Marangu trail is the oldest and most well established trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It remains extremely popular mainly because it is the only route on the mountain that has hut accommodation for trekkers.

Highlights of Marangu Route

  • SLEEPING HUTS

    Marangu route does not require overnight camping. It is the only route on Kilimanjaro with permanent hut accommodation.

  • EASIEST ROUTE

    The gradual ascent, hut accommodation and a day's acclimatization in the middle of the 6-day Marangu route contribute to make it one of the easiest trails to climb Kilimanjaro.

  • CHEAPEST ROUTE

    The dormitory style hut accommodation on Marangu route means there are fewer porters to hire to carry camping equipment. This along with the short route length makes Marangu the cheapest among all routes.

  • HIGHLY CROWDED

    Being one of the easiest, shortest and cheapest routes on Kilimanjaro makes a lot of people, especially younger folk gravitate to the Marangu route. It is the busiest trail on Kilimanjaro.

  • LESS SCENIC

    Because the ascent and descent are done on the same route, the Marangu trail has comparatively much less scenic variety as the other routes.
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5-Star Reviews for Popote

Below are some reviews specifically from clients who did Marangu Route with us. See more of our fantastic testimonials on Tripadvisor and Google.

Tripadvisor ReviewsGoogle Reviews

  • "Yes, I did it ! I took a Marangu Route with Popote climbing 6 days in November 2019, solo trip.
    It was good choice. They organized everything professionally, gave me full comfort of great jorney. In spite of cold weather on the last part of climbing..."

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  • "I climbed Mount Klimanjaro with a friend in October, and it was the most incredible experience thanks to Popote! We booked the 6-day Marangu Route option, which cost around $1700, a lot cheaper than some other companies we looked at..."

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  • "Popote Africa was recommended by a friend, a recommendation we totally appreciated during our trek. We were a family of 6, my wife and I have trekked Kili before, my children are use to high altitude trekking, however, my son-in-law and..."

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Is Marangu Route for Me?

If you like the comfort of huts on the trail, then this is the only option on Kilimanjaro with permanent hut accommodation. The 6-day version is said to be relatively the easiest trail to climb Kili. It is also the cheapest and the most crowded route with the least scenic variety because the ascent and descent are done on the same path. Over crowding on Marangu trail is partly caused by this reason.

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The Popote Advantage

We have guided more than 10,000 climbers on Kilimanjaro since 2011. The following 4 aspects are the most important for anyone wanting to climb Kili. And we guarantee uncompromising quality for all and more.

#1 Highly Experienced Guides

Popote's guides know the ins and outs of Kilimanjaro, are trained in emergency procedures and can provide vital support in case of any unexpected situations. They also bring a wealth of knowledge about the local culture, flora, and fauna, which will make your climb even more enriching. Besides, they also play a crucial role in making the climb fun and enjoyable. It can be through singing along the way, narating anecdotes from the past, or by bringing a sense of camaraderie to your team. As as you will see, they offer every encouragement and support you will ever need.

#2 Reliable Porters

Porters carry equipment and supplies, allowing climbers to focus on the climb without carrying heavy loads. They setup your camps each day, and dismantle them when its time to move on. Without their support climbing Kilimanjaro will be next to impossible for most of us. At Popote, we value our porters highly because of the part they play in making each climb, week after week, a success.

#3 Lip-Smacking Meals

Our chefs will serve large, healthy meals to keep you happy and well-fed on your Kilimanjaro climb. You’ll have hot meals at breakfast and dinner, freshly prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. We prepare all our food to strict hygiene standards, ensuring it’s delicious and safe to eat. Our menus are designed to be nutritionally-dense, with plenty of variety to cater to the energy demands of the trek.

#4 Top Quality Equipment

We only use Mountain Hardwear’s rugged, 4-season tents, designed specifically for mountain conditions. Built to accommodate three people, we only ever have two people in a tent. These tents are manufactured to withstand high winds, heavy rain and snow cover, making them ideal for the environment on Kilimanjaro.

Marangu Route Itinerary

The itinerary below describes the 5 nights/6 day Kilimanjaro climb via the Marangu route. To shorten the below itinerary to 5 days you skip the acclimatization day on day three at Horombo Hut.

Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Moshi town. You will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.

  • Driving distance: 55 km
  • Driving Time: 1 hour

DAY 1: MARANGU GATE – MANDARA HUT

After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, your trek can begin, and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.

  • Distance: 12km/8miles,
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours,
  • Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,811 ft
  • Habitat: Heath.

DAY 2: MANDARA HUT – HOROMBO HUT

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.

  • Distance: 5km/3miles,
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours,
  • Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 3: HOROMBO HUT – ZEBRA ROCK – HOROMBO HUT

Today serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, a 4-hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks (4020m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day.

  • Distance: 2km/1miles,
  • Hiking Time: 1-2 hours,
  • Elevation: 14,160 ft to 14,400 ft
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 4: HOROMBO HUT – KIBO CAMP

Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. 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.

  • Distance: 8km/5miles,
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours,
  • Elevation: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 5: KIBO CAMP – UHURU PEAK – HOROMBO CAMP

Today is “The Big Day” - the summit stage. 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.

  • Distance: 6km/4miles and 16km/10miles
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours & 4-5 hours
  • Elevation:15,430 ft to 19,341 to 12,250 ft.
  • Habitat: Arctic and Heath

DAY 6: HOROMBO CAMP – MARANGU GATE

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.

  • Distance: 20km/12miles
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Elevation:12,205 ft to 6,046
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

Day 7 – Departure

Whether you go on a safari with us, or fly to Zanzibar or any other destination, out vehicle will be ready for your transfer at a time of your choosing.

Marangu Route Prices

We do no compromise on safety and quality, so our prices are not the cheapest. However, they are also not unreasonably high like some other companies. We take a lot of pride in the value for money we provide to each and every client.

The per person prices below are based on how many people are booking the trek together.

  • 6-Day Route Price

    1 person - $2,080

    2-5 persons - $1,830

    6-10 persons - $1,780

    11+ persons - $1,730

  • 5-Day Route Price

    1 person - $1,735

    2-5 persons - $1,525

    6-10 persons - $1,475

    11+ persons - $1,425

  • The climb cost includes

    Transfers:

    • Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation in Moshi
    • Return transfer from accommodation in Moshi to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park

    Entry fees:

    • Park Fees: all park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all others). 

    Accommodation:

    • Accommodation at 3* hotel in Moshi (WeruWeru Lodge) one night before and one night after the expedition. You will have all for a comfortable stay - friendly staff, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool
    • Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern comfortable 4-season North Face VE-25 tents)

    Please note: by default, you will share a room and a tent with your travel companion. If you travel solo on a group expedition, we will room you with a same-sex participant. Single supplement is available upon request.

    Meals:

    • Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike
    • All meals on the hike. You will find delicious energy-rich meals on our mountain menus. Our professional chefs will prepare assorted soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost
    • All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water)

    Hiking and safety equipment:

    • 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
    • All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery)
    • If you choose extra comfort package you additionally will have walk-in tents, sleeping cots, hot water bottles for the night as well as portable toilets included
    • Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
    • GPS-tracking service
    • Complete medical kits including Diamox.

    Climbing crew:

    • Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holder of Wilderness First Responder certification. All of them have 7+years of successful experience
    • Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)

    It goes without saying that we treat our porters, cooks and guides as well and fairly. It is an unbiased evaluation of our commitment to fair treatment of our mountain crews.

    Taxes:

    • 18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy. Popote Africa is an honest and responsible tour operator working in full compliance with the tax law of the United Republic of Tanzania.

  • The climb cost excludes

    • International flights
    • Tips (250-300 USD per climber for the whole mountain crew)
    • Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others)
    • Personal gear rentals
    • Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the climb)
    • Portable toilets (if required - 250 USD per unit, one can be shared between 3 people)
    • Mountaineering insurance. You'll need special insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6000 m

FAQs for Marangu Route

  • How difficult is the Marangu Route?

    Marangu Route is also the only route that offers hut accommodation, which can provide some comfort for climbers. Hence the 6-day route is said to be somewhat easier. But the 5-day hike is very difficult because there is no time for the body to acclimatize. Do note that good fitness levels are still necessary for this trek.

  • How long is the Marangu Route?

    The exact distance on the Marangu trail is 82km or 50 miles. We recommend chosing 6 days over 5 days to do this route. The average daily altitude gain is about 1000m as compared to only 700m on 7-day Machame and 500m on the 8-day Lemosho routes.

  • What is Marangu Route's summit success rate?

    As it is one of the shortest routes on the mountain, the Marangu Route has the lowest summit success rates. This is mainly because of the unprofessional local tour guides who take groups up the mountain on the shorter (and cheaper) 5-day hike. Because of this, the 5-day average success rate is 50%! We advise our hikers with this in mind, so we only take the 6-day option which increases the success rate to over 90%!

  • How is the scenery on the Marangu Route?

    The Marangu route ascends through the rainforest, moorlands, and alpine areas before ending in the glacial zone. This trek is very beautiful and is the only route that allows you to descend the same way you ascended.

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