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Mandara Hut Campsite – Your First Stop on Kilimanjaro’s Marangu Route

Hikers on the Kilimanjaro who are climbing via the Marangu route can camp here. You will stay here for the first night on the Maranga route as it is close at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.

In addition to timber cottages that can accommodate six to eight people each, the camp offers A-shaped huts for overnight stays. 60 people can stay at this camp each night.

Mandara Huts facilities

Because of its proximity to the base, this camp offers a few well-organized amenities. You can eat at the dining hall of this establishment.

The park representative, who doubles as the lead ranger, has an office at the camp as well. He completes the camp’s registration procedures.

The camp lacks facilities and has pit latrines, just as the majority of other sites. This is because there isn’t enough water at the top of the mountain, making it difficult to maintain the restrooms.

Day One of the Hike to Mandara Hut

It takes almost four hours to get from the base, which is located at an elevation of about 1860 meters above sea level, to the Mandara Hut camp, which is located at an elevation of about 2700 meters above sea level.

Going from Moshi to the Marangu gate takes around one hour. Additionally, driving back to Moshi after descending via the Marangu gate from Mandara takes almost three hours.

Consequently, a one-day trip to the Mandara Hut Camp is feasible.

The camp is still in the region of the forested area and therefore you will see a lot of birds and primates playing in the canopy of the forest.

Advantages of Mandara Huts Campsite

It is not necessary for you to live in a tent here. There are options for wooden cabins and huts. Additionally, the camp is just big enough to accommodate roughly 60 people at a time.

You don’t have to rely just on rainwater because there is another source of water available from the neighboring streams. This implies that you won’t need to transport water from the base; instead, you can carry it from here to the next camp.

Disadvantages of Mandara Huts Campsite

You will have to make or carry your own meals but there is a dining hall to have them from. You will also have the porters to carry your cooking equipment.

If you want to pitch your own tent, there is little space for this since the whole pace is almost occupied with huts and cabins.

Hike Details – Kilimanjaro Day Hike to Mandara Hut

  • Altitude gain: 1860m to 2700m
  • Distance (one way): 8 km
  • Hiking time: 3–4 hours up / 2–3 hours down (total 5–7 hours)
  • Habitat: Mountain Forest

Pricing for the Kilimanjaro Day Hike to Mandara Hut (Per Person)

1 Person2 Persons3 Persons4 Persons5 Persons and more
330 USD290 USD280 USD260 USD250 USD

Included Services

  • English-speaking guide
  • Private transport from and to Moshi
  • All national park fees
  • Lunch box
  • Bottled water
  • All mentioned activities according to the itinerary

Private Trip & Child Discount Policy

  • This is a private trip; your group will not be joined by others.
  • Children discounts:
    • 1 child under 5 years – 100% discount
    • Additional children under 5 years – 50% discount
    • Children aged 5–12 years – 50% discount
  • Children with 100% discount are not counted in the group size.
  • Discounts apply to up to 2 children per private group. For more children, we can provide a custom quote.

Payment Information

  • Payment accepted in USD or Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) on the day of the tour.
  • USD notes minted in 2006 or earlier are not accepted.

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