Marangu Route
From Marangu Gate · 6 days
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
Altitude sickness
Marangu's reputation as the "easy" route is misleading: its faster five-day profile gives the least acclimatisation time, and summit success rates reflect that. Watch for headache, nausea and confusion above 3,500 m and tell your guides immediately — they are trained to spot acute mountain sickness and will slow the pace or descend if needed.
Fitness preparation
Suitable for committed first-timers with a basic fitness base. Build up with regular long walks or hikes (4-6 weeks of training), stair climbing with a loaded daypack, and back-to-back walking days to simulate the daily rhythm.
Guides & porter welfare (KPAP)
Tipping guide
Tipping is customary and a major part of crew income. KPAP-aligned guidance is roughly per group per day: head guide US$15-25, assistant guide US$10-15, cook US$10-15, porter US$8-12 — pool the group tip at the farewell ceremony and hand it person by person. Confirm current KPAP recommendations before your climb.