanjaro. He’s a professional (has climbed Kili almost 100 times!) , and makes the long drive there and hike up enjoyable and the time pass by quicker. The hike itself was beautiful (even though it rained for a little), and was extremely rewarding to complete. Seeing the wonder that’s Kilimanjaro is just amazing and a bucket list event for sure. If you have any other options to hike the mountain, put those aside and pick going with John!
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Receiving such a wonderful response is quite touching. We'll do everything we can to make sure that other customers have a same experience, and you're welcome to return for more. Regards
John
Lillian_R, Mar 2023
Awesome mini hike! Perfect way to get an introduction to Mt. Kilimanjaro. The hike was exactly as described. You are in the rain forest area for the entire hike so be prepared for rain (esp. in rainy season). John was our guide and was very knowledgeable. He even took time to reach out to us in person the day before to go over what to expect. He also accomodated our drive to the airport after which was greatly appreciated!
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Lilian Thank you so much for the great feedback this is helpful you wawereery special on the trek and I Wish to guide you to the top of mount Kilimanjaro
thanks and be a good ambassador for African polecat safaris
Olga_P, Mar 2023
This is a year that I am turning 50. I had 2 craniotomies 5 months ago. So I was very doubtful that I will make this one-day hike. I signed up for it because of my 17 year old son who is an avid hiker and wanted to do this on our trip to Tanzania. BEST EXPERIENCE EVER!!! I made it to the first summit and back, and I give a lot of credit to the guides - John and Eric - that carried my backpack, made pictures with my camera, and encouraged me all the way. The hike itself is not challenging for someone who is in somewhat of a decent shape. I was not. But I still made it. BIG THANKS TO THE GUIDES.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Olga Thank you so much for the great feedback this is helpful you were very special on the trek and I wish to guide you again to the top of mount Kilimanjaro
thanks and be a good ambassador for African polecat safaris
Fitri_J, Feb 2023
My most memorable part was definitely meeting another solo traveller on the trip. Im glad John combined us cus I definitely made a friend there. All of us gelled so well! John was so easy with us and so knowledgeable as well! Towards the end I was soooo tired to move but he was constantly encouraging me. If I go again I would go with him definitely! Thanks John!!:-) See you again!
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Thanks, fitri for the great recommendation we will continue to do our best, and John will be available for any request to Kilimanjaro that's why we call him mr Kilimanjaro
Welcome next time for a full excursion
Kaitlin_H, Jan 2023
My hike with polecat safaris was great! Oscar was my guide and Nixon the driver. Oscar was extremely knowledgeable throughout the hike, very friendly and made me feel very comfortable as a solo female traveller. The hike itself was lovely, the packed lunch was great and the driver was on time in pick up and drop off. Really great tour, would recommend :)
Response from Host, Jan 2023
this is very heartwarming receing such a positive feedback. we will proceed to our best to let other clients experience the same
Nokwakhe_F, Oct 2022
My guide was John , I call him John actually as he said Actually before anything he said . This was a good tour better than I thought it would be . John Actually was patient had so many stories to tell & there were times I forgot I was hiking . Great spirit and fun . Thanks for helping me achieve my dream .
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Fuyana Thank you so much for the great feedback this is helpful you was very special on the trek and i wish to guide again to the top of mount Kilimanjaro
thanks and be good ambosondor about African polecat safaris
Meike_F, Sep 2022
This day hike was a fantastic experience, also thanks to my excellent guide Goodluck. He was extremely friendly, courteous, open-minded and pleasant to talk to. In addition, he was very attentive and always made sure that everything went well with the tour and the pace for me as a guest. I really appreciated that a lot. The driver as well was a very pleasant person and driving excellently. All in all, this tour was a most enriching and valuable experience which I can most warmly recommend to anybody.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thank you for the best review and helpful welcome next time for full trek
RICHARD_C, Sep 2022
The hike itself was great, and I recommend it. But another operator probably would be better. I would note unlike other hikes, the guides were not trained to point out wild life on this hike, but this was not promised as part of the hike.
There were two issues. The first is that what should have been 9 or 10 hour was over 14 hours because they were almost an hour late picking us up, and then it took an hour to pick up the lunch, and then there were various other delays. Why they didn't pick up the lunch before picking us up I don't know. Why they didn't order ahead so we didn't have to wait an hour waiting for the lunch I don't know.
The second is that the bus that in US would have been configured for 7 or 8 people had something like 13 seats in it. Maybe more. It you're over 5'2" you will be very uncomfortable. And it's a four hour ride - imagine flying across the country in a seat smaller than Spirit Airline seat. Yeah.
As I sai, Kilimanjaro is great. Bur try another outfit.
Damian_Q, Aug 2022
Really nice hike for a day and my guide was very friendly. Hope next time I can go all the way to the top
Response from Host, Aug 2022
thank you for your review, we also hope to see you next time for the whole trip
From $257.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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