Marangu Route
Trekking distance is 82km
This route is for: climbers short of time or on a budget, hut accommodation
Cons: crowded, same trail up and down, poor acclimatization schedule (45% success rate)
This is the oldest and shortest route on Kilimanjaro, and the only one with huts (dormitory-style mountain cabins). Descension is on the same trail, so during peak seasons it can get crowded. The track is wide and has a gradual ascent.
If you are tight on budget this is the most economic route. The main reason is because sleeping on huts you don’t need a full team of porters to carry the camping equipment.
The summit attempt starts from Kibo Hut, 15,430 ft. You’ll start the climb at midnight and return via the same track.
Day 1: Mandara Huts
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: 2700m
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 2: Mandara Huts – Horombo Huts
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: 3720m
Habitat: Heath
Day 3: Acclimatization day
Hiking: 1-2 hours
Overnight Altitude: 4390m
Habitat: Heath
Day 4: Horombo Huts – Kibo Huts
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: 4703m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Kibo Huts – Gilman’s Point – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Huts
Hiking: 4-5 hours
Overnight Altitude: 3720m
Day 6: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Arusha
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: 543m
Alpine Desert