The Marangu is the traditional route up Kili, and has its own advantages and disadvantages…
The Marangu Route is the oldest trail and has always been a very popular route. It is also the only ascent trail where camping is not necessary – indeed not allowed – with trekkers sleeping in dormitory huts along the way (which makes it the best option for those looking to climb in the rainy season). From the Kibo Huts, trekkers climb up to the summit via Gilman’s Point.
The advantage with the Marangu route, apart from the huts, is the forest zone on the first day, which is just about the thickest and most beautiful on the mountain (mainly because that side of Kili gets the most rain). Disadvantages? Well, the main one is that this is the only route where you walk the same path down that you did going up. Traditionally this route was considered the most popular – i.e. crowded – route of them all, which also puts a lot of people off.
RELATED LINKS
http://trailblazer-guides.com/book/kilimanjaro-africas-highest-mountain