Marangu Route Overview:
Marangu Route is one of the oldest and most preferred routes on Kilimanjaro. It is the easiest path on the mountain due to its gradual slope and direct path.
It is the only route on Kilimanjaro as it has hut accommodations for the hikers making it popular among the tourists. Marangu Route is therefore also known as “tourist route”.
Marangu Route has three hut accommodations: Mandara Huts, Kibo Huts, and Horombo Hut. These hut accommodations provide bunk beds. There are 60 bunks beds each at Mandara huts, Kibo huts, however, there are 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut.
The success rate is comparative low on this route. Sadly, the route has less striking view than the other routes on Kilimanjaro.
The route is crowded with tourists, due to which professional trekkers don’t take this route.
Marangu Route 5 Days Itinerary
Day two on the Marangu Route begins with an early start. You will be served breakfast and should be on your way by latest 08:30. The trek continues through the rainforest, around the base of the Maundi Crater and then transitions rather rapidly into the low alpine moorland zone. If the weather is clear you should definitely take the opportunity to scramble up the Maundi Crater to get your first full view of Kibo. During the trek you will also see giant lobelias which are scattered throughout the landscape at this altitude. At Horombo Hut (3,720 meters) you will be served dinner and shown to your sleeping quarters for the night.
![]() |
Horombo Hut |
Day three on the Marangu Route is long and tough. There are two routes to Kibo. The first, or upper route, forks to the right. You will most likely take the lower left hand route as it is easier and nearly an hour shorter. On the left hand route you will pass the last water point at 4,130 meters. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5-6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short. Make sure that you have all your gear ready for a prompt departure.
![]() |
Kib Huto |
Day four begins with summit night. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) the crater rim of Kilimanjaro where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1-2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1-2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
![]() |
Uhuru Peak |
Day five is the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220meters, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681meters) the crater rim of Kilimanjaro where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1-2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895meters. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed hours break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
This day left for your next destination. A vehicle will take you back to the Hotel in Moshi, where it is definitely time for celebration. Depart for the airport or other destinations in Tanzania. If you have safari, then might be used to beginning your safari or fly to beaches in Zanzibar so as we can arrange many reasonably priced trips and safaris around Moshi and the Kilimanjaro region. If you fly back home our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time.
![]() |
Moshi |
This day left for your next destination. A vehicle will take you back to the Hotel in Moshi, where it is definitely time for celebration. Depart for the airport or other destinations in Tanzania. If you have safari, then might be used to beginning your safari or fly to beaches in Zanzibar so as we can arrange many reasonably priced trips and safaris around Moshi and the Kilimanjaro region. If you fly back home our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time.
![]() |
Moshi |
Included:
- Overnight stays in mountain Huts
- Professional, experienced mountain guides:
- All Park fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Guides’, Porters’, and Cooks’ salaries and park fees
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking waters
Not included:
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation outside of trekking route
- Tanzania Visa
- Gratuities
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed above
- Optional Tours (short safari after your climb, etc.)