Kilimanjaro Budget Marangu Route

Climb Kilimanjaro via the ‘coca cola route’, Kilimanjaro’s shortest and most comfortable route to the summit. Marangu is fantastic value and the only route on Kilimanjaro to offer the comforts of sleeping huts, bathrooms and beds.

There are several routes up Kilimanjaro, but Marangu is the classic. Whilst it isn’t without its drawbacks, Marangu offers great value. The route approaches the summit from the East, summiting Uhuru Peak via Kibo Huts. Along the way it passes through dense rainforest, afro alpine heathland, moorlands and high altitude desert before reaching the crater rim at Gilman’s Point.

The Marangu route is the only route to offer climbers sleeping huts. The huts are solar powered have communal dining areas, bunk beds (with sponge mattresses and pillows) and bathrooms with running water or basic latrines. Soft drinks, bottled water and beer can be purchased in the huts. It is a more comfortable experience than any of the other camping routes. The drawback of Marangu is that it offers few climb high sleep low acclimatisation features and the trail can be busy. Having said this, many climbers enjoy the buzz and drama of sharing their experience with hundreds of trekkers from all over the world.

The usual rules that apply to Kilimanjaro apply similarly to Marangu. See our advice on health requirements for Kilimanjaro.

Choose Marangu if (1) budget is your primary concern, (2) you don’t want to camp or (3) you are short on time or (4) you want the camaraderie of communal huts. If however, you want to maximise your chances of making it to the summit and would prefer to try to avoid crowds, then you would be better served by Machame, Lemosho or Rongai.

• Option 1: Marangu 5 Days + 2 nights B&B

  5 Days climbing Kilimanjaro via the Marangu route plus 2 nights at Springlands Hotel in Moshi

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