Experience Kilimanjaro's oldest route of Marangu

The Marangu Route on Kilimanjaro is the most popular for a reason. As one of the more accessible tracks up the mightiest mountain in Tanzania, the route is the oldest and most storied. Climbing the southeast side of Kilimanjaro, the route's worn paths carry travelers through African forests and wide swaths of grassy moorlands before reaching the rocky summit. While the climb is not easy, Marangu offers a few more comforts than many of the other routes, making it a good option for hikers a little out of practice. A number of huts are strategically placed along the side of the trail, which offer cool shade from the midday heat or serve as a great spot to camp for the night. Due to its accessibility, many hikers get altitude sickness, causing them to turn back. Along the trek, hikers will likely hear the words, "Pole pole," meaning "slowly, slowly" in Swahili, advice that all trekkers should take if they want to reach the summit. Although the trek can be completed in five days, it is recommended that hikers of all skill levels give themselves an extra day to acclimatize.