Marangu

Marangu is a town and ward in Moshi Rural District, Kilimanjaro Region, in northeastern Tanzania. It lies on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and is within Kilimanjaro National Park. The Marangu Gate, the main entry point for Kilimanjaro treks, is located near the village.

The area is best known for the Marangu Route, one of the official routes to Kilimanjaro's summit. It is the oldest and most established route, sometimes called the Coca-Cola Route. Unlike other routes, it uses hut accommodations at Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo instead of tents, and treks typically take five to six days, traversing rainforest, moorland, and alpine zones.

The local economy centers on agriculture and tourism. The Chagga people form the majority of residents, with coffee cultivation a traditional activity. Tourism supports guides, porters, lodge operators, and transport services linked to the Kilimanjaro climb.

Administratively, Marangu is a ward in Moshi Rural District. It is connected by road to Moshi town and lies within the park’s tourism and conservation infrastructure, drawing visitors who begin their Kilimanjaro ascent from the Marangu Gate.