Mount Kilimanjaro is Tanzania's awe-inspiring icon, but you don't have to climb it to appreciate its full splendour and the enthralling countryside surrounding it. Our Kilimanjaro day excursion Sneak Peek of the Peak Hike allows you to struggle up the first section of the legendary Marangu Route through a rainforest teeming with wildlife and chattering, curious blue monkeys. Keep an eye out for a colobus or two.
It is possible to do a one-day hike, which may whet your appetite for a future climb and this can be done via Marangu route. Only one day on the mountain will be enough to give you a full picture of what it takes to be part of a Kilimanjaro trekking expedition. This adventure is also perfect if you travel with children who are not ready for the full hike yet, or if your holiday is too short but you still want to enjoy the trip. On these hikes you will reach the lower camps of Kilimanjaro, delve into pristine tropical wilderness and see breathtaking landscapes around. The trail taken by first Kilimanjaro explorers, Marangu is home to black-and-white colobuses living in the branches of tropical trees growing along the trail. A one-day trip leads you up to Mandara Hut and back to the entry gate. Transfer from Arusha/Moshi (07:00am to 08:00am) to Marangu. Enter the park and complete your registration. Hike (medium fitness) through the rainforest for estimated 3-5 hours, till Mandara Hut (picnic lunch either in route or at Mandara Hut depending on walking pace). A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings (time and weather permitting). Descend through the forest trail back to the park gates (estimated 3-4 hours) where your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi/Arusha.