The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca Cola Route,” serves as a gateway for adventurers from every corner of the globe to ascend to the majestic “Roof of Africa,” Mount Kilimanjaro. Renowned for its accessibility, affordability, and popularity, the Kilimanjaro Marangu Route provides a straightforward path to the summit.
Distinguished as the easiest route, the Marangu Route is favored for its simplicity and convenience. Offering dormitory-style accommodation in sleeping huts, it stands as the sole route on Kilimanjaro to provide such amenities, ensuring comfort during the trek.
Typically completed in five or six days, the Kilimanjaro Marangu Route offers flexibility in duration. However, opting for the longer itinerary is recommended to optimize acclimatization and enhance the likelihood of reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
As you embark on your journey up Africa’s highest peak, the Marangu Route beckons with its accessibility, affordability, and unique dormitory-style accommodation. Join us as we trek through stunning landscapes and ascend to the pinnacle of Kilimanjaro’s summit, Uhuru Peak, on the renowned Marangu Route.
To make your trip as easy as possible, we can offer accommodation in Moshi before and after the Mount Kilimanjaro climb. Or if you’d prefer, you can stay at a hostel/hotel of your choice. We can also offer airport transfers to and from if required.A pre- Mount Kilimanjaro climb briefing will be arranged with one of our mountain guides to ensure that you have all the correct mountain climbing gear. We’ll also talk you through what will be expected during the climb and share all our best secrets for conquering the highest point of Africa "Uhuru Peak"
Elevation Gain: 870 metres / 2,900 feet
Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, you’ll get picked up from your hostel/hotel in Moshi and driven to the starting point at Marangu Gate (approximately 45 mins). After registration, you will begin your journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro using a well-maintained trail through Montane Forest. On the way, you’ll walk through dense rainforest and coffee plantations as your guide talks you through some of the local flora and fauna. Here you will also get a very good chance of witnessing Black and White Colobus monkeys, as well as many different species of brightly-coloured birds. Mandara Hut is a group of dormitory-style wooden huts with solar generated lighting. The camp accommodates up to 60 hikers, and has all necessary facilities, including water and toilets.
Elevation Gain: 1,020 metres/ 3,300 feet
Hiking Time: 6 to 8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
On your second day, you’ll embark on a hike which traverses a slightly steeper trail to Horombo Hut. The trail passes through more of Montane Forest before transitioning into the moorland vegetation zone, where you’ll find rolling alpine meadows dotted with giant heather trees. Once in the open moorland, you’ll also get the opportunity to see plants like the giant lobelia and giant groundsel, which can grow to an outstanding 16ft in height! After approximately six hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut, where you’ll have hot water to wash, an evening meal and an overnight rest. Horombo is a village of huts perched on a small plateau with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers.
An extra day at Horombo Hut provides an opportunity to acclimatize and increase your chances of making it to the summit. There are a number of walks within the vicinity of the huts which are strongly recommended to further help with the process of acclimatizing to the altitude. The most popular hike is to the Mawenzi Saddle, passing the Zebra Rocks along the way. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly (pole, pole). After the four to five-hour hike (round-trip), you’ll then enjoy an evening meal before retreating to bed early for a good night’s rest.
Elevation Gain: 980 metres / 3,200 feet
Hiking Time: 6 to 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Wake up early to catch the sunrise and get some great photos! After a full breakfast, you will then continue to trek at a slow pace through the heathland, which quickly turns into an almost lunar-like landscape as you enter the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. During this hike, you may start to experience some symptoms of altitude sickness. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed. From here you will start to get fantastic views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit before arriving at Kibo Hut – a dry-stone-walled hut with dormitories and limited facilities. Rest for the evening at Kibo Huts and prepare for your final ascent to the Mount Kilimanjaro summit!
Elevation Gain: 750 metres / 2,500 feet
Hiking Time: Approximately 7 to 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast, you will begin to ascend the impressive Barranco Wall and hike glacial valleys – but don’t worry, it is easier than it looks! Lunch will be eaten at Karanga Valley, before joining the famous Mweka Trail. You will then continue along the rocky ridge for 1 to 2 hours before reaching Barafu Camp, which offers stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit from various angles. Your tents will be pitched along a narrow and rocky ridge with high winds. It’s therefore worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings before it gets dark. Rest for the night at Barafu Camp and prepare for the upcoming hike to the summit.
Elevation Gain: 1,195 metres / 3,940 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,175 metres / 7,140 feet
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours to Uhuru
Peak; 7 to 8 hours to Horombo Huts
Habitat: Arctic conditions
This is where the going gets really tough! Just before midnight, you will venture into the night and begin your final ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro "Uhuru Peak". Head northwest through the heavy stone scree following multiple switchbacks between Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (5,685m).This section is probably the most challenging part of the route to Uhuru Peak, and will require great physical and mental effort. Continue to move slowly, always listening to your guide. After a short rest at Stella Point, you will hike along the crater rim for another hour before reaching your ultimate goal – Uhuru Peak! Congratulations! You have now made it to the “Roof of Africa” the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend there, but it is important to start your descent within good time to ensure you get enough rest back at Barafu Camp. After your rest, you’ll gather the rest of your belongings and descend Mount Kilimanjaro to Mweka Hut (3,100m) where you’ll enjoy dinner and a well-earned sleep!
Elevation Loss: 1,890 metres / 6,200 feet
Hiking Time: 5 to 7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After eating breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro viaa scenic path through the forest to Marangu Gate. Successful hikers who made it to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded their certificates at the gate. Then it’s time to drive back to your hotel to enjoy a shower, dinner and celebrations with a Kilimanjaro beer!
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