4-DAY KILIMANJARO FOOTHILLS TREK
4-DAY ADVENTURE TREK
- 5 Days / 4 nights (4 days hiking)
- Kilimanjaro
Each day, we hike between 7 to 22 kilometers along mountain trails that wind through elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,200 meters. The terrain is challenging, with steep ascents and descents, and can become slippery when wet—making this a rewarding adventure for fit and determined trekkers. Expect to cross multiple ridges and valleys, with your experienced guide maintaining a comfortable pace to suit your group’s ability. Trekking poles are highly recommended for added stability.
At the end of each day, relax at our well-equipped campsite featuring spacious walk-in tents (accommodating 1–2 people or families). Enjoy delicious, locally inspired meals prepared by our expert mountain cooks and served in a cozy dining tent.
Day 1: Mweka to Shimbwe Juu. Hiking distance: 4.9mi / 8km.
Day 2: Shimbwe juu to Kidia. Hiking distance: 4.3mi / 7km.
Day 3: Kidia to Fumvuhu. Hiking distance: 5.6mi / 9km.
Day 4: Fumvuhu to Mshiri Village. Hiking distance: 13.6mi / 22km.
Day 5: Marangu Villages.
January to March, July to December
Enough hiking days for an expedition deep into the heart of the Chagga villages on Kilimanjaro.
- Discover a part of Tanzania few tourists ever see
- Walk on ancient trails between the national park forest and local villages
- Observe rainforest, waterfalls and rivers, farm plots full of coffee and banana trees
- Pass through the land of the Chagga people
- Lead by a qualified Chagga mountain guide
GALLERY / PHOTOS
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Mweka to Shimbwe Juu.
Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel, followed by a scenic drive to the trailhead. The hike starts on a traditional village path used by locals to reach their farmlands. As we walk through quiet villages and into lush forest, we’ll cross rivers using charming wooden bridges or stepping stones.
Along the way, you’ll witness the century-old irrigation systems that nourish local crops like coffee, bananas, and vibrant vegetables. After a peaceful 5 km trek beside the Rau River valley, a majestic waterfall rewards our efforts. Prepare for a final uphill push—our first camp awaits at the top!
Overnight: Kilimanjaro View Camp.
Meals: L,D.
Hiking distance: 4.9mi / 8km.
Day 2: Shimbwe juu to Kidia.
Start the day by following our noses and the sweet smell of the eucalyptus trees that create a natural border between the Kilimanjaro National Park and the villages. The trail passes above several homesteads and past an ingenious electrical system that uses the water channel. As the day progresses, the hiking increases in intensity as we pass a dramatic landscape of high ridges and deep valleys, all covered by tropical rain forest. If we are lucky, we may spot blue monkeys hanging in the trees above our route. As you pass through the farms and forests, you will hear from your Rocky Africa Experience guide about his own
knowledge of the mountain on which he grew up. Our campsite at a primary school overlooks Moshi Town and the surrounding plain.
Overnight: Kidia camp.
Meals: B,L,D.
Hiking distance: 4.3mi / 7km.
Day 3: Kidia to Fumvuhu village.
After a peaceful night at 1,900 meters, we continue along scenic trails winding through vibrant mountain villages. The route leads past lush coffee and maize farms, with opportunities to cool off in refreshing, crystal-clear mountain streams.
We pass through Kidia Village, a historic site known as the first European settlement in the Kilimanjaro region. Along the way, you’ll notice impressive Catholic and Lutheran churches—each with a unique story of early missionary work among the Chagga people.
Our day ends with a cozy overnight stay near a local primary school, perched high on the mountain slopes.
Overnight: Fumvuhu Camp.
Meals: B,L,D.
Hiking distance: 5.6mi / 9km.
Day 4: Fumvuhu village to Mshiri village.
Our final day offers a rewarding and scenic finish to your trek. Though the distance is longer than previous days, the terrain is more forgiving, allowing you to fully enjoy the journey. Along the way, you’ll take in breathtaking viewpoints overlooking Moshi and gaze upward at the majestic summit of Mount Kilimanjaro as it comes into view near Mbahe Village.
The adventure concludes with a restful overnight stay at the charming Marangu Hotel—an ideal place to reflect and unwind.
Overnight: Marangu Hotel.
Meals:B,L,D.
Hiking distance: 13.6mi / 22km.
Day 5: Marangu Villages.
After days on the trail, unwind in the tranquil setting of Marangu Hotel. Nestled in lush gardens, the hotel offers a peaceful place to recharge. Just a short walk from the property lies the Moonjo River waterfall—a perfect spot for a refreshing afternoon swim and quiet reflection after your Kilimanjaro adventure.
If you’re heading home, we’ll provide a smooth transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport. For those continuing their journey in Tanzania, your next adventure begins here.
Meals: B,L.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodations
- All meals as indicated (B.L.D.)
- Bottled or filtered water and coffee, teas, cocoa
- Services of hiking guide and camp crew
- All camping equipment (excluding sleeping bag)
- Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport, Moshi, Arusha
EXCLUSIONS
Tips and gratuities to leaders, guides, crew, or other staff; cold drinks and alcohol; additional accommodations and meals made necessary by airline schedule changes, inability to complete the climb, or other factors; pre-trip expenses such as immunizations, travel insurance, passports, and visas; international airfare; airport departure taxes; and any expenses of a personal nature such as souvenirs and laundry.
DISCLAIMER
Trip prices are based on Rocky Africa Experience costs, fees, and supplier prices in effect at the time of booking. Rocky Africa Experience reserves the right to alter trip prices should inflation, cost of fuel, labor, materials, or exchange rates change. If the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) raises park fees, or any hotel, lodge, camp, airline, or any other service provider raises their rates, Rocky Africa Experience reserves the right to require additional payment from the client.