Marangu Route Of Kilimanjaro (Mountains) National Park
Marangu Route also called as “the Coca-Cola Route” is the oldest and most outstanding trekking route for summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. The route’s popularity is exceeds other Mount Kilimanjaro routes, because of the hut accommodations established for trekkers to sleep in, when summitting Mount Kilimanjaro to the Uhuru Peak, hence providing an exclusive Kilimanjaro climbing experience.
The Marangu route offers breathtaking views and impressive hiking excursion from the base to the way up the Uhuru Peak. Besides, the route also showcase the distinct features, that differentiates it from other, giving Marangu route a unique character that can never be matched.
Unlike some Kilimanjaro routes, the Marangu route prohibits camping, due to the permanent tents established along the way up the peak. The huts are beautifully designed dormitories, which provide extra protection against harsh wind & rain. This makes it the best recommended route for travelers summiting Kilimanjaro during the rainy/low season in April & May.
The well established huts include Mandara ( with 60 bunk beds), Kibo (120 bunk beds) and Horombo(120 bunk beds). Each bank bed is furnished with a simple form mattress and a pillow. Guests also have the opportunity of buying several candy bars, a collection of bottled water, as well as various soft drinks.
Marangu route continuously maintains its reputation for easy treks along the route due to the slow steady climb, from 1 camp to another, although the final camp at an elevation of 1000m, can be overdemanding, which requires proper level of fitness to overcome the vertical gain.
Summitting day, is always difficult on all Kilimanjaro trekking routes, yet the final step to Uhuru peak is always fulfilling.
Marangu route, remains highly recommended to all trekkers because it takes the shortest route, that can be used in just 5 days to complete the climb with Uhuru Peak.
The only disadvantage with this route, is that, it doesn’t give much room for altitude acclimatization, hence leading to the highest failure rate than other Kilimanjaro routes.
Furthermore, the Marangu route is the only one way route, used for both climbing to the summit and back to the base, that means, trekkers will glimpse and experience the same scenes, thus being over crowded at most times.
The Marangu route is highly recommended for those with stable altitude acclimatization level, physically & mentally able to summit to Uhuru peak in 5 or 6 days, otherwise, beginners cannot navigate through the tough route.
Itemized Itinerary for 6 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro hike
Day 1: Mandara Huts
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~8,858m above sea level
Habitat: Rainforest
Pick up will be in Arusha, by an expert driver guide. In a 4×4 safari jeep, you will proceed towards the southeastern gate of Kilimanjaro National Park, also called, Marangu Gate.
Once at the gate, you will finalize with registration formalities, then embark on your day 1 of the 6 days Kilimanjaro trek along the Marangu gate with the right gear to maneuver through the low altitudes & muddy soils. You will trek through the woods & rainforest comprising of eucalyptus trees and several bird species.
Chances are that, you might encounter creatures like the black or white Colobus monkeys
Day 2: Mandara Huts – Horombo Huts
Day 2 kickstarts with the last stretch of woodland as the immense moorland stretch starts to unveil before your eyes. As you trek, you will enjoy the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, that rises high towards the Uhuru peak.
It is important to not that altitude sickness experience is a common cause, which makes it very right to discuss all situations with your guide.
Upon reaching the Horombo huts, you will unpack, and stroll around the hut, as you enjoy the beautiful views of Kibo, then later sit for dinner and an overnight rest.
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~12,205
Habitat: Heath/Moorland
Day 3 Acclimatization Day
Hiking: 1-2 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~14,400
Habitat: Heath/Moorland
Day 3, is usually an acclimatization day to allow the body acclimate to the high altitude rise. All clients are advised to rest in the camp in case they are experiencing altitude sickness signs. While if you are not affected, then you can proceed to Mawenzi hut and applaud the magnificent views of Kibo and Mawenzi. Ensure you are always keeping the right pace as you enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding. Otherwise, you can opt to trek to the magnificent Zebra Rock for a total distance of 310m
Day 4: Horombo Huts – Kibo Huts
You will begin with trekking over different and beautiful magnificent landscapes as you traverse across the heath and it gradually joins the perched, desolate highlands which seperates Mawenzi and Kibo. The scenery is made up of huge and small volcanic rocks, acting as an evidence of the volcanic activity dating back in the old days. The finishing stretch to the Kibo Huts is very steep and physically demanding.
While in Kibo hut, you are advised to organize the right gear for summiting Uhuru Peak. The gear must be weather proof, in order to conquer the ultimate challenge of Kilimanjaro.
Hiking: 5-7 Hours
Overnight Altitude: ~15,430
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5 Kibo Huts – Gilman’s Point – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Huts
Hiking: 4-5 Hours
Overnight Altitude: 12,205
Rise up early before midnight for a hot cup of black tea or coffee before your take your trek at 0000hrs. Trek through a steady incline, walking through a challenging terrain, covered with loose rocks, to reach Gilman’s Point (you can stop for a glorious view) before dawn, so as to reach in time the highest point of Kibo-Uhuru peak.
On the summitting day, you chances are that, you may experience snow along your way to Uhuru peak of Mount Kilimanjaro-the roof of Africa at 5895.
You can celebrate your victory, as you take lifetime pictures, then after descend back to Kibo Hut, which is an easy slope down to the hut, where you will have lunch, then later proceed Horombo Hut for a peaceful night.
Day 6: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Arusha
Hiking: 5-7 Hours
Overnight Altitude: `1,843
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Following your early morning breakfast, and slop down the forest to Marangu Gate, arriving in perfect time for lunch. Thereafter, you will bid farewell to your mountain crew, to proceed for dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Difficult is the Marangu Route?
Most trekkers use Marangu route because of well established huts, that does not require currying of tents along the way to & from Uhuru peak as other routes. Take note that the Marangu route is not the easiest because it has limited time for altitude acclimatization, as opposed to other routes. However the 5 day Kilimanjaro hike is more difficlut compared to the 6 days option which is less difficult, because of the extra day to acclimate, though you must have a stable level of fitness.
What is the distance of the Marangu Route and how many days does it take to complete?
Marangu route’s actual distance is 82km (50 mi), and the least number of days to summit Mount Kilimanjaro with Uhuru peak inclusive is 5 day, others trekkers are always advised to take 6 day hiking package because of the time to acclimate. Taking into consideration, it is also important to note that, a full safari may take at least 8-10 days inclusive of departures & returns.
What is the Maragu Route Summit Success Rate?
Marangu route has the lowest success rate to complete because of the shortes distance which can be accomplished in 5 days. This gives it a 50%, therefore we advise visitors to opt for the 6 days Kilimanjaro hike along the Marangu route, which may increase its success rate of 90%.
What scenery will I see on the Marangu Route?
The Marangu route follows the rainforest, up the moorlands, alpine areas, and ending with the glacial zone. This route offers beautiful treks, to and from the Uhuru peak, since it is a one way route.
What is the best time to journey through the Marangu Route?
The best time to trek this route depends on the trekkers number of hiking days, although July to September is the best window for trekking through Marangu Gate to Mount kilimajaro to Uhuru peak. This is the best season because of the stable weather temperatures, less rains and less muddy trails.
Although Mount Kilimanjaro is open for trekking all year round, April & May must be avoided.