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Marangu Route
MARANGU ROUTE KILIMANJARO
The Marangu Route also known as the “Coca-Cola Route” is the oldest and most well-established trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro, and it remains extremely popular mainly because it is the only route on the mountain that has hut accommodation for trekkers.
The downside to this is that it doesn’t provide as much of an opportunity to acclimatize to the altitude. Because of this, the Marangu route has the highest failure rate of any of the routes up Mount Kilimanjaro. Keep that in mind when choosing this option for your Kilimanjaro trek.
The Marangu is also the only route that uses the same path going up and coming back down. That means that while the trail is a scenic one, trekkers will experience the same sites going up as they do going back down. And because it has traffic going both directions, Marangu can also get overly crowded at times.
Still, for a classic Kilimanjaro experience, it is tough to top this tried and true route to the Roof of Africa
Climbing Kilimanjaro offers Marangu as a five-day or six-day private climb. The five-day variation does not have an acclimatization day on day three at Horombo Hut.
For travellers who have a few extra days in their schedule, the Machame route is an excellent option. One or two additional days of acclimatization can make a big difference in the success rate, so trekkers who choose this route reach the summit more often, although this is a more challenging hike than the Marangu route.
One of the biggest and most intimidating of those challenges is the Barranco Wall, a cliff face that can look quite scary upon first approach. In reality, Barranco isn’t nearly as frightening or difficult as it first appears, although you will have to watch your step, and possibly use your hands for extra leverage while scrambling over certain sections. The climb usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half to complete, and the view from the top makes it worth the effort
Marangu Route Map
Marangu Route Itineraries
Marangu Route 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’s common misconception for trekkers is perceive a 5-day hike is easier than a 6-day hike. However, the 5-day option 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 and how many days does it take to complete?
The exact distance on the Marangu 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 Marangu Summit Success Rate?
As it is one of the shortest routes on the mountain, the Marangu 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 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.
Email Address
info@landsideadventures.com
Call
+255 752 633 454
+255 692 406 444
Email Address
info@landsideadventures.com
Call
+255 752 633 454
+255 692 406 444
Email Address
info@landsideadventures.com
Call
+255 752 633 454
+255 784 971 777
