Marangu Route & Packages
OVERVIEW
The Marangu Route is one of the most popular and well-established routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” the Marangu Route earned this nickname due to the availability of Coca-Cola at the huts along the trail. This route is often chosen by trekkers seeking a more comfortable and straightforward ascent compared to some of the more challenging routes.
The Marangu Route is known for its scenic beauty, with diverse landscapes ranging from lush rainforests to alpine deserts. It typically takes about five to six days to complete the climb, providing a more gradual ascent, which is beneficial for acclimatization. The trail starts at the Marangu Gate and ascends through the Mandara and Horombo huts before reaching Kibo Hut, the base camp for the final push to the summit.
- Trekking Safaris in Tanzania
Machame Route: A scenic ascent to Kilimanjaro’s summit. Known for its diverse landscapes, it offers a challenging yet rewarding trek. As the “Whiskey Route,” it combines stunning scenery with strategic acclimatization, making it a popular choice for adventurers seeking a memorable climb.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Difficult is the Marangu Route?
This route is attempted by many novice hikers every year as it offers comfortable hut accommodations, as opposed to other routes that require you to sleep in mountain tents. Many people attest that this route is less difficult compared to other hikes to the top of Kilimanjaro.
Marangu route common misconception for trekkers is perceive a 5-day hike to be easier than a 6-day hike. However, the 5-day options can be very difficult as it does not allow for much time to acclimate to the altitude.
The 6-day option is much easier, but a good level of fitness is still required.
What is the distance of the Marangu Route and how many days does it take to complete?
The exact distance on the Marangu Route is 82km or 50 miles. The shortest number of days required for the Marangu Route is 5 days, however, when you take into consideration the arrival and departure days, it is 9-10 days. As the Marangu Route is the shortest route on the mountain, it is best to complete the journey over 6 days to increase your chances of success.
What is the Maragu Route Summit Success Rate?
As it is one of the shortest routes on the mountain, the Marangu Route has the lowest summit success rates. This is mainly because of the unprofessional local tour guides who take groups up the mountain on the shorter 5-day hike. Because of this, the 5-day average success rate is 50%! We advise our hikers with this in mind, so we only take the 6-day option which increases the success rate to over 90%!
What scenery will I see on the Marangu Route?
The Marangu route ascends through the rainforest, moorlands, and alpine areas before ending in the glacial zone. This trek is very beautiful and is the only route that allows you to descend the same way you ascended.
Are there showers in the Marangu route?
Yes, there are showers and flushing toilets available at some of the huts in the Marangu route. However, the showers are cold and are available at Mandara hut and Horombo hut.
What is the best time to journey through the Marangu Route?
Between July and September is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro. The weather is the most stable during this period and encountering rain is less likely. Since it is close to the equator, it is possible to climb the mountain at any time during the year. Be cautious, April and May are the wettest months, so this period is best avoided.
