Climbing Kilimanjaro Marangu route
The Marangu Route is one of the most popular paths for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, it is considered the easiest path to the summit with a gradual slope and direct path. The route offers hut accommodations, unlike other routes which require climbers to camp. Despite its reputation for being easy, the success rate is not as high as other routes due to many climbers attempting to complete it too quickly and not allowing enough time for proper acclimatization. Marangu Route tour operators offer 5-day and 6-day Marangu Route climbing tours, allowing climbers to choose the duration that suits their needs.
How long does it take to trek the Marangu Route?
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is one of the most popular routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The trek typically takes five to six days to complete, depending on the climber’s pace and acclimatization to the altitude. The route covers approximately 72 kilometers or 45 miles round trip, starting from Marangu Gate to the summit and back.
What is the success rate of climbers on the Marangu Route?
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is one of the most popular routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro due to its relative ease and comfort. However, the success rate is not as high as expected, with only about a 50% success rate. This is largely because many climbers underestimate the difficulty of the climb and do not take enough time to acclimatize to the altitude.
What is the difficulty level of the Marangu Route?
The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route, is considered the easiest path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Despite this, it still presents a significant challenge due to the high altitude and rapid ascent, which can lead to altitude sickness. The route is well-defined and climbing is relatively straightforward, but the final ascent to the summit is steep and requires a high level of physical fitness.
Are there any altitude sickness risks on the Marangu Route?
Yes, there are risks of altitude sickness on the Marangu Route, a popular trekking path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The route ascends rapidly, which can lead to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) due to the body not having enough time to acclimatize to the decreasing oxygen levels. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Severe cases can lead to High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), both of which can be life-threatening.
Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Pros and cons
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well-established route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Its pros include being the only route with hut accommodations, making it a more comfortable option for climbers. It is also considered one of the easier routes, with a gradual, direct path. However, the cons include its high traffic, as it is the most popular route. It also has a lower success rate due to the faster ascent, which prevents proper acclimatization. Lastly, it is less scenic compared to other routes.
What are the accommodation options on the Marangu Route?
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca Cola” route, is the only route on Mount Kilimanjaro with accommodation in huts. These huts are simple wooden structures with bunk beds, and they provide a certain level of comfort compared to camping. The huts are equipped with solar panels that supply electricity and there are shared bathroom facilities. The accommodation options include Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, and Kibo Hut. Meals are also served in communal dining halls.
Is the Marangu Route suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Marangu Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is suitable for beginners. Often referred to as the “Coca Cola” route, it is considered the easiest path on the mountain, due to its gradual slope and direct path. It is also the only route that offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations. However, the Marangu route does not have a high success rate as it is done over a short period of time, so proper acclimatization can be a problem for hikers.
What is the best time of year to hike the Marangu Route?
The best time to hike the Marangu Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons, which are from late June to October and from late December to early March. These periods offer the most favorable weather conditions for hiking, with less rainfall and clearer paths. However, it’s important to note that the weather can be unpredictable, so hikers should always be prepared for a variety of conditions.
What gear is recommended for the Marangu Route?
For the Marangu Route, it is recommended to have warm clothing for the freezing temperatures at the summit, including thermal underwear, a warm jacket, gloves, and a beanie. Waterproof hiking boots are essential for the varied terrain, as well as moisture-wicking clothing for the lower, warmer sections of the hike. Other recommended gear includes a good quality sleeping bag, a headlamp, trekking poles, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water purification system, and a first aid kit.
Are there any age restrictions for the Marangu Route?
The Marangu Route on Mount Kilimanjaro does not have a specific age restriction. However, it is generally recommended that climbers be at least 10 years old due to the physical demands and potential altitude sickness. On the other end of the spectrum, older climbers should be in good health and ideally have clearance from a doctor. It’s important to note that regardless of age, all climbers should be adequately prepared and equipped for the challenging conditions.
Marangu Route itinerary
The Marangu Route itinerary is a popular trekking path to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is often referred to as the “Coca Cola” route as it is considered the easiest path, with a gradual slope and direct path. The route typically takes five to six days Marangu route to complete, with accommodations in mountain huts along the way. The itinerary includes beautiful scenery such as the Mandara and Horombo huts, the Maundi Crater, and the Kibo hut. Despite its reputation for being easier, the success rate is not as high as other routes due to the shorter acclimatization period.
5 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE ITINERARY
- Day 1
On arrival in Kilimanjaro airport you’ll be driven to the base hotel. This evening you’ll have a briefing where you’ll be given details about the forthcoming climb and have a chance to ask any questions. - Day 2
After breakfast you’ll be driven to the Marangu Gate at the south-east of the mountain. You’ll have about 4-5 hours walking through lush rainforest before arriving at Mandara Hut, 2,700m. - Day 3
You’ll walk about 15kms today through changing vegetation. It’ll take 5-6 hours to reach Horombo Hut, 3,720m 3,720m - Day 4
From Horombo you’ll continue the climb, crossing The Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Your destination is Kibo Hut, 4,703m. This will be a long and tiring day as altitude will start to tell. Expect to spend between 6 and 8 hours walking. - Day 5
Summit day! You’ll be woken at around midnight for the 5 hour walk up steep scree to Gillman’s Point at 5,690m. There will be plenty of rest stops on the way. It’s another 1-2 hours around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. Give yourself a few moments to enjoy your achievement before beginning the descent back to Horombo Hut, a descent of some 4-5 hours. - Day 6
After breakfast at Horombo you’ll continue down to the park gates a Marangu, 1,843m, 5-7 hours walking. Here you’ll be picked up and driven back to the base hotel. Check into your room and enjoy the luxury of a hot shower before a drink or two in the bar and a celebratory dinner. - Day 7
Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your onward travels.
