Marangu Route: Kilimanjaro's Most Comfortable Route

From gate to gate the Marangu Route is 72,5 kilometres / 44 miles long. In comparison, the Marangu Route counts a bit more distance than for example the Machame or the Lemosho Route. Although there is a lot of discussion about the accuracy of success rates, it is important to state that the Marangu Route does not see high success rates. More about that in the next paragraph.

Days: 5 or 6 days

Total Distance: 72.5 kilometers (44 miles)

Ascent: 4,270 meters (14,009 feet)

Descent: 4,290 meters (14,075 feet)

Day-to-day distance on a 6-day climb

Day 1: 8 kilometers (5 miles)

Day 2: 12 kilometers (7.5 miles)

Day 3: 4 kilometers (2.5 miles)

Day 4: 9.5 kilometers (5.9 miles)

Day 5: 19.7 kilometers (12.3 miles)

Day 6: 19.6 kilometers (12.2 miles)

The Marangu Route is also known as the Tourist or Coca-Cola Route. This while the Machame Route is known as the Whisky Route. Now that sounds a lot cooler than Tourist or Coca-Cola, right? Indeed, the Marangu Route has a bit of a reputation problem. The nicknames can give you the impression that it is an easy route or that it is a very busy route with long queues of tourists. Both impressions are wrong. Although the Marangu Route, thanks to the gradual slope and direct path, has the easiest path, in terms of acclimatization it is fairly difficult. It is because of this reason, that especially the 5-day version is not a favourite among tour operators. About half of the people who choose the 5-day Marangu Route don't make it to the top. This figure changes drastically if those people would have chosen the 6-day Marangu Route, which includes an acclimatization day. This gives a success rate of more than 80%. Not bad. Then what about all the tourists? No, this is not a very busy route. In fact, the Machame Route and Lemosho Route see way more traffic. So, it appears that the Marangu Route can be easily misunderstood.

What then makes the Marangu Route special? Huts! There is no need to camp! On the Marangu Route, you stay in dormitory-style huts. Now we're talking. Mattresses? Check. Pillows? Check. The huts on the Marangu Route allow for a very classic mountain feel, one that can remind you of a hut-to-hut hike. Sure, you don't have most of the same amenities, but it is very easy to get in touch with people who are undergoing the same experience. More about the huts in the next paragraphs and the itinerary. Another benefit of the Marangu Route is the number of days. Although it is not great for acclimatization, you can hike the Marangu Route in 5 days. This makes it the fastest route on Kilimanjaro. Fewer days also make it more affordable. You can hike the Marangu Route for about 1500 USD per person.

The difficulty of Kilimanjaro climbing routes is hard to gauge and even harder to explain. There are different ways to get up Kilimanjaro and one route is more technical than the other. The Marangu Route is known for its more gradual ascents and descents, making it a good option for those who are less experienced with high-altitude trekking. The accommodations in huts provide a certain level of comfort compared to camping on other routes. However, the difficulty should not be measured in technical aspects but in terms of acclimatization.

In terms of acclimatization, the Marangu Route is pretty much the most difficult route. This especially applies when you choose the 5-day Marangu Route. Because of the straightforward approach, there is no opportunity to climb high and sleep low. This changes when you allow for a rest day at Hormbo Huts. This allows for an acclimatization hike to Mawenzi Ridge. This acclimatization makes the the 6-day Marangu Route your best and therefore easiest choice.

The Marangu Route is the only route on Kilimanjaro that does not allow camping. Like it or not, you have to stay in the huts.

Mandara Huts: 60 climbers, 4 to 8 people per A-frame hut. There is a little shop which sells snacks, drinks, and sometimes, even beer.

Horombo Huts: 120 climbers, 4 to 8 people per A-frame hut. This camp is double the size of the others because most climbers spend two nights here.

Kibo Huts: 60 climbers, large dorms in a stone building. Due to the altitude, Kibo Huts only has a few amenities.

Apart from at Kibo Huts, you can expect quite a few bonuses at the camps. Communal dining halls, bathrooms, a kitchen hut, separate huts for the crew, solar power, and, at the lower huts even running water. You can also expect flush toilets at the huts. All-in-all, this makes the Marangu Route definitely the most comfortable route on Kilimanjaro.

There are no seasonal restrictions on Kilimanjaro. The mountain is open to trekking and climbing expeditions all year round. Having said that, there are certain months which a more suitable than others. The rainy season lasts from April to May and November to December. 

The dry season includes January to March and June to October. As such, the Machame Route is a route which is best enjoyed during the dry season. The dry season is also the busy season. If you are looking for a quieter time to climb Kilimanjaro, you can actually consider taking the Marangu Route during the rainy season. It will be a bit quieter on the trails and, because you are staying in huts, you don't have to camp in the rain anyway. 

We’ve said this before and we will say it again. Kilimanjaro is a trekking mountain, not a climbing mountain. Trekking = Hiking, so the best training for Kilimanjaro is to go hiking. Some websites will tell you that you need to cross-train, biking, swimming, weight training, or even go on a diet. No. Again, pole pole. Just become the best version of yourself and start with that process about two months in advance. You can follow a strict training plan or just keep the following things in mind.

We recommend a minimum of three hiking/walking sessions per week, each lasting at least one hour. The specifics of your sessions, such as distance, duration, and elevation gain, will largely depend on the available trails in your area. Ideally, you should look for trails that are a few miles long and include a challenging uphill section that can be completed in approximately one hour. Finding a convenient location for your training will enable you to schedule regular sessions and easily track your progress.

Additionally, try to make time for longer day hikes, as they are excellent training opportunities. A solid day hike typically lasts four to six hours and involves moderate elevation changes of around 1,000 feet (305 meters), all while carrying a 20 lb. (9 kg) pack. If you feel up to the challenge, don't hesitate to tackle harder trails; they will provide even more beneficial training for your Kilimanjaro climb. If you don't have access to outdoor trails, don't worry. Training on stairs can be an excellent alternative to simulate the climbing experience on Kilimanjaro. You can also make use of a stair master machine for productive training sessions.

To mimic the challenge of climbing the mountain, wear your backpack and maintain a slow and steady pace. We suggest dedicating 1-2 hours to climbing stairs or using the StairMaster. What goes up, must come down. Descending Kilimanjaro is harder than climbing Kilimanjaro. Train your downhill walking!

Now, are you feeling confident and do you think you have most of the hiking under the belt? Then you can change it up. Go for a run, do stretching exercises, yoga, maybe even weight. Essentially, anything that can help to improve your overall fitness is a plus. Just make sure your main focus is hiking.