CLASSIC 6-DAY MARANGU ROUTE ITINERARY (THE “COCA-COLA” ROUTE WITH HUT
Overview of the Lemosho route
Lemosho Route Detailed Itinerary
DAY 01: Kilimanjaro Airport to Weruweru Lodge in Moshi, August 13th
After arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our driver, who will assist with your luggage. You’ll then enjoy a private transfer to Weruweru River Lodge in Moshi, about 45-60 minutes away, taking in the scenic landscapes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Once at the
lodge, you’ll check in, receive a welcome drink, and have time to relax. Depending on your arrival time, there will be a brief overview of the itinerary, followed by dinner and an overnight stay to prepare for your Kilimanjaro adventure the next day.
DAY 02: Hotel to Mandara Hut, August 14th
❖ Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
❖ Distance: 8km/5mi
❖ Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
❖ Habitat: Montane Forest
❖ Meals: Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast and a briefing, you’ll drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register, and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara escarpment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings, including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
DAY 03: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut, August 15th
❖ Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
❖ Distance: 12km/7.5mi
❖ Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
❖ Habitat: Heathland
❖ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
DAY 04: Horombo Hut (3720m) –Acclimatization Day, August 16th
❖ Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft
❖ Distance: 0km/0mi
❖ Hiking Time: 0 hours
❖ Habitat: Heathland
❖ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
At Horombo Hut, you will spend the day allowing your body to acclimate to high altitude. You will have the option of doing a day hike to Mawenzi Hut (4600m) for further acclimatization with your guide. Breakfast and dinner will be at the hut, and lunch will either be packed or at the hut, depending on your preference for the day.
DAY 05: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut, August 17th
❖ Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
❖ Distance: 9km/5.5mi
❖ Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
❖ Habitat: Alpine Desert
❖ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
DAY 06: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut, August 18th
❖ Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
❖ Down to 3700m/12,200ft
❖ Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
❖ Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
❖ Habitat: Alpine Desert
❖ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn.
Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing to the Horombo encampment.
DAY 07: Horombo Hut to Moshi, August 19th
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through the lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy)
A short drive back to the Weruweru River Lodge in Moshi allows time for reflection, celebration, and much-needed relaxation. Whether it’s enjoying a hot shower, sharing stories with fellow climbers, or simply resting, this marks the end of an unforgettable journey. The Marangu Route has tested your endurance, rewarded you with breathtaking landscapes, and given you a lifetime of memories. You are now among the few who have conquered Africa’s highest peak-an achievement to cherish forever,
End of our trip, thank you for creating unforgettable memories of Mount Kilimanjaro with us.