Overview
Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well established route on Kilimanjaro. As the climb is steady and gradual, many climbers favor Marangu. However the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult. Being considered the easiest route, many hikers who are unprepared choose this and it therefore has the highest non-completion rate of all the routes on the mountain. Marangu route has the benefit of huts along the entire route
Itinerary
Early morning after breakfast, our guide will meet you at accommodation for pre- climbing briefing that includes sharing all the necessary details and check all of your personal mountain gears. Going through the gears before departure is very important as we have to make sure you are set for the trek and if you are missing something, your guide will organize it with the renting shops.
You will receive proper pre-climb briefing and introductions with our team before transferred to Marangu gate (2 -3.5hrs drive), where you will complete entry formalities. After the registration, you will have hot lunch then begin your hiking adventure to Mandara camp, through a thick rainforest with its high chance of rain showers.
Overnight: Mandara Hut
Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Mandara Hut (2,720m/8,923ft)
Hiking Distance: 11km
Hiking Time: 5-6hrs
Habitat: Montane forest.
The ascent continues through the temperate forest zone, before reaching the heather and moorland zone (3000m/9842ft). You will enjoy views of the mountain peaks at this altitude. The night will be spent at Horombo Hut (3720m/12204ft), lying in a valley surrounded by giant groundsel and lobelia, flora characteristic of this semi-alpine zone. Bathrooms are available with running water.
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Mandara Hut (2,720m/8,923ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,204ft)
Hiking Distance: 10km
Hiking Time: 5-6hrs
Habitat: Moorland.
Continue past the final watering point and ascend onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. You will notice the vegetation thinning out as you enter the desert-like alpine zone (4000m/13123ft). After crossing the saddle, Kibo peak comes into view. The saddle is an alpine desert, resembling the lunar landscape. This walk will go at a slow pace. At this point, you will start noticing signs of altitude sickness.
You will arrive at the camp for hot lunch. You will spend the night at Kibo Hut at elevation of 4720m. This semi-desert zone receives annual rainfall under 250mm. The ground often freezes at night, but the temperature rises above 30 degrees by day.
Overnight: Kibo Hut
Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,204ft) – Kibo Hut (4,720m/15,485ft)
Hiking Distance: 10km
Hiking Time: 6-7hrs
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
A very early start as you set off by the light of our head-torches, on a zigzag trail on rough volcanic scree. It is a tough 5 to 6hrs climb of almost 1000 Meter to the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685m), which is a convenient point to rest and watch the sunrise on Mawenzi. It is a further 2-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa. Usually in the early morning, the conditions are clear and there are panoramic views over the crater, to Mawenzi and Mount Meru (4565m), looking very small below us. After admiring the summit views and taking the obligatory summit photos we pat ourselves on the back for this awesome Achievement. you then retrace your path around the crater rim you make a rapid descent to the Kibo Hut (4700m). You will have lunch here, before setting off to your camp at Horombo (3720m).
Kibo (4,720m/14,930ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo (3,720m/12,205ft)
Hiking Distance: 16.5km
Hiking Time: 11hrs up and down
Habitat: Ice.
As you descend from Horombo, you begin to encounter more vegetation and the lower part of the route is through pine forest. We pass the traditional first camping place on the Marangu Route at the Mandara Huts and continue our descent to the Marangu Gate (1800m).
You will say fond farewell to our trusty guide, staff and the porters who have helped us during the past week and pick up our certificates of ascent, you will have Lunch with our Mountain Crew before transfer to our hotel.
