One of the most unique elements of the Kilimanjaro Marangu Route is that it is the only route up Mount Kilimanjaro that does not allow camping, thus hikers must sleep in fixed huts rather than tents.
These dormitory-style shelters provide additional wind and rain protection, making this a popular route for climbers during the rainy season, which occurs in April and May. Mandara and Kibo Huts each have 60 bunk beds, while Horombo Hut has 120 bunk beds.
Trekkers will sleep in bunk beds with a modest mattress and pillow while staying at these huts. They’ll also be able to buy candy bars, bottled water, and soft drinks, which is why the Kilimanjaro Marangu route is very popular
The Kilimanjaro Marangu Route has a reputation for being an easy trip because of the long, steady climb to each of the day sites hence nicknamed the “Coca cola Route”. However, don’t underestimate this route; the approach to the last camp, with around 1000 meters of vertical gain on that day alone, can be physically difficult.
Summit day on Kilimanjaro is always a challenge, regardless of which direction you approach from, which makes the final steps to the peak all the more exhilarating.
The Kilimanjaro Marangu Route is popular with trekkers who have a limited amount of time for their ascent because it is one of the shortest routes to the summit, taking only five or six days to reach Uhuru Peak.
The disadvantage is that it limits the amount of time you have to acclimate to the altitude. As a result, the Kilimanjaro Marangu route has the highest failure rate of any of the Kilimanjaro routes. When choosing this option for your Kilimanjaro hike, keep that in mind.
The Kilimanjaro Marangu Route is also unique in that it follows the same course both up and down. That means that, while the trail is beautiful, trekkers will see the same sights coming up as they will going down. kilimanjaro Marangu Route can also become overcrowded at times due to the fact that traffic flows in both ways.
Even so, it’s difficult to beat this tried-and-true Kilimanjaro route for a traditional Kilimanjaro experience.
Kilimanjaro Marangu Route is available as a five- or six-day private climb on Kilimanjaro. On day three at Horombo Hut, the five-day variant does not include an acclimatization day.
The Best Time To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
The months of January through early March, as well as June through October, are ideal to climb mount Kilimanjaro. It provides a comfortable hiking conditions because of the clear skies, great views, and sunshine, however, the weather has the potential to change dramatically.
Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of year, but some months are better than others. We recommend climbing Mount Kilimanjaro during the driest months of the year. We avoid the months of April and November because they are the rainiest, making the trails more dangerous.