Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

The Marangu Route is humorously referred to as the “Tourist Route” or “Coca-Cola Route. “And the reason behind the name is “Tourist Route” for some reasons. The reason is simply its popularity among climbers. It makes this climbing route somewhat touristy, or comfortable for them.

  • Marangu Route is also the only climbing route that uses the same path up AND down. That contributes to it being the most crowded and preferred climb route on Kilimanjaro.
  • Marangu is a relaxed route walking path with a very steady, gradual slope, at least until you reach the last camp. This provided the Marangu route a reputation as an “easy” climb route.
  • The term “Coca Cola Route” stems from the sleeping huts along the route. They sell the stuff, as well as bottled water and candy bars. The Marangu Route is the only climbing route that offers hut accommodation. Camping is not allowed over there.
  • A climb on the Marangu route is comparatively cheap or affordable. So no need for camping equipment and no cost for extra porters to carry the equipment. Preferable days to climb the mountain in five days/four nights. Also, many cutthroat budget operators run hikes on this route.
  • The route is the only Kilimanjaro route facilitating dormitories like accommodation with mattresses and basic comforts. This makes it a preferable choice for budget operators.
  • Explore the park gate, bamboo rainforest, alpine heather, “the Saddle”, flat plateau with awe-inspiring views of Kibo and Mawenzi looming overhead make your visit once. Try to extend your trip with a safari; unforgettable wildlife viewing is the perfect reward.

This Marangu route stands on the mighty summit ‘Uhuru Peak’ the same as everyone else. You will also grab some awesome views of one of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones.

Itinerary

Day 1

ARRIVE ARUSHA FROM KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Our driver will pick you up from the Kilimanjaro airport (JRO) on your arrival and drop you in Arusha town for overnight at Kibo Hotel
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel

Day 2

Arusha – Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut
Breakfast, drive from your overnight hotel to Marangu gate, there we will spend some time for registration, payment of fees and final parking. Trekking will start through dense semi – tropical to the first Hut
Meals: Breakfast Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mandara Hut

Day 3

Mandara – Horombo Hut
Early breakfast then ascend through the alpine meadow, grassland and moorland. Both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks can be viewed easily on the way
Meals: Breakfast Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 4

Horombo – Kibo Hut
After breakfast, further ascending to Kibohut.The landscape becomes very stony and eroded. Spectacular mountain vegetation like giant cactus, groundswell and lobelia appear on the way.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Day 5

Uhuru Peak ‘The Summit’ – Horombo Hut
Wake up at midnight, have some snacks and coffee then proceed to the summit through Gilman’s point (18,640ft). It’s about 5-6 hours and 1-2 hours from Kibo Hut to Gilman’s point and from Gilman's point to Uhuru peak(19,340ft) respectively. Thus reaching the peak in the early morning of the fifth day and descending after pictures taking on the top to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight after a short break at Kibo Hut.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 6

Horombo – Marangu Gate
After breakfast, descend from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate. The waiting car will take you to Arusha town for overnight. This will be the end of your Kilimanjaro trek days via Marangu route.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Planet Lodge

Day 7

Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport
Our driver will drop you back to the airport for your flight back home

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