Itinerary

1. Option 1: Hike to Mandara Hut

   Day 1:

   • Morning: Drive from Arusha (approximately 3-4 hours) or Moshi (around 1 hour) to the Marangu Gate (1,970m/6,463ft). After registration, begin your hike through the lush montane forest.
   • Afternoon: Hike to Mandara Hut (2,720m/8,924ft), which takes approximately 3-4 hours. Enjoy the scenery, look for Colobus monkeys and various bird species.
   • Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at Mandara Hut. You'll get to experience the camaraderie of other hikers preparing for their summit attempts.

   Day 2:

   • Morning: After breakfast, hike towards Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft). You'll ascend through the heath and moorland zone, with chances to see giant heathers and lobelias. Enjoy the views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks (weather permitting). The hike to Horombo takes about 3-4 hours.
   • Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Have lunch at Horombo or begin your descent back to Mandara Hut.
   • Afternoon: Continue your descent from Mandara Hut to the Marangu Gate (2-3 hours).
   • Late Afternoon: Meet your transport back to Arusha or Moshi.

2. Option 2: Exploring the Lower Slopes and Culture

   This itinerary focuses on experiencing the cultural and natural attractions around the base of the mountain.

   Day 1:

   • Morning: Drive to the Materuni area, near Moshi.
   • Daytime: Enjoy a guided tour of a local coffee plantation, learn about the coffee-making process from bean to cup, and enjoy a fresh brew. Hike to the Materuni Waterfall, the highest waterfall in the area, and enjoy the refreshing spray. You might also have the opportunity to visit a local Chagga village and learn about their culture.
   • Evening: Return to your accommodation in Arusha or Moshi.

   Day 2:

   • Morning: Visit the Kilimanjaro National Park gate area for a short nature walk in the montane forest. You might spot some wildlife like blue monkeys or various bird species.
   • Late Morning: Consider a visit to Lake Chala, a beautiful crater lake on the southeastern slopes of Kilimanjaro. Enjoy the stunning scenery, go for a walk along the rim, or even a swim (if permitted and you're feeling brave!).
   • Afternoon: Depending on your interests, you could visit a local market in Moshi or Arusha for souvenirs or experience more of the local culture.
   • Late Afternoon: Depart for your next destination.

3. Option 3: Shira Plateau Day Trip (Requires a 4x4)

   This option offers a chance to experience the unique high-altitude Shira Plateau.

   Day 1:

   • Morning: Drive (in a 4x4 vehicle) to the Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro.
   • Daytime: Enjoy a scenic drive and potentially some short walks on the Shira Plateau (around 3,500m/11,500ft). This ancient caldera offers unique landscapes, including open moorlands, volcanic rock formations, and stunning views of Kibo Peak on clear days. You might see some unique flora adapted to the high altitude.
   • Evening: Return to your accommodation in Arusha or Moshi.

   Day 2:

   • Morning: Depending on your interests, you could revisit a different area of the park's lower slopes for a nature walk or cultural experience (as in Option 2).
   • Afternoon: Explore more of the local area around Arusha or Moshi.
   • Late Afternoon: Depart for your next destination.