Marangu Route

Marangu Route Overview

Often nicknamed the “Coca Cola” route for its popularity, the Marangu Route is the only Kilimanjaro route that uses the same path up and down, adding to the frustration of those trying to ascend and descend in the same space. The “Coca Cola” moniker also refers to the fact that the Marangu route is considered a much easier climb (at least, until the last day of the hike) via a comfortable walking path with a very steady, gradual slope, and therefore used by many unprepared tourists, rather than serious trekkers.

The Marangu Route begins in the southeast and approaches Uhuru Peak via Gilman’s Point, with the same trail being used in the descent. However, the biggest benefit of the Marangu Route is that there is hut accommodation. Though certainly not luxurious, this may be the best option for those who cannot camp, for whatever reason.

Why Choose Marangu Route?

Embarking on a Kilimanjaro adventure is a monumental decision, and selecting the right route is crucial for a successful and memorable climb. The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” stands out as the preferred choice for many climbers. Here’s an in-depth look at why the Marangu Route may be the perfect option for your Kilimanjaro expedition:

1. Easiest Path to the Summit:
Renowned for its gradual slope and direct path to the summit, the Marangu Route is considered the easiest route on Kilimanjaro. Its gentle gradient and well-maintained trails make it accessible to climbers of various fitness levels.

2. Hut Accommodation:
Unlike other routes that require camping, the Marangu Route offers comfortable hut accommodation at designated campsites. These huts provide shelter, beds, and basic amenities, eliminating the need to carry camping gear and enhancing overall comfort during the trek.

3. Minimal Porters Needed:
With hut accommodation available along the route, climbers require fewer porters to carry equipment and supplies, resulting in a more streamlined and cost-effective expedition.

4. Flexibility with Duration:
Whether you opt for the standard Marangu Route 5 Days or choose to extend your journey with the Marangu Route 6 Days, you’ll have the flexibility to tailor your climb to suit your preferences and acclimatization needs.

Difficulty Level and Acclimatization

5. Direct Ascent, Limited Acclimatization:
While the Marangu Route boasts a straightforward ascent and descent along the same path, climbers may face challenges related to altitude acclimatization. The lack of sufficient acclimatization time on the standard 5-day route increases the risk of altitude sickness.

6. Importance of Acclimatization:
Opting for the Marangu Route 6 Days provides an additional day for acclimatization, allowing climbers to adjust gradually to the altitude and reduce the likelihood of altitude-related complications.

Distance and Success Rate

7. Total Distance and Itinerary:
Spanning approximately 68 km from gate to gate, the Marangu Route offers a well-paced itinerary with strategically planned distances for each day of the trek. From the initial trek to Mandara Hut to the final push to the summit at Uhuru Peak, every step of the journey is meticulously planned for your comfort and safety.

8. Success Rate and Acclimatization:
The success rate of the Marangu Route typically ranges between 60% to 70%. However, climbers who opt for the extended 6-day itinerary and prioritize acclimatization may significantly improve their chances of reaching the summit.

We understand the significance of choosing the right route for your Kilimanjaro climb. Our team of experienced guides and support staff is dedicated to providing you with an unforgettable journey to the Roof of Africa. From expert guidance to personalized itineraries, we’re here to ensure your Kilimanjaro adventure is safe, enjoyable, and successful.

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5 Days Marangu Route Itinerary

DAY 1: MARANGU GATE – MANDARA HUTS: 7k /mi | 4-5 hrs | Rainforest

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2740m/9000ft

Departing from Moshi a 1-hour drive will take you through the Village of Marangu to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.

DAY 2: MANDARA HUTS – HOROMBO HUTS: 11km/3mi | 6-8hrs | Mooreland

Elevation: 2740m/9000ft to 3690m/12,100ft

After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, through heathland, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels. Continue up into open moorlands where small shrubs are the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch, to enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi. Arrive at the Horombo Huts late afternoon beneath the spectacular Kibo Summit viewpoint. Temperatures begin to drop.

DAY 3: HOROMBO HUTS- KIBO HUTS: 10km/6mi | 6-8hrs | Semi-Desert

Elevation: 3690m/12,100ft to 4695m/15,400ft

After breakfast, we continue on through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Here while we stop for lunch, and later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours.

DAY 4: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 4km /2.5 mi up | 5-7hrs | – HOROMBO HUTS: 14km /9mi down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit

Elevation: 4695m/15,400ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Descent to 3690m/12,100ft

Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

We continue our way to the summit in a switchback formation through trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion, we ascend through heavy scree and possibly snow towards Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.

Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.

DAY 5: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 18km/11mi |6-7hrs | Rainforest

Elevation: 3690m/12,100 to 1830m/6000ft

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!!

6 Days Marangu Route Itinerary

DAY 1: MARANGU GATE – MANDARA HUTS: 8.3km /5mi | 4-5 hrs | Rainforest

Elevation: 1905m/6250ft to 2723m/8934ft
Altitude gained: 818m

DAY 2: MANDARA HUTS – HOROMBO HUTS: 12.5km/7.8mi | 6-8hrs | Mooreland

Elevation: 2723m/8934ft to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude gained: 998m

DAY 3: HOROMBO HUTS

You can spend a full day and a second night at Horombo. On this day, you can either rest at the huts or take a stroll up to the Mawenzi base camp then return to the Horombo Huts. This extra day will help your acclimatization, and further your understanding of the mountains weather and altitude. After your pause, you will continue up to the Kibo Huts on your fourth day for your midnight start to the summit.

DAY 4: HOROMBO HUTS- KIBO HUTS: 10.5km/6mi | 6-8hrs | Semi-Desert

Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 4714m/15,466ft
Altitude gained: 993m

DAY 5: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 6.25km /3.9 mi up | 5-7hrs | – HOROMBO HUTS: 15.75km /9mi down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit

Elevation: 4714m/15,466ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1181m
Descent to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude lost: 2174m

Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

DAY 6: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 20km/12.5mi |6-7hrs | Rainforest

Elevation: 3721m/12,208 to 1905m/6250ft
Altitude lost: 1816m

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