5 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE PARK FEES
| Kilimanjaro National Park Fees | |
| Conservation fees | USD 70 per day |
| Camping fees | USD 60 per day |
| Rescue fees | USD 20 per hiker |
| Guide and porter entrance fees | USD 2 per supporting crew |
| Tourism added tax ( VAT) | 18% |
| Retail value tax added | 18% |
| Total | USD 886.08 |
6 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE ITINERARY
- Day 1
On arrival in Kilimanjaro airport you’ll be driven to the base hotel. This evening you’ll have a briefing where you’ll be given details about the forthcoming climb and have a chance to ask any questions. - Day 2
After breakfast you’ll be driven to the Marangu Gate at the south-east of the mountain. You’ll have about 4-5 hours walking through lush rainforest before arriving at Mandara Hut, 2,700m. - Day 3
You’ll walk about 15kms today through changing vegetation. It’ll take 5-6 hours to reach Horombo Hut, 3,720m 3,720m - Day 4
This is your acclimatisation day. You can to take an optional hike to Mawenzi Hut and then descend back to Horombo Hut, about 2-3hrs walking. This allows your body to get used to the effects of altitude and should increase your chance of success. - Day 5
From Horombo you’ll continue the climb, crossing The Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Your destination is Kibo Hut, 4,703m. This will be a long and tiring day as altitude will start to tell. Expect to spend between 6 and 8 hours walking. - Day 6
Summit day! You’ll be woken at around midnight for the 5 hour walk up steep scree to Gillman’s Point at 5,690m. There will be plenty of rest stops on the way. It’s another 1-2 hours around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. Give yourself a few moments to enjoy your achievement before beginning the descent back to Horombo Hut, a descent of some 4-5 hours. - Day 7
After breakfast at Horombo you’ll continue down to the park gates a Marangu, 1,843m, 5-7 hours walking. Here you’ll be picked up and driven back to the base hotel. Check into your room and enjoy the luxury of a hot shower before a drink or two in the bar and a celebratory dinner. - Day 8
Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your onward travels.
6 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE PARK FEES
| Kilimanjaro National Park Fees | |
| Conservation fees | USD 70 per day |
| Camping fees | USD 60 per day |
| Rescue fees | USD 20 per hiker |
| Guide and porter entrance fees USD | USD 2 per supporting crew |
| Tourism added tax ( VAT) | 18% |
| Retail value tax added | 18% |
| Total | USD 1047.09 |
MEALS
Kilimanjaro Climb via Marangu Route is not a tent and camp trek but a shared-hut accommodation trek. During the trip, our well-trained and experienced mountain trekking cooks and the team prepare delicious & hygienic breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Most meals are European and Indian curry style. We serve hot meals for breakfast and dinner but sometimes packed lunch that includes sandwich, eggs, chicken, nuts, fruit, cake, juice, hot tea, etc. will be provided. There will also be a welcome dinner with authentic Tanzanian cuisine and a continental farewell dinner after the trip for all our guests.
ACCOMMODATION FOR KILIMANJARO TREK?
We will be staying in Marangu village or similar in Moshi on a twin-shared basis for all standard trips. During the entire climbing trip, we will sleep at shared hut accommodation with dormitory-style bunk beds. There are flush toilets and running water at lower altitudes but only long-drop toilets at a higher elevation, and no toilets along the trail. There are bunk beds each at the Mandara and Kibo Huts while the Horombo Hut has 120 beds. There are about 4 to 20 beds in a single room making it impossible to rent a single or private room. We can expect to be sharing our huts with strangers while climbing via the Marangu route. The first hut we will be staying in will be in Mandara, which is an A-frame hut and includes solar lighting, flush toilets, and piped water.
RESCUE FEES
The rescue fee covers evacuation from the mountain to the park gate only. It does not cover any medical treatment at all or transportation to the local hospital. We recommend that travelers purchase travel insurance with medical and evacuation coverage. Other Kilimanjaro climbing itineraries are available on request.
Marangu Route vs. Lemosho Route
The Marangu and Lemosho routes are two popular paths for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest and most established. It is considered the easiest path, with a direct, hut-accommodated route, but it has a lower success rate due to its shorter, 5-6 day duration. The Lemosho Route, on the other hand, is a newer, more scenic path that starts on the western side of the mountain. It is longer, typically taking 7-8 days, which allows for better acclimatization and thus, a higher success rate.
MARANGU ROUTE COST?
Climbing Kilimanjaro via the popular Marangu route costs around $1,800 – $ 3000 per person for the 6-7 day climb.
- Visa, Vaccinations, Insurance etc: ~$300-$500
- Equipment (buying and hiring): ~$200-$300
- Flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport: ~$800
- Tour Agency: About $1,800 ~$3,000.
- Tips: ~$200-$300
- Misc (additional food, unplanned travel/hotels, etc): $200
- Total Costs: $3,200 – $5,100
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You can also follow us to climb Mount Meru to optimize your acclimatization. If you prefer to climb Kilimanjaro by another route, we also offer the Rongaï, Lemosho, and Macham
