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) |
