Overview
Marangu Route is the most popular of all Kilimanjaro climbing routes. This is the only route offering overnight stays in huts, versus tent camping on all other routes. Huts have a significant impact on the overall cost because with fewer items to carry (especially tents), fewer staff are required in climbing crews, thus reducing the overall cost and making Marangu the most affordable route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Marangu is offered in two itineraries; 5 or 6 days, with the 5-day option being considerably difficult because of less time to properly adapt to the higher altitude. The 6-day trek is acceptable for reasonably fit hikers and has a more positive successful summit rating.
While all other routes on Kilimanjaro descend via the Mweka get on the Marangu route climbers ascend and descend by the same trail. It is incredibly scenic and you may not mind seeing the same view up and down, but keep in mind you will be passing hikers on the way back down and missing out on the experience of another side of Kilimanjaro.
NOTE: Some of the expedition upgrades (portable showers, portable toilets) are not allowed on Kilimanjaro due to the KINAPA regulations.
Consider Marangu Route for a climb during the rainy season: sleeping in huts is more comfortable and helps climbers avoid a bit of mud when they settle down for the night. Also, if you are limited in time and cannot participate in a 7-day trek, you may consider the Marangu 6-day itinerary. If you have any additional questions, then this article will be useful to you.
- Parking
- Concierge service
- Gift shop
- Meeting/Banquet facilities
- Wheelchair accessible
- Restaurant
- Express check out
- Air-conditioned
- Babysitting/child services (surcharge)
7 days | 6 night | age 10+ |
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Destination: | Kilimanjaro Climbing |
Departure: | Flexible (at any time) |
Language: | English, French, Italian, German and Spanish |
Note: Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently)
Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning before they start their ascent, to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor before inset of potential allergies.
At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.
ELEVATION 1,860 m to 2,700 m/HIKING TIME 5-7 hours/DISTANCE 11 km/DIFFICULTY Medium/HABITAT Rainforest.
Several hours after lunch you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Kibo Hut with a 200-meter gain in altitude, and then hike back down to Horombo Hut where dinner will be prepared for you.
Note: The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done during the acclimation 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) — Destination point en route to Kibo Hut (3,920 m)
Hiking distance: 2.5 km/Hiking time: 1–2 hours
ELEVATION 2,700 m to 3,720 m/HIKING TIME 5-6 hours/DISTANCE 10 km/DIFFICULTY Medium/HABITAT Moorland.
ELEVATION 3,720 m to 4,700 m/HIKING TIME 4-8 hours/DISTANCE 10 km/DIFFICULTY High/HABITAT Alpine desert
Note: Don't forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including all broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.
ELEVATION 4,700 m to 5,895 m5,895 m to 3,720 m/HIKING TIME:9-12 hours/DISTANCE 16 km/DIFFICULTY High/HABITAT
ELEVATION 3,720 m to 1,860 m/HIKING TIME 5-6 hours/DISTANCE 18 km/DIFFICULTY Medium/HABITAT Rainforest.
Note: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 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.