Marangu Route on Kilimanjaro – April & May

95 percent of the people who call me about climbing Kilimanjaro rarely have plans to climb the Marangu route. The reason is, the Marangu route is super easy – a gentle hike, you sleep inside huts with loads of other people, and it “generally” caters to someone who wants to summit the mountain fast. And, it can have loads of traffic. Most climbers, trekkers, adventurers opt for coming up the Lemosho, Rongai, or Machame routes, and these I would highly recommend most of the year.

Recently, however, I have been receiving lots of interest for people climbing Kilimanjaro during the dreaded rainy months of April and May. Typically, I might organize a few groups during these months, but you can pretty much except consistent rain, heavy mud, loads of clouds with limited visibility, but also a mountain pretty much to yourself. If you are looking for this kind of experience, the Marangu route might be the best option during April & May, as you can sleep inside every night on your hike up Kilimanjaro – staying at Mandara Hut, Horombo Huts, Mawenzi Hut and Kibo Huts. You will stay dry, be somewhat warm, and be able to avoid the rain, unlike if you are hiking up the other routes during the first rain.

I would consider arranging your Kilimanjaro tour to descend via the Mweka route, to maybe break up the scenery a bit, and see another side of the mountain as you descend.