Marangu Route
From Marangu Gate · 6 days
Moderate Acclimatisation 2/5
The oldest and the only route with dormitory huts instead of tents, which makes it the most comfortable in bad weather but also the most crowded. The ascent is steady rather than technical, yet the short profile gives the least time to acclimatise, so the summit night still hurts. A five day version is offered but six days is strongly preferred.
- Gate
- Marangu Gate
- Duration
- 6 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Acclimatisation
- 2 / 5
- Best season
- Jun-Oct and Dec-Feb
Packing list
12 items the route demands
- Three-season sleeping bag rated to -10C (huts are unheated)
- Base layer, fleece and insulated jacket
- Waterproof shell jacket and over-trousers
- Trekking boots, well broken in
- Warm hat, balaclava and insulated gloves
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Three litres of water capacity (bottles or bladder)
- Water purification tablets
- Trekking poles
- Personal first-aid kit and blister plasters
- Passport, permit and cash for crew tips
Permit notes
Park fees (conservation, hut and rescue) are charged per day and must be booked in advance through a licensed operator. Carry your permit and passport on the mountain; rangers check them at every hut. Crew tips are expected and are budgeted separately.