In Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs), efficient utilization of energy is a critical concern due to the limited power capacity of individual nodes. Cluster-based routing protocols have been proposed to reduce energy consumption by grouping nodes into clusters and electing cluster heads to manage communications within each cluster. However, existing cluster-based routing protocols have limitations in terms of energy efficiency and cluster head longevity. In this paper, we propose a novel cluster-based energy efficient routing protocol that addresses these limitations by using a combination of node energy levels and signal strength to select cluster heads and manage cluster formation and maintenance. We evaluate the performance of proposed Cluster-Based Routing Protocol (CBRP) protocol through simulations using the NS-2 network simulator, comparing it to existing routing protocols. Our simulation results show that proposed CBRP protocol outperforms existing protocols in terms of energy efficiency, packet delivery ratio, end-to-end delay, and network lifetime. Overall, proposed CBRP protocol provides a promising solution for achieving efficient energy utilization and prolonging network lifetime in MANETs.