The Marangu Route is known as the “Coca-Cola” Route because in the past and sometimes even now the park rangers sell soda to thirsty climbers. Marangu was the first established commercial route on Kilimanjaro. Unlike the other routes which require camping, the accommodations on this route are in dormitory style sleeping huts. Marangu is considered the easiest route due to its more gradual approach. Because of these advantages, it is the one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro. However, the ascent and descent are on the same trail, making it a more crowded and less scenic path. We recommend the Marangu route to those who have trouble sleeping in a tent. Marangu is also a decent choice during the rainy season because the huts will shelter climbers from rain while at camp and eliminate the discomfort of sleeping on wet ground.
Nairobi
3 Hours Before Flight Time
On your arrival, to be met and assisted by our representative and after one with immigration formalities, to be transferred to the hotel for your dinner and overnight stay.
Walking distance: 8 km/5 miles; Walking time: 3-4 hours; Altitude gain: 840 m/2760 ft
You will drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. The journey passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are requested to sign in at the Park office and make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food, water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment. You now leave the Park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest. Your first night stop, Mandara hut.
Walking distance: 12 km/7.2 miles; Walking time: 5-7 hours; Altitude gain: 1000 m/3280 ft
From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. After about 6 hours from here you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have hot washing water, rest; an evening meal and overnight.
Walking distance: 9.5 km/5.7 miles; Walking time: 5-7 hours; Altitude gain: 1000 m/3280 ft
This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatisation. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatisation. Retire to bed early and get a last good night’s rest.
Walking distance: 5.5 km/3.5 miles ascent + 15 km/9.5 miles descent ;Walking time: 5-6 hrs + 1-2 hours up, 5-6 hours down (the overall walking time may vary from 10 – 16 hours) ;Altitude gain: 1000 m/ 3280 ft (Gilman’s Point) or 1195 m/3920 ft (Uhuru Peak)
Descent: 2195 m/7200 ft.
After breakfast you now continue your ascend into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the “Saddle” (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand fork) to choose from. The upper route (right hand fork) will be very familiar, as you will have climbed most of it the previous day towards Mawenzi hut. It is very stony and eroded. The recommended lower route (left hand fork) is much easier and nearly an hour, and it also passes the last watering point at 4130m. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.
Walking distance: 20 km/12.5 miles; Walking time: 5 hours , Descent: 1840 m/6040 ft
You will rise around 2330hrs, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa . You made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut.
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates. You now drive back to the hotel for a long overdue hot shower, Dinner and Overnight in a hotel.
After breakfast, get transferred to the Airport/border for your next destination as per your schedule.
