Mount Kilimanjaro climbing

Marangu Route

Marangu Route

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Overview

Hiking Kilimanjaro for 5-6 days Marangu Route

The Marangu Route, also known as the Coca-Cola Route, is more popular because it can be completed in a few days and has permanent sleep huts at the campsites. Given its gradual slope and direct path, this is considered one of the easiest routes to the summit. While you enjoy the challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro, our expert guides will ensure that everything runs smoothly from start to finish.

The trip is  5-6 days long, acclimatization may be a little more difficult because the paths are more direct than others. The night climb from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak is steep and passes through Gilman’s Point. Because it is a shorter route with a steeper ascent and less time for acclimatization, it has a lower summit success rate.

What you can expect on the Marangu Route

SLEEPING HUT

Marangu Route does not require overnight camping.It is the only route on Kilimanjaro with permanent hut accomodation providing a more comfortable experience with a roof overhead. 

ESIEST ROUTE

The gradual ascent,hut accommodation and a day's acclimatization in the middle of the 6 days Marangu route contribute to make it onr of the easiest trail to climb Kilimanjaro

CHEAPEST ROUTE

The dormitory style hut accommodation on Marangu route means there are fewer porters to hire to carry camping equipment. This along with the short route length makes Marangu the cheapest among all routes.

Marangu Route Itinerary

The itinerary below describes the 5 nights/6 day Kilimanjaro climb via the Marangu route. To shorten the below itinerary to 5 days you skip the acclimatization day on day three at Horombo Hut.

DAY 0
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6

ARRIVAL IN TANZANIA

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Moshi town. You will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.

Driving distance: 55 km
Driving Time: 1 hour

MARANGU GATE - MANDARA HUT
 
After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, your trek can begin, and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.
  • Distance: 12km/8miles,
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,811 ft
  • Habitat: Heath
MANDARA HUT-HOROMBO HUT
 
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.
  • Distance: 5km/3miles
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
HOROMBO HUT-ZEBRA HUT-HOROMBO HUT
 
Today serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, a 4-hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks (4020m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day.
  • Distance: 2km/1miles
  • Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
  • Elevation: 14,160 ft to 14,400 ft
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
HOROMBO HUT-KIBO CAMP
 
Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.
  • Distance: 8km/5miles
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Elevation: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
  • Vegetation: Alpine Desert
KIBO CAMP-UHURU PEAK-HOROMBO CAMP
 
Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2-hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
  • Distance: 6km/4miles and 16km/10miles
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours & 4-5 hours
  • Elevation:15,430 ft to 19,341 to 12,250 ft
  • Habitat: Arctic and Heath
HOROMBO CAMP-MARANGU GATE
 
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.
  • Distance: 20km/12miles
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

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