2-Day Kilimanjaro & Mkomazi National Park Itinerary

Early Morning Departure: Begin the adventure with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. After a short drive to the Marangu Gate, the starting point of the Marangu Route, you’ll complete registration and meet your guide and porters. Start of the Hike: You’ll begin your trek through the lush rainforest zone, surrounded by towering trees and rich plant life. This section of the hike is relatively gentle and shaded, offering chances to spot blue monkeys and colobus monkeys. As you continue hiking, the trail climbs steadily upward. Lunch Break: Midway through the trek, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch in the forest. This is a great time to recharge and take in the serene surroundings before continuing your journey. Arrival at Mandara Hut: After approximately 4-5 hours of hiking, you’ll reach Mandara Hut (2,720 meters), the first overnight stop for climbers on longer routes. Here, you’ll take a short break and enjoy the surrounding views. Optionally, you can take a brief walk to the Maundi Crater, which offers a stunning panorama of the surrounding area, including views of Kenya’s plains on clear days. Descent and Return: After resting at Mandara Hut and visiting Maundi Crater, you’ll begin your descent back down the same route toward the Marangu Gate. The return hike takes about 2-3 hours. Evening Transfer to Mkomazi: Once you arrive back at the Marangu Gate, you’ll be picked up and transferred to your accommodation near Mkomazi National Park, ready for the next day’s wildlife adventure. Enjoy a relaxing evening at your lodge, with dinner included.