The original route established to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is the Kilimanjaro Marangu route, also referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route because bottles of Coca-Cola are available at each hut. Although it is frequently touted as one of the simpler walking routes, KINAPA reports that it has the lowest success rate (42%) because too many climbers attempt it in just 5 days and fail due to inadequate acclimatization. The Kilimanjaro Marangu route, which approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast, follows the same ascent and descent path, making it less picturesque than the other routes.

The Kilimanjaro Marangu Route is the only route that provides dormitory-style hut lodging for climbers who don’t want to camp. The huts have a common dining area, basic restrooms, and toilets that are “long drop” loos higher up the mountain but flushable lower down. On the Marangu route, you will be sharing the hut with many other climbers in open dormitory housing, despite the fact that some climbers prefer the idea of staying in huts rather than camping. The Marangu route is one of the best ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro during the rainy season due to the hut accommodations.

For those who haven’t hiked much at high altitudes, the Marangu route is a good six-day trip with an effective extra day of acclimatization, improving success rates. Mountaineers with experience and acclimatization may choose the more challenging 5-day ascent along the Marangu route.