Climb Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route

It is the only route where you stay in communal mountain huts.

The Kilimanjaro Marangu route takes you on a five or six day round journey of about eighty kilometres to Mt Kilimanjaro’s summit. It is the only route where one could you stay in communal mountain huts., all other routes are based on tented accommodation. The route begins at Marangu Gate at 1 860m, and passes through the tropical rain forest to the Mandara Hut at 2 752m, close to the Maundi Crater. The lush green rainforest is home to Giant tree ferns which flourish underneath huge tropical trees decorated with Oldman’s Beard (usnea lichen) and pretty flowers including a variety of lilies and hibiscus. Colobus and Blue Monkeys are often seen jumping between these old trees with an abundance of birdlife and these forests are never quiet. From here we ascend into the alpine zone and finally the summit.

• Frequently used route
• Same route for ascent and descent on south-western side of mountain
• The route may be undertaken in 5 or 6 days, and involves walking about 80 kilometers
• Accommodation is in dormitory-style huts during the hike, plus two nights at the base hotel

Route Summary

Start: Marangu Gate (1,843 m/6,046 ft)
Highest point reached: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 ft)
Finish: Marangu Gate (1,843 m/6,046 ft)
Total trail distance: approx. 80 km / 49,7 miles
Pre/post night accommodation: Keys Hotel, Moshi
Departs: Daily or join a scheduled trip.
Nearest international airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Country: Tanzania
Best time to go: January-March and the end June-October