Overview of the Marangu Route
The Marangu Route, often referred to as the Coca-Cola Route, is one of the most popular trails for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its relatively gentle gradient and comfortable accommodations, it is considered one of the more accessible routes for climbers of varying experience levels.
Key Highlights:
1. Accommodation Style
The Marangu Route is the only trail with permanent huts along the way, offering dormitory-style sleeping arrangements.
* These huts provide a level of comfort, particularly for those unaccustomed to camping.
2. Scenic Diversity
The trail takes climbers through lush rainforest, alpine meadows, and moorlands, leading to a barren lunar landscape at the summit.
It provides breathtaking views and diverse ecosystems.
3. Popularity
Due to its reputation as one of the "easier" routes, it attracts many climbers. However, this can make it more crowded than other routes.
4. Summit Access
The ascent to Uhuru Peak follows a direct path, which can limit acclimatization opportunities compared to other routes.
Altitude sickness is a common challenge, and proper preparation is crucial.
Route Details
* Length: 64 kilometers (40 miles) round trip.
* Duration: 5–6 days, depending on the itinerary and acclimatization days.
* Starting Point: Marangu Gate (1,860m/6,102ft).
* Summit Point: Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft).
* Terrain: Well-defined paths with moderate to steep sections.
Who Is It Best For?
* First-time climbers seeking a more straightforward route with less technical difficulty.
* Those who prefer a sheltered sleeping option over tents.
* Climbers looking for a shorter Kilimanjaro experience.
Challenges
While the Marangu Route is perceived as "easier," its quick ascent can result in higher rates of altitude sickness compared to routes that allow more time for acclimatization. Proper preparation, fitness, and hydration are essential for a successful climb. The Marangu Route is
6 Days Marangu Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
* Activity: Arrive in Moshi, Tanzania. Meet your guides, check your equipment, and attend a briefing about the climb.
* Overnight: Pink Flamingo
* Elevation: 915m/3,000ft.
Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
* Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
* Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
* Elevation Gain: 1,020m (3,345ft)
* Starting Elevation: 1,860m (6,102ft)
* Ending Elevation: 2,820m (9,252ft)
* Terrain: Rainforest
* Details: Begin your hike from Marangu Gate. Walk through lush rainforest, where you may spot colobus monkeys and vibrant birdlife.
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
* Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
* Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
* Elevation Gain: 1,000m (3,280ft)
* Starting Elevation: 2,820m (9,252ft)
* Ending Elevation: 3,720m (12,204ft)
* Terrain: Moorland
* Details: Ascend out of the rainforest and into the moorland, where the landscape opens up to views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Day 4: Acclimatization at Horombo Hut
* Activity: Take a short hike to Zebra Rocks (3,980m/13,058ft) or a similar destination to aid acclimatization.
* Details: Spend the day relaxing and adjusting to the altitude to improve your chances of summiting.
* Overnight: Horombo Hut.
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
* Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
* Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
* Elevation Gain: 1,000m (3,280ft)
* Starting Elevation: 3,720m (12,204ft)
* Ending Elevation: 4,720m (15,486ft)
* Terrain: Alpine desert
* Details: Cross the Saddle, a barren and windy expanse between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Rest and prepare for your midnight summit attempt.
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut
* Summit Push Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles) ascent
* Descent Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles) descent
* Hiking Time: 12–16 hours (7–8 hours ascent, 5–8 hours descent)
* Elevation Gain: 1,175m (3,858ft)
* Starting Elevation: 4,720m (15,486ft)
* Summit Elevation: 5,895m (19,341ft)
* Ending Elevation: 3,720m (12,204ft
Price Includes
Transfer from JRO Airport to the hotel.
Return Transfer from accommodation to the airport.
Transfer to the Kilimanjaro gate
All National Park fees (rescue fees)
3 days Accommodation in hotel (one night before and one night after climbing )
All camping facilities
Meals (All meals during hiking)
Safety equipment (medical kit)
Professional mountain guides with WHR certificate
Assistant guide
Porters and Cook
Emergency oxygen
Warm water for washing each day at the mountain
Clean purified drinking water
Shaping after climb
Government tax
Price Excludes:
TIP
Porters 10$ a day
Cook's 15$ a day
Guides 20$
Tanzania visa on arrival (100$ for American citizen and 50 for the others)
Mountain insurance
