Overview
The Marangu Route was the first official trail established on Kilimanjaro and gained popularity due to its relative ease and shorter duration compared to other routes.
History of the Marangu Route
The Marangu Route was initially used by the Chagga people as a trade route between the coast and the interior. Later, German explorers recognized its potential for mountaineering, leading to its development as a trekking path.
Characteristics of the Marangu Route
The Marangu Route is often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route” because of the availability of bottled beverages along the trail. It is a well-defined path with well-maintained huts, providing a more comfortable trekking experience.
Pros and Cons of Choosing the Marangu Route
Pros:
- Suitable for beginners and less experienced trekkers
- Hut accommodation eliminates the need for carrying camping gear
- Quicker ascent and descent
Cons:
- Less scenic compared to other routes
- Higher chances of encountering crowds
- Lower success rate due to a shorter acclimatization period
Preparing for the Adventure
To ensure a safe and enjoyable trek along the Marangu Route, careful planning is required. Before beginning, take the following factors into account:
- Physical Fitness and Training – While the Marangu Route is less challenging than some other routes up Kilimanjaro, it still demands a good level of physical fitness. Regular cardio exercises and strength training are recommended to build endurance.
- Essential Gear and Equipment – Packing the right gear is crucial for a successful climb. Some essential items include proper hiking boots, waterproof clothing, a comfortable backpack, and a reliable sleeping bag.
- Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness – Altitude sickness is a genuine concern when climbing Kilimanjaro. Taking an extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut helps the body adjust to higher altitudes and reduces the risk of altitude-related illnesses.
6 DAY MARANGU ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Before starting our trek, we travel from Moshi to Marangu Gate to complete the necessary formalities. The hiking trail starts out by climbing through a stunning tropical rain forest. We have the chance to see blue monkeys at the upper edge of the forest line. Until we reach Mandara Hut, the trail widens and reveals stunning hillside views.
Elevation: 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
DAY 2 – Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
The trail eventually opens up into high moorland as we start the day by continuing through the forest. Two of the three volcanic peaks that make up Kilimanjaro’s summit, the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, may be our first sightings.
Elevation: 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Health
DAY 3 – Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
On this additional day for acclimatization, you can go day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. Motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi can be found in the unusual landscape. We take a brief detour to explore the area before returning to Horombo Hut.
Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Health
Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 14,400 ft to 12,205 ft
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Health
DAY 4 – Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
On the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo, we gradually ascent before crossing the lunar desert. At the base of the Kibo crater wall is our camp, Kibo Hut. In order to prepare for the summit day, we take a nap after arriving and eat a light dinner.
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 5 – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
We start the ascent very early in the morning (around midnight). The hardest part of the trek both physically and mentally is this section. At this altitude and time of day, the wind and cold can be very strong. We climb in the dark for several hours, stopping frequently but only briefly. You will be rewarded with the most breathtaking sunrise you are ever likely to see approaching Mawenzi Peak at Gilman’s Point (18,600 feet). Finally, we reach Uhuru Peak, which is both Mount Kilimanjaro’s and Africa’s highest point.
We descend to Horombo Hut after a brief period of admiring the African plains and your accomplishment. Later that night, after a well-earned rest, we enjoy our final meal on the mountain.
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Arctic
Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 16 km | 10 miles
Habitat: Health
DAY 6 – Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
We continue the descent to Mweka Gate on our final day, where we pick up the summit certificates. It might be muddy and wet at lower altitudes. We travel another hour to Mweka Village from the gate. We’ll be picked up by a car at Mweka Village and taken back to our Moshi hotel.
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 20 km | 12 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
Travellers all around the world are loving Us!
Don't pass up your chance to embark on the trip of a lifetime with the top tour operator in the area.
5 Overall Satisfaction Rating!
Based on 300+ Reviews
As a father of five sons, I made a promise to them to take them on a 7-8 day trip to a destination of their choosing. I went with my oldest son to Egypt, my second one to Zimbabwe and Zambia, and my third to…
Godfrey is very attentive and organized everything well.We climbed Kilimandjaro: we felt safe, and very well supported with more comfort than we expected!The team was wonderful, especially our guides Mohamed and Thadeus. Special thanks to Betto for his joy throughout the journey, Jose the best…
Leaving from Arusha, we went on a one day Safari to Tarangire National Park with Ben as our guide. Ben was very knowledgeable about the animals and the indigenous Maasai people. It was so much fun to check off of our list all of the…
Our 4 days safari with African Traits was amazing! Cosmas was an exceptional guide that could speak fluently French (as well as Spanish, English and Swahili) so my parents could