Kilimanjaro Day Hike to Mandara Hut and Maudni Crater
I don’t think I will ever climb Kilimanjaro, but thought of hiking at least a part of Marangu route seemed good idea to wisely spend a random Sunday in Moshi.
It was late November, officially time known as low season for Kilimanjaro climbs and according to travel guides should have been a rainy weather, but it was sunny and warm weekend, perfect for some fresh air and some recreation in Kilimanjaro National Park.
A day before I was looking around Moshi for a private guide as I wanted to save some money and someone recommended Abu. Price was acceptable, he was free, weather was promising and I booked the hike to Mandara hut for the next day.
Equipped with my new hiking boots, camera and some water in my backpack, I was picked up in hostel in Moshi and we drove to Kilimanjaro park. My guide arranged all registration matters and the hike began.
Hike itself to Mandara hut is not steep and its easy to walk, but if you are not fit enough, eventually despite of easy forest paths, you will get tired. Since I am not an avid and enthusiastic hiker at fist place, it took me probably an hour more than average fit trekkers would need to reach Mandara hut – 5 hours up and 3 hours down.
Still, all the tiredness vanished the moment we reached Mandara hut on 2720 meters. But there is more. Another 350 meters more from Mandara hut there is Maundi crater. To be frank, looks more like a karst depression than a crater. The rims of crater will reward you with endless view of Kenya and your ears will hear nothing but sounds of the wind whistle and other sounds of nature. Pure tranquility.
The best thing about the November hike was – there were no tourist crowds. My guide Abu told me that once the Kilimanjaro climbing season starts, the trail we had for ourselves becomes swarmed with tourists and porters.
What to Pack for Day Hike to Kilimanjaro
- Most important is water and some snacks, guides usually include lunch box, so don’t bring to much food with you.
- Shoes – I was wearing massive hiking boots and my guide was wearing open sporty sandals, so this tells it all.
- Passport – every visitor needs to be registered, even for a day hike and Kilimanjaro park authorities require you to present your passport. No passport, no hike!
- Walking stick is always welcome!
- Some toilet paper or baby wipes – otherwise you will have to use leaves!
- Sunscreen and a hat for sun protection
- Layered clothing is the best for hike like this. You will start early, it will be chilly while at the time you reach Mandara hut it gets warm on a sunny day.
Hi Nina
My name is Don.
I’m from Australia & plan to visit Kenya in July, then hopefully do the one day trek up to Mandera Hut.
I’m 67 yrs old & moderately fit, but the trek to the top would be too much for me.
I gather from your blog that good quality sneakers would be sufficient to wear. Can you confirm please?
Thanks for your informative blog!
Don
Hi Don, i used Merell hiking shoes. As said my guide had open toe shoes. I am careful and always take good shoes with me. I suggest that you maybe reconfirm in agency that will organize you the hike.
Hello Nina. I am Alberto. I am going to Tanzania next November, but I am short of time to do the complete trekking to Kilimanjaro. Your review was very useful for taking my decision, I really want to see the Kili and have a photo like yours.
Hey Roberto, thats great to hear:) Although a day, it will be well spent!
Hi Nina,
I am currently in Arusha travelling to Moshi tomorrow. The next day I am looking to do something exactly like your 1 day hike. I followed the link if his name to a Mt Meru blog but could not find his contact details. Could you perhaps provide me with a link to find them or post them directly here or to my email?
We lost contact, I am sure if you ask in hostels they will direct you to licensed freelancer guide! Enjoy the hike!
Hey Nina, I did a day hike using the Machame route yesterday, not very scenic just the rainforest. I like your blog post. Maybe we should exchange notes some time? My blog is aluochbonnita. com
Hey Bonita! That must be telepathy, yesterday I was glancing through your insta account:) Shoot me an email when you can!:)
Hello Nina.
Me and my boyfriend are going to travel to Tanzania at the end of November and we are going to Moshi. I really enjoyed doing the treeking you did. Can you tell me how much you paid for the guide or even give me the contact? thanks a lot! 🙂
I paid 150 USD for a day hike, all included with lunchbox, park fee, guide and taxi roundtrip from and back to Moshi. I am not sure you will find this kind of offer now, since TAnzanian VAT increased last year and prices have gone up accordingly. The best is to ask in hostels, they always know a guide. I dont recommend booking random touts on the street.
I’m climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route next year in March. I’m spending 3 days in Moshi before I climb. I thought this might be a nice little acclimatisation hike to do before the real thing. Would you recomeend this?
I dont know Janet, the hike is quite easy if you are fit, i would save your strength for trekking. You probably booked the tour that includes acclimatisation day?
Can we walk the Marangu route without a guide? How much are expenses for 1 day Kilimanjaro hike?
We had engaged 1 day hike for Marangu for $150. Now they are not going to honor.
We will appreciate any advice.
All our best and happy travels to all!
JoAnn Cutrara
One must have a guide to enter Kilimanjaro NP, so licensed guides are mandatory and for a reason also because of safety. i doubt you would be getting this price in 2019, the prices went up in Tanzania in recent years, from park fees to VAT. WIsh you great time if you choose to go.
Hi,
Anybody stay at the Mandara Hut? We’re thinking of hiking up from Moshi and staying over night at Mandara hut then hiking down the next morning and flying out that night. Can you please recommend a good guide for October, 2019 who will help us have a great experience? Thanks so much, Suzy
Hi Nina, We’re planning a hike from MOSHI to Mandara hut and staying over night there . Can you recommend a guide/touring company to pick us up the airport, take us to MOSHI and then take us up to the hut the next day to stay over night? I appreciate your help. Suzy
Hi Suzy, best to ask safari company to arrange the hike for you and all the logistics.