Marangu Route
Marangu Route
Marangu Route of mountain Kilimanjaro is the oldest and most established route on mountain Kilimanjaro, Marangu route is also referred to as Coca cola and it is the only route offering sleeping huts in dormitory style of camping. This route approaches mountain Kilimanjaro from the Southeast and it is liked by many climbers of mountain Kilimanjaro because it is considered to be the easiest path to the mountain, the route is a direct path and consists of a gradual slope. Unfortunately Marangu route is less scenic but regardless it is the most crowded route of climbing mountain Kilimanjaro
Dormitories at Mandara hut and Kibo Huts have 60 bunk beds each and Horombo hut has 120 bunk beds, guests at the dormitories are supplied with mattresses and pillows but sleeping bags are still required. The three of these huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms with flushing toilets and running water.
CLIMBING MARANGU ROUTE (itinerary of climbing mountain Kilimanjaro using Marangu route)
Day 1: Trek from Marangu gate to Mandara hut
The first day of climbing mountain Kilimanjaro using Marangu route is a trek form Marangu gate to Mandara hut, the trek is done on a trail passing through rainforest. Marangu gate and Mandara hut are in a distance of 8 kilometers taking 4-5 hours of trekking, these two areas (points) lie in the elevation range of 6,046 ft – 8,858 ft.
Today’s trek begins with departing Moshi city then drive to Marangu gate where you complete all the necessary registration and formalities regarding climbing mountain Kilimanjaro, from the gate you ascend into beautiful tropical rainforest and the edge of the forests you will get a chance to spot the beautiful blue monkeys. This trail widens to expose the beautiful hillsides leading to Mandara hut where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Day 2: Trek from Mandara hut to Horombo hut
The second day of climbing mountain Kilimanjaro using Marangu route is a trek form Mandara hut to Horombo hut, these two points lie in the elevation range of 8,858 ft – 12,205 ft and the trekking takes approximately 6-8 hours covering a distance of 12 kilometers.
The trek begins with continuation on a trail running through the forest leading into high moorland, on your trek you get the first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks which are part of the three peaks that make up the summit of mountain Kilimanjaro.
Day 3: Trek from Horombo hut to Mawenzi Ridge and from Mawenzi Ridge back to Horombo hut
The third day of climbing mountain Kilimanjaro using Marangu route is a trek form Horombo hut to Mawenzi Ridge and from Mawenzi ridge to Horombo hut. The trail from Horombo hut is in a distance of 5 kilometers to Mawenzi Ridge taking approximately 1-2 hours of hiking time, these two points lie in the elevation range of 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft. The trail from Mawenzi ridge to Horombo hut is in a distance of 5 kilometers taking 1-2 hours of trekking, the trail passes through heath vegetation and lies in the elevation range of 14,400ft – 12,205 ft.
Today’s trek is an extra day of climbing mountain Kilimanjaro meant for acclimatization , the trek begins with leaving Horombo hut to Mawenzi ridge which is a magnificent landscape offering scenic views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. You are to spend a couple of hours exploring the ridge and then trek back to Horombo hut where you will spend the night.
Day 4: Trek from Horombo hut to Kibo hut
The fourth day of climbing mountain Kilimanjaro using Marangu route is a trek form Horombo hut to Kibo hut, these two points are in a distance of 10 kilometers taking approximately 6-8 hours of hiking time. The trail between these two points lies in the elevation range of 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft and passes through Alpine dessert vegetation.
The trek starts with climbing gradually on the trail then cross the lunar dessert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, you are to spend the night at Kibo hut which is situated at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall.
Day 5: Trek from Kibo hut to Uhuru peak and Uhuru peak to Horombo Hut
The fifth day of climbing mountain Kilimanjaro using Marangu route is a trek between two points that is from Kibo hut to Uhuru peak and from Uhuru peak to Horombo Hut, the trek from Kibo hut to Uhuru peak is done a trail of 6 kilometers between two points and taking approximately 4-5 hours. This trail lies in the elevation range of 15,430 ft – 19,341 ft and passing through heath vegetation, the trail from Uhuru peak to Horombo hut is a distance of 16 kilometers taking approximately 4-5 hours of hiking. This trail lies in the elevation range of 19,341 ft – 19,341 ft and passes through heath type of vegetation.
The day’s trek starts as early as midnight embarking on your trek heading to the summit, the trek to the summit is the most challenging potion of climbing mountain Kilimanjaro mentally and physically. The summit is definitely at a higher elevation thus you should expect extreme winds and coldness, you continue to ascend to in the darkness filled hours with short frequent breaks until you reach Gilman’s point. At Gilman’s point at the elevation of 18,600 ft you are rewarded with the most beautiful sunrise as it comes over Mawenzi peak, the trek will lead you to Uhuru peak the highest point of mountain Kilimanjaro and Africa as a continent, when you do you are to spend a few moments and then descend to Horombo hut and in the evening you will have dinner and spend the night.
Day 6: descend from Horombo hut to Marangu gate
The sixth day of climbing mountain Kilimanjaro using Marangu route is for descending from Horombo hut to Marangu gate which is the last stroll of climbing mountain Kilimanjaro, the trek is on a 20 kilometers taking approximately 5-7 hours of hiking. This trail lies on the altitude range of 12,205 ft- 6,046 and passes through rain forest, this last trek is apparently long downhill through rainforests heading to Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you will collect your summit certificates, then meet your driver and drive to your hotel n Moshi.
