Marangu Route
The classic hut-to-hut journey on Kilimanjaro.
Marangu is the only Kilimanjaro route that sleeps in mountain huts rather than tents. It climbs from the south-east through forest, moorland and alpine desert, and ascends and descends largely along the same corridor. The huts are simple dormitories run by the national park.
What is the adventure?
Kilimanjaro's historic, traditional approach: forest, moorland and alpine desert, with nights in the park's mountain huts before the summit push from Kibo.
How is the Marangu route different?
It is Kilimanjaro's only hut-to-hut route. The huts are basic, shared and dormitory-style, so the comfort is shelter from the weather, not luxury. Take the extra acclimatisation day if you choose it.
How high does the Marangu Route go?
| Day | Place | Elevation (m) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Marangu Gate | 1860 |
| 2 | Mandara hut | 2715 |
| 3 | Horombo hut | 3705 |
| 5 | Kibo hut | 4730 |
| 6 | Summit | 5895 |
| 6 | Horombo hut | 3705 |
| 7 | Marangu Gate | 1860 |
Where you sleep on the Marangu Route
Camp by camp on our 7 Days Marangu Route.
- StartMarangu Gate
Is this route right for you?
Best suited to
- Travellers who strongly prefer a roof to a tent
- Climbs in the rainy season
- People who enjoy mountain-hut culture
Not quite right?
Consider another route
Highlights
On the Marangu
Mountain huts instead of tents
Maundi Crater
The saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo
Gilman's Point and Uhuru Peak
Choose your expedition
Marangu expeditions
Private climbs on your own dates, with scheduled group departures where they run.
Upcoming group departures
- 14 Nov 2026 - 20 Nov 20267 Days Marangu RouteUSD 1,710 ppView dates
- 23 Jan 2027 - 29 Jan 20277 Days Marangu RouteUSD 1,710 ppView dates
- 20 Feb 2027 - 26 Feb 20277 Days Marangu RouteUSD 1,710 ppView dates
- 26 Jun 2027 - 2 Jul 20277 Days Marangu RouteUSD 1,710 ppView dates
- 21 Aug 2027 - 27 Aug 20277 Days Marangu RouteUSD 1,710 ppView dates
- 25 Sept 2027 - 1 Oct 20277 Days Marangu RouteUSD 1,710 ppView dates
Questions
Marangu Route FAQs
Yes. Marangu is the only Kilimanjaro route with mountain huts instead of tents. The huts are run by the national park and are shared and basic: a roof over your head rather than hotel comfort.
Its gradients are gentle, but its standard itinerary is short, which gives less time to acclimatise. Gosheni's itinerary includes an extra acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut for that reason.
Largely, yes: the route ascends and descends along the same south-eastern corridor, unlike the western and southern camping routes.
Other ways up Kilimanjaro
Compare the routes
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Marangu Route
The classic hut-to-hut journey on Kilimanjaro.
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