In 2023, the Marangu Route is ranked 7th out of 7 Kilimanjaro routes and has a difficulty scale of nearly 1 climbing grade (Yosemite Decimal System), a hiking distance of roughly 82 kilometers (50 miles) and summit success rates of approximately 42%, on a 5-day hiking schedule, and an improved 56%, covered over a 6-day travel itinerary. Unlike the altitude length of the 7-day Machame, Lemosho, Rongai or Northern Circuit programs, the Marangu Route’s popularity can be attributed to its 3 established mountain huts, outlined in the route map below, as well as a hiking speed of 6 km/h (about 4 miles per hour) and a budget cost price point of around $1,800 per package. From the tourist wall gate at Kilimanjaro National Park, which is roughly 45 minutes away from Moshi town, your tour guide will start off the 5 or 6-day trek towards Mandara Hut, then onto Horombo and Kibo house by night, before finding your way at Kilimanjaro’s summit at Uhuru Peak.
Altitude Profile on Kilimanjaro
1. Success Rates
Climbing Route | Summit Success Rates | Number Of Hiking Days |
Marangu Route | 42% Success Rate | 5 Days |
Marangu Route | 56% Success Rate | 6 Days |
2. Huts
Hut Name | Elevation |
Mandara Hut | 2,700 meters (8,858 feet) |
Horombo Hut | 3,720 meters (12,205 feet) |
Kibo Hut | 4,703 meters (15,430 feet) |
3. Price
Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking Packages | Group Hiking Budget | Private Hiking Cost |
5-Day Marangu Route | $1,775 | $2,300 |
6-Day Marangu Route | $1,886 | $2,460 |
4. Marangu vs Machame Route
Marangu Route | Machame Route | |
Rate of Success | 42% | 85% |
Climbing Difficulty | Grade I (YDS) | Grade I, II & III (YDS) |
Avg Daily Elevation Gains | 1,000 meters | 700 meters |
Distance | 72 kilometers (45 miles) | 62 kilometers (37 miles) |
Duration | 5 Days to 6 Days Itinerary | 6 Days to 7 Days Itinerary |
Scenic Viewpoints | Very Low | Moderate |
Accommodations | Mountain Hut | Camping Tent |
5. Map
6. Level of Difficulty
Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes | Level of Difficulty | Climbing Grades (YDS) |
5-Day Marangu Route | Very Hard | Difficulty Scale of 1 Climbing Grade |
6-Day Marangu Route | Hard | Difficulty Scale of 1 Climbing Grade |
7. 6 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut (6,046 ft to 8,858 ft)
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (8,858 ft to 12,205 ft)
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge (acclimatization) to Horombo Hut (12,205 ft to 14,400 ft to 12,205 ft)
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (12,205 ft to 15,430 ft)
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut (15,430 ft to 19,341 ft)
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (12,205 ft to 6,046 ft)
8. Hiking Distance
Hiking Distances | |
5-Day Marangu Route | 72 kilometers (45 miles) |
6-Day Marangu Route | 77 kilometers (48 miles) |