Marangu is the oldest and only route on Kilimanjaro with dormitory huts at every stop. It climbs from the southeast, crosses the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, and returns by the same trail. It covers about 72 km round trip over five or six days.
Marangu at a glance
| Length | 5–6 days, about 72 km round trip |
|---|---|
| Start | Marangu Gate, about 1,860 m |
| Descent | Same route |
| Sleeping | Shared huts with bunk beds |
| Difficulty | Moderate, steep on summit night |
The six-day itinerary
| Day | Stage | Sleep at |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut through rainforest | About 2,720 m |
| 2 | Through moorland to Horombo Hut | About 3,720 m |
| 3 | Acclimatisation day, walk towards Zebra Rocks or Mawenzi | Horombo Hut |
| 4 | Across the Saddle to Kibo Hut | About 4,700 m |
| 5 | Summit via Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), down to Horombo | About 3,720 m |
| 6 | Down to Marangu Gate | Moshi |
What the huts are like
The huts are simple A-frame or dormitory buildings with bunk beds and foam mattresses, shared with other climbers. You still need a warm sleeping bag. There are dining halls and toilets at each site. The huts are easier to stay dry in during the rainy season than tents.
Not the “easy” route
Marangu was nicknamed the Coca-Cola Route because it was seen as easier than Machame. The walking is gentle, but the five-day version gains height quickly and has a lower success rate. Summit night from Kibo Hut is a steep climb on scree to Gilman’s Point. Six days, with an extra night at Horombo, makes a real difference. Read altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro.
Who Marangu suits
Climbers who prefer a roof over their heads, or who climb in the wetter months. The trade-off is less varied scenery, because you go up and down the same path. Compare it with the other routes in which Kilimanjaro route to choose.
See our Marangu Route climb.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. It is the only route with dormitory huts at every stop: Mandara, Horombo and Kibo.
The walking is gentle, but the short five-day version has a lower success rate. Six days is recommended.
It was considered easier than the Machame or Whiskey Route, and soft drinks were once sold at the huts.
