What is the Lemosho Route?

A scenic, moderately‑difficult western approach that starts at Lemosho Gate (2,100 m) and normally takes eight days to summit via Barafu Camp before descending to Mweka Gate (1,640 m)

How many days does the trek take?

Standard itineraries span 7–9 days on the mountain, with the preferred 8‑day schedule offering optimal acclimatization

How hard is it, and do I need to be extremely fit?

It’s rated moderately difficult: you’ll cover ~12 km/day at high altitude and tackle steep scree on summit night. Prior multi‑day hiking and gym prep are strongly advised

What’s the summit success rate?

The eight‑day Lemosho Route boasts ~85–90% success, thanks to its gradual ascent profile

When is the best time to climb?

January–March and June–October are the driest, most stable months; peak season (July–September) sees larger crowds but very reliable weather

What equipment and clothing do I need?

Key items: three–season sleeping bag, waterproof trekking boots, layered clothing (base‑mid‑insulation‑shell), warm hat/gloves, trekking poles, headlamp and sun protection

What crew supports me on the mountain?

Each group is backed by English‑speaking guides, cooks and porters (1 guide:4 clients; 1 porter per 15 kg of your luggage) who set up camps, prepare meals and carry gear

Marangu Route – Kilimanjaro’s Oldest & Comfortable Climbin

7 Days Marangu Route

Transportation
All ground transfers
Group Size
Minimum 2 people
Maximum Altitude
5895 Meaters
Accomodation
Camping
Fitness level
Medium
Arrival on
Arusha
Departure from
Arusha
Best season
June to October & December to March
Tour type
Private Camping & Midrange
Language
English, Spanish , France
Meals
All listed meals
Minimum Age
13
Maximum Age
80

Maraangu route

Marangu Route – Kilimanjaro’s Oldest & Most Comfortable Climbing Path

The Marangu Route is the oldest and one of the most popular trails on Mount Kilimanjaro, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola route” due to its relative comfort and accessibility. This historic path retraces the footsteps of Hans Meyer, who completed the first successful summit in 1889.

As you climb the Marangu Route, you will journey through diverse climatic zones within Kilimanjaro National Park—from lush tropical rainforest to moorland and alpine desert, all the way to the icy summit. The route offers a gradual ascent, making it a preferred option for many trekkers.

What sets the Marangu Route apart is its unique accommodation style. It is the only Kilimanjaro trail that provides dormitory-style huts instead of tents, offering a more comfortable and sheltered experience throughout your climb.

Rongai Route Highlights – Kilimanjaro Climb

Unique Northern Approach
Complete Circumnavigation of Kilimanjaro
Exceptional Acclimatization Profile
Low Traffic and Seclusion
Diverse Ecological Zones
Stunning Panoramic Views
High Summit Success Rate
Opportunity for Crater Camp Overnight

Day 01 :

Pick up from the airport

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), a friendly staff member from Serengeti Landmark Tours will be there to welcome you for your Marangu Route adventure. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Arusha, where you can relax after your journey and prepare for the Marangu Route climb.

In the evening, you will have a safari briefing, where our team will go over your itinerary, answer any questions, and ensure you are well-prepared for your Marangu Route experience. Get a good night’s rest—your unforgettable safari and climb begins tomorrow.

Accommodation

✓  Name: Tulia lodge
✓  Type: Hotel
✓  Level: Mid-range

Day 02 :

Trekking from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing for your Marangu Route climb. After this, you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park's eastern entrance: Marangu Gate (1,860 m / 6,102 ft), the starting point of the Marangu Route adventure.

After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will begin trekking the Marangu Route up to Mandara Hut (2,720 m / 8,922 ft). The trekking route includes passage through the rainforest (where tropical showers are highly probable), so we recommend you take not only spare clothes but also raincoats for your Marangu Route journey. When you reach the camp, our mountain support crew will take care of the necessities and prepare lunch.

Throughout the entire Marangu Route, you will be spending your nights in special huts. These huts are a unique feature of the Marangu Route, offering a great alternative for those who do not want to sleep in tents.

PLEASE NOTE:This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:

Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently);
To help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness, consider using a preventive measure like a high-altitude aid medicine. Many mountain climbers take such pills in the morning, before they begin their ascent, to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. Our managers will provide more specific details together with your travel itinerary. We recommend consulting your doctor prior to the trip to discuss any potential allergies or health concerns.

At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your breathing pattern at night, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and experience a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Day 03 :

Trekking from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

The group will wake early for a filling breakfast and then depart Mandara Hut as part of the Marangu Route trek. This stage of the Marangu Route leads you to the second high-altitude camp: Horombo Hut (3,720 m / 12,202 ft), a key stop on the Marangu Route ascent.

When you reach the camp on this day, you will be rewarded with stunning views of two volcanoes at once—Kibo and Mawenzi—one of the most iconic highlights of the Marangu Route experience.

Several hours after lunch, you will complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Kibo Hut with a 200 m / 656 ft gain in altitude, and then return back down to Horombo Hut where dinner will be prepared for you, continuing your gradual adaptation along the Marangu Route.

PLEASE NOTE:The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.

Acclimatization hike:

Change in Elevation:

Horombo Hut (3,720 m / 12,204 ft)

Destination point en route to Kibo Hut (3,920 m / 12,861 ft)

Hiking distance:

2.5 km (1.5 miles)

Hiking time:

1-2 hours

Day 04 :

Trekking from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

On this day, right after breakfast, the group will be trekking to the Kibo Hut (4,720 m /15,482 f). The actual trekking is not very difficult, just remember to stick with an appropriate pace to preserve your strength for the climbing to Kilimanjaro's summit. When you reach the camp you will be served lunch, after which we recommend you sleep as much as you can, avoid any strenuous activity, and drink lots of water.

Trekking time:

4-8 hours

Distance:

10 km (6.2 miles)

Day 05 :

Trekking to Uhuru Peak and descent to Horombo Hut

Your group will depart at night from Kibo Hut (4,720 m /15,482 f) and begin the trek to Kilimanjaro's summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336 f). The trekking will be moderate from a technical standpoint, but the altitude presents a challenge, making even regular physical activity feel strenuous. For the entire length of the summit trek, each pair of climbers will be accompanied by their own guide, who will be monitoring the pair's stamina and mental resolve. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Kibo Camp and enjoy a two-hour rest before continuing your descent to Horombo Hut (3,720 m /12,202 f).

PLEASE NOTE:Don't forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including most broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.

Day 06 :

Descent from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

You will be offered a warm breakfast in the morning, after which we will head for the Kilimanjaro National Park's exit: Marangu Gate (1,970 m /6,462 f). After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will have the chance to share your opinions on the trip in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates and provide you with a transfer back to the hotel.

Trekking time:

5-6 hours

Distance:

18 km (11.1 miles)

Accommodation

✓  Name: Tulia lodge
✓  Type: Hotel
✓  Level: Mid-range

Day 7 :

Departure

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

PLEASE NOTE: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.