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The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the oldest and most established trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Its popularity stems from the fact that it offers hut accommodation for climbers, which is unique among all the routes on the mountain. This makes it a preferred choice for many climbers who want a more comfortable experience.
One of the main advantages of the Marangu Route is its relatively short duration. It takes only five days to reach the summit, making it suitable for climbers with limited time. However, this shorter duration also means that there is less time for acclimatization to the high altitude, which is a significant downside. As a result, the Marangu Route has the highest failure rate compared to other routes up Kilimanjaro. It’s important to keep this in mind when considering this option for your trek.
Another characteristic of the Marangu Route is that it follows the same path for both the ascent and descent. While this trail offers picturesque views, it also means that trekkers experience the same scenery in both directions. Additionally, because there is traffic going up and down, the route can become crowded at times.
In summary, the Marangu Route is a popular and well-established trekking option on Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers hut accommodation and is suitable for those with limited time. However, its short duration and lack of acclimatization time contribute to its higher failure rate, and the presence of traffic can result in overcrowding.
Day 1: Mandara Huts
Once you have finished breakfast, it is time to leave your hotel and head towards the southeast entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park.This route will take you through the woods and the rainforest where you will be able to take in the eucalyptus trees and various species of birds, if you are lucky, you may just spot a Colobus monkey. Marangu Gate(1,800m/5,905f+) to Mandara Hut (2,720m/8 923f+) Hiking Distance: 11km Hiking Time: 5-6hrs Habitat: Montane forest
Day 2: Mandara Huts – Horombo Huts
On this day you will explore the final stretch of woodland as the massive stretch of moorland begins to open up right in front of your eyes. On your walk, you can appreciate the jagged peaks of Mawenzi that ascend up towards the skies of Africa. It is common for people to experience the onset of altitude sickness at these heights. It is important to pay attention to how you feel and communicate with your guide at the first and slightest indication of illness. After reaching the Horombo Huts, you will have time to unpack and experience the view of Kibo before dinner. Mandara Hut (2,720m/8,923f+) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,204ft) Hiking Distance: 10km Hiking Time : 5-hrs Habitat : Moorland
Day 3; Horombo hut – Kibo hut
Continue past the final watering point and ascend onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. You will notice the vegetation thinning out as you enter the desert-like alpine zone (4000m/13123f+). After crossing the saddle, Kibo peak comes into view. The saddle is an alpine desert, resembling the lunar landscape. This walk will go at a slow pace. At this point, you will start noticing signs of altitude sickness. You will arrive at the camp for hot lunch. You will spend the night at Kibo Hut at elevation of 4720m. This semi-desert zone receives annual rainfall under 250mm.The ground often freezes at night, but the temperature rises above 30 degrees by day. Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,204f+) to Kibo Hut (4,720m/15,485ft) Hiking Distance: 10km Hiking Time : 6-7hrs Habitat : Alpine Desert
Day 4; Summit Day
A very early start as you set off by the light of our head-torches, on a zigzag trail on rough volcanic scree. It is a tough 5 to hrs climb of almost 1000 Meter to the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685m), which is a convenient point to rest and watch the sunrise on Mawenzi. It is a further 2-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa. Usually in the early morning, the conditions are Clear and there are panoramic views over the crater,to Mawenzi and Mount Meru (4565m), looking very small below us. This part of the route takes us through a moonscape of volcanic rock and remnant glaciers with their impressive ice cliffs. After admiring the summit views and taking the obligatory summit photos we pat ourselves on the back for this awesome Achievement. You then retrace your path around the crater rim you make a rapid descent to the Kibo Hut (4700m). You will have lunch here, before setting off on the long descent to your camp at Horombo (3720m). A long day trekking – but so rewarding. Kibo Camp (4,720m/14,930f+) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19 340f+) to Horombo (3,720m/12,205ft) Hiking Distance : 16.5km Hiking Time: 11hrs up and down Habitat: Ice Cap
Day 5; Descend to Marangu gate
As you descend from Horombo, you begin to encounter more vegetation and the lower part of the route is through pine forest. We pass the traditional first camping place on the Marangu Route at the Mandara Huts and continue our descent to the Marangu Gate (1800m). You will say fond farewell to our trusty guides, staff and the porters who have helped us during the past week and pick up our certificates of ascent, you will have Lunch with our Mountain Crew before transfer to our hotel. For the climbers who do have a flight to catch, we will drive back to our office in Arusha for quick shower and short rest before you are transferred to the respective airport for your inbound or outbound flight. Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,205f+) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,906ft)
Hiking Distance: 19km Hiking Time : 6-7hrs Habitat : Montane Forest
