It’s impossible to climb this famous highest Mount Kilimanjaro in a day, but our day trip to this majestic iconic snow-caped mountain will give you a shot to scramble up the first leg of the well-known Marangu route. On your way through the thick rainforest you will come across twittering and chattering bird life, colobus monkeys and don’t forget to watch out for the curious blue Monkeys.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
6:00 AM and 6:30 AM
Next available
Thu, Oct 8
Adult (ages 16–60)
$257
Senior (ages 61–97)
$257
Youth (ages 13–15)
$218
Child (ages 5–12)
$251
Infant (ages 0–4)
Free
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $332.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.
Tour Options
Mountain Kilimanjaro Day Hike 7 hours
Duration: 7 hours
lunch box
Marangu
Alphard, Toyota rav4, Noah
Pickup included
Itinerary
Mount Kilimanjaro
Admission included600 min
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.
What's included
Included
All transportation (unless labeled as optional) All Taxes/VAT
hiking poles
Drinking water on all days
All Fees and Taxes
Not included
All things of personal nature Tips and gratuities for Mountain Guide and porters and Cook
Visas International flights Laundry Services Travel Insurances
Pickup Locations & Times
Hassle-free collection from any accommodation in Arusha or Moshi – we come to you.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.8
114 reviews
5
102
4
7
3
2
2
2
1
1
How it compares in Arusha
Starting price $257 is 14% below the typical $300 for tours of similar length in Arusha
Excurgo comparison of 2,327 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mountain Kilimanjaro Day Hike take?
Mountain Kilimanjaro Day Hike lasts about 10 hours. The itinerary has 1 stop.
How much does Mountain Kilimanjaro Day Hike cost?
Prices start at $257 per person for this Arusha experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $332. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Mountain Kilimanjaro Day Hike run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM.
How much does Mountain Kilimanjaro Day Hike cost for children?
Children aged 5–12 pay from $251, adults from $257. Infants go free.
Can I cancel Mountain Kilimanjaro Day Hike for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Hassle-free collection from any accommodation in Arusha or Moshi – we come to you. Pickup points include Lucky Monkey Lodge, Moonshine Hotel.
What languages is Mountain Kilimanjaro Day Hike offered in?
The experience is available in EN, EN, FR.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Mountain Kilimanjaro Day Hike worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 114 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by African polecat safaris.
Reviews(114)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
2
261mashala
August 26, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Fantastic 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.
Operator response
Thank you so much for this wonderful and detailed review!
Hearing that our extensive research and commitment to tailoring every step of the journey made such an impact means the world to us. Zakayo, Brian, and the entire team at Polecat Safaris pour immense passion into every experience, and knowing that this stands out among your many tours in Arusha is the highest compliment we could receive.
We are truly honored you chose us for your adventure, and we look forward to guiding you through many more unforgettable landscapes in the future!
F
Freedom373481
August 21, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Excellent!!
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
Operator response
Dear Nora,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We are so glad we could step in and turn a stressful last-minute cancellation into an unforgettable adventure for you.
Zak is an incredible asset to the Polecat Safaris team, and hearing how his professionalism, knowledge, and positive spirit made you feel safe and cared for on the mountain means the world to us. We will certainly pass along your wonderful words to him—he will be thrilled!
Thank you for trusting us at a moment's notice. We hope to welcome you back to Tanzania for your next great adventure.
Warm regards,
James
Polecat Safaris
S
Sasha_M
August 14, 2026 · via Viator
Amazing 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!
Operator response
Thank you so much, Sasha, for your wonderful review!
We’re delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable Kilimanjaro day hike with Brian and Zach. It’s great to know they made the experience fun, informative, and memorable.
And what a special surprise to have a blue monkey join you for lunch! We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Brian and Zach.
Thank you for choosing Polecat Safaris, and we hope to welcome you back to Tanzania for another adventure in the future!
Warm regards,
James & the Polecat Safaris Team
E
Emidr3amz
July 4, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Safe 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.
Operator response
Dear Emine,
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! We're really glad you had such an amazing experience on your Kilimanjaro day hike.
It's wonderful to hear that booking was easy and the payment process was smooth for you. We are especially happy that guide Zack and driver Bryan made your hike memorable.
Thank you for choosing us and for taking the time to write such a positive review. It truly means a lot!
We hope to serve you again on your next adventure in Tanzania.
Warm regards
A
Alys_H
March 18, 2026 · via Viator
Day hike Kilimanjaro
Great guide, so patient, knowledgeable and friendly. Made the trip worth it, would do again if I came back.
Operator response
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
F
FarAway111576
September 30, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Marangu 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.
Operator response
That sounds like an absolutely incredible experience! What a fantastic way to spend your free day and prepare for your safari adventure.
It's wonderful to hear that African Polecat Safaris provided such excellent service, making all the arrangements seamless through email and WhatsApp. Having a knowledgeable guide like Zakayo G and a great driver like Brian T really makes all the difference, especially when you're exploring the area for the first time.
The hike itself sounds magical—traversing the rainforest, spotting the beautiful colobus and blue monkeys, and enjoying the waterfalls must have been truly refreshing. It's clear that Zakayo's expertise in the wildlife and plants, and his years of experience, enriched your journey immensely. And getting to enjoy that delicious lunch at Mandara Hut with the bonus company of a few blue monkeys sounds like a perfect moment!
Making it up to the hut and back down to the Marangu Gate in one day is a great accomplishment! Your vivid description is a fantastic endorsement for anyone considering the One Day hike on Kilimanjaro with African Polecat Safaris.
3
369sanfordw
September 5, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Great experience
Tough hike but excellent guided. they even carried lunch lightening our load. The trail wasn't in the greatest shape being muddy but of course that is beyond the control o f the guides
Operator response
Thank you so much for your review! We're thrilled to hear you had an excellent experience and that our guides were able to make the hike more enjoyable by lightening your load and providing a great guided experience. We work hard to ensure our guests are well taken care of, and it means a lot to know it made a difference.
We appreciate your understanding about the muddy trail conditions. While we can't control the weather, we do our best to navigate the trails safely and ensure you still have a memorable adventure.
We hope to see you on the trails again soon!
W
walterrR1206PI
August 13, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Perfect Tanzaniana experience.
Hadada is an amazing company. Very nice and organized. They aranged many activities for me along with driver. Every property they chose was perfect and everything was well organized. I travel to Tanzania two times a year and they will be the only company I use from now one. I even met the owners and they were so pleasant. Everything they arranged was on time and as promised. I highly recommend this company for any travel related needs you have while in the Tanzania region. I look forward to working with them again.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience with Hadada. It was a pleasure arranging your activities and driver, and we're delighted that you were happy with the properties we chose and the overall organization of your trip.
We truly appreciate your kind words about our owners and our commitment to being on time and delivering on our promises. We look forward to being your go-to travel partner for your future trips to Tanzania.
J
Jen_V
August 8, 2025 · via Viator
Great hike with Zakayo!
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!!
Operator response
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.
8
894margauxp
July 27, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience will come back again!
Such an amazing trip! I highly recommend the tour guide: Zakayo! He is so knowledgeable and friendly and was able to make sure I was comfortable on my hike! He continued to motivate me all the way to the top, and made sure I didn’t fall coming down. He makes sure you are able to see blue monkeys and gives you information about all the different types of birds! I would do this again but go to the summit next time!
Operator response
Sounds like you had an incredible and successful trip! It's fantastic to hear that Zakayo made such a positive impact on your experience.
It really highlights the value of a great guide when they can combine knowledge, friendliness, and effective motivation and support like he did. Knowing he helped you feel comfortable, kept you going to the top, and ensured your safety on the way down speaks volumes about his professionalism. And it's a bonus that he helped you spot wildlife like blue monkeys and shared insights on the different bird species!
It's great that you're already thinking about returning for the summit!
