Marangu Route Kilimanjaro

Overview: The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the oldest and most well-established trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is extremely popular, mainly because it is the only route on the mountain that offers hut accommodation for trekkers. This path provides trekkers with the classic Kilimanjaro climbing experience, offering sweeping views and a wonderful hiking adventure all the way to the summit of Uhuru Peak. However, it also has some unique aspects that set it apart from any other routes, giving Marangu Route a character and feeling that is entirely its own.

Accommodation: Marangu Route is the only route up Mount Kilimanjaro that doesn’t allow camping. Instead of sleeping in tents, trekkers stay in permanent huts. These dormitory-style shelters provide extra protection from the wind and rain, making this route a popular choice for travelers climbing during the rainy season (April and May). The huts include:

  • Mandara and Kibo Huts: 60 bunk beds each
  • Horombo Hut: 120 bunk beds

Trekkers will sleep in bunk beds equipped with a simple mattress and pillow and will have the option to purchase candy bars, bottled water, and soft drinks, which is why Marangu Route is often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route.”

Marangu Route Map

Marangu Route Map

 

Route Description

The Marangu Route offers a slow, steady climb to each of the daily camps, giving it the reputation of being the easiest trekking route on Kilimanjaro. However, the approach to the final camp can be physically demanding, with roughly 1000 meters of vertical gain on that day alone. Despite being one of the shortest treks to the summit (requiring just five days to reach Uhuru Peak), it does not provide as much opportunity to acclimatize to the altitude, resulting in the highest failure rate of any Kilimanjaro routes.

The Marangu Route is the only route that uses the same path for the ascent and descent. This means trekkers will experience the same sights both ways, and the trail can get overly crowded, especially with traffic going in both directions.

 DareTravel Tours offers the Marangu Route as a five or six-day private climb. The five-day variation does not include an acclimatization day at Horombo Hut.

Detailed Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Mandara Huts
    • Hiking: 5-7 hours
    • Overnight Altitude: ~8,858 ft
    • Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, you will leave Arusha and head towards the southeast entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, known as Marangu Gate. Upon arrival, you’ll check in and register. The first leg of the route takes you through woods and rainforest, where you can see eucalyptus trees and various bird species. Keep an eye out for Colobus monkeys. Ensure you have appropriate equipment and footwear for the potentially wet and muddy low altitudes.

  • Day 2: Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts
    • Hiking: 5-7 hours
    • Overnight Altitude: ~12,205 ft
    • Habitat: Heath/Moorland

Starting day 2, you will explore the final stretch of woodland as the vast moorland begins to open up before your eyes. Along the walk, you can appreciate the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. It’s common to experience the onset of altitude sickness at these heights, so pay attention to how you feel and communicate with your guide. Upon reaching Horombo Huts, you’ll have time to unpack and view Kibo before dinner.

  • Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Huts
    • Hiking: 1-2 hours
    • Overnight Altitude: ~14,400 ft
    • Habitat: Heath/Moorland

Spend an extra day at Horombo Huts to allow your body to acclimatize to the high altitude. If you feel well-acclimated, you can walk up to Mawenzi Hut for a view of Kibo and Mawenzi or visit Zebra Rocks, which requires a climb of 310 meters. Otherwise, stay at camp and relax if you’re showing signs of illness or feeling tired.

  • Day 4: Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts
    • Hiking: 5-7 hours
    • Overnight Altitude: ~15,430 ft
    • Habitat: Alpine Desert

On day 4, you’ll walk through varied and picturesque landscapes, continuing across the heath, which slowly turns into the parched highlands between Mawenzi and Kibo. The final stretch to Kibo Huts is very steep and physically challenging. Once you arrive, organize your equipment and warm clothes for the next day’s journey to the peak. Keep water in a thermos to prevent freezing. Get to bed early to rest for the ultimate challenge.

  • Day 5: Kibo Huts to Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts
    • Hiking: 4-5 hours ascent
    • Summit Altitude: ~19,341 ft
    • Overnight Altitude: ~12,205 ft

Awake around midnight for a small meal before beginning your nightly hike. The terrain, scattered with loose rocks, is often considered the most difficult part of the climb. Reach Gilman’s Point by dawn to ensure you can make it to Uhuru Peak shortly after sunrise. After a quick stop at Gilman’s Point, continue along the crater’s edge to Uhuru Peak. Depending on the time of year, you may face snow on the final stretch. Upon reaching the peak, enjoy the view and take a picture at the Uhuru Peak Sign. Then, descend back to Kibo Huts for a rest and lunch before moving on to Horombo Huts for a full night’s rest.

  • Day 6: Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate to Arusha
    • Hiking: 5-7 hours
    • Overnight Altitude: ~1,843 ft
    • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Make the final descent through the rainforest to Marangu Gate. Have lunch and say farewell to your mountain crew. Afterward, leave Mount Kilimanjaro National Park and drive back to Arusha for a much-needed shower and commemorative dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • How Difficult is the Marangu Route? The Marangu Route is considered easier compared to other routes due to its hut accommodations and steady incline. However, the shorter five-day hike can be very difficult due to limited time for acclimatization. The six-day option is easier but still requires a good level of fitness.

  • Distance and Duration: The Marangu Route covers 82 km (50 miles). The shortest duration is five days, but including arrival and departure days, it can take 9-10 days. The six-day option is recommended to increase the chances of success.

  • Summit Success Rate: The Marangu Route has the lowest summit success rates due to its short duration. The average success rate for the five-day hike is 50%, while the six-day hike has a success rate of over 90%.

  • Scenery: Trekkers on the Marangu Route ascend through rainforest, moorlands, and alpine areas before reaching the glacial zone. The trek is very scenic, offering varied landscapes.

  • Showers: Cold showers are available at Mandara Hut and Horombo Hut, along with flushing toilets.

  • Best Time to Trek: The best time to trek the Marangu Route is between July and September due to the stable weather. It is possible to climb Kilimanjaro at any time of the year, but April and May (the rainy season) are best avoided.