Climb Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

Marangu Route Overview

The Marangu Route is one of the shortest and unlike any other route accommodation is in huts instead of tents. The reputation of being the easy way to the summit is not true and inexperienced trekkers should be aware that the route offers less of a chance to acclimatise than some of the so called harder routes.

The Marangu route begins at Marangu gate and ascends through forest to the Mandara Huts which are named after the fearsome Chagga chief of Moshi. Hut accommodation is in dormitory style and for those that have an aversion to camping the huts offer the best option to trekking on Kilimanjaro.

The Marangu Route ascends through moorland to Horombo Huts where two nights are spent for acclimatisation reasons. The Marangu route then ascends to Kibo Hut through alpine desert and the last water point on the route. From Kibo Hut the route ascends to Uhuru Peak via Gilman’s Point. Descent of the mountain is a re-trace of the route with another night spent at Horombo Hut.

Key Points:

• Difficulty rating: ++
• Approximate length: 64km
• of Days: 5 or 6 (+2 nights accommodation in Hotel)
• Only route on Mt. Kilimanjaro which offers accommodation in huts
• Shortest route to the summit – unfortunately lower success rate
• Ascent and descent on the same route