Marangu Route

• 6 Days

The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is one of the most popular paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is unique in being the only route that offers hut accommodations instead of camping. Here’s an overview of the route:

Key Facts

• Length: Approximately 72 km (45 miles) round trip.
• Duration: 5-6 days (commonly 5 days; a 6th day can be added for acclimatization).
• Difficulty: Moderate, with a gradual ascent but less time for acclimatization.
• Summit Success Rate: Lower than other routes (due to rapid ascent and lack of acclimatization time).
• Accommodation: Communal huts with bunk beds.
• Scenery: Passes through lush rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glaciers near the summit.

Highlights of the Route

1. Starting Point: Marangu Gate (1,870 m / 6,135 ft)
   The trek begins at the Marangu Gate, where trekkers pass through dense rainforest. The path is well-defined and relatively gentle during the early stages.
2. Mandara Hut (2,700 m / 8,858 ft)
   After the first day, trekkers reach Mandara Hut, a complex of wooden A-frame huts surrounded by rainforest. Nearby, a short hike to the Maundi Crater offers views of northern Tanzania and Kenya.
3. Horombo Hut (3,720 m / 12,205 ft)
   The second stop, Horombo Hut, lies in a more alpine environment. This is a common place to take an acclimatization day if you’re doing a 6-day trek.
4. Kibo Hut (4,703 m / 15,430 ft)
   The final hut before the summit push is Kibo Hut, located in a desolate, lunar-like landscape. It is a long trek from here to the summit, and most climbers depart around midnight to attempt the peak.
5. Summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft)
   The ascent to the summit is steep and passes through Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) on the crater rim before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The path is challenging due to the high altitude and cold, but climbers are rewarded with breathtaking views.

Advantages of the Marangu Route:

• Comfortable accommodations: With huts instead of tents, it is less physically demanding in terms of camping logistics.
• Shorter duration: Ideal for those with limited time, as the ascent and descent are quicker than other routes.
• Well-maintained path: It’s a well-trodden route, so the trail is clearly marked and easy to follow.

Disadvantages of the Marangu Route:

• Lower success rate: The shorter duration means less time for acclimatization, which can increase the risk of altitude sickness.
• Crowded: Due to its popularity, the route can be crowded, particularly during peak trekking seasons.
• Less scenic diversity: Since it’s an out-and-back route (same path for ascent and descent), the scenery doesn’t change as much as on other routes like Machame or Lemosho.

Best Time to Hike:

• January to March and June to October are the best months to trek. These periods have drier weather, offering clearer views and better conditions for trekking.

The Marangu Route is an excellent option for those looking for a relatively easier and shorter journey to Kilimanjaro’s summit, but it’s important to prepare for the altitude challenge.

Included and Excluded

Itinerary