The Marangu or main route is by far the most popular way up Kilimanjaro. The forest is very beautiful and Maundi Crater is worth a visit just for the flowers and scenery. There are wonderful views of Kibo and Mawenzi. It generally takes five days for the round trip:
Day 1: Marangu to Mandara HutDay 2: Mandara to Horombo HutDay 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo HutDay 4: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo HutDay 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu
The schedule, trails and accommodation are designed to allow visitors to acclimate. An extra day at Horombo, Mawenzi or Kibo Huts is recommended to allow even more time to get used to the altitude.

Mandara Hut - 2700 m. This is a group of comfortable, wooden A-frame huts. The largest cabin has a downstairs dining area and an upstairs dormitory with bunk beds and mattresses; smaller huts sleep 8 each. The total capacity is 60. Water is piped into site from springs above and flush toilets are behind the main cabin.
Horombo Hut - 3720 m. The buildings are similar to Mandara, but total capacity is 120. Water is piped from the stream behind the huts. Do not use this stream or its valley as a waste disposal area. There are platform toilets south-east of main hut, about 80 m down the slope and new flush toilets have been built within the complex of small huts.
Kibo Hut - 4700 m. This stone built block house with a small dining-room and a number of 1dormitory rooms leading off a main corridor has bunk beds and mattresses for 60 people. Water: None, so bring an adequate supply from the 'Last Water' stream above Horombo Hut. Platform toilets are behind the hut (to the southwest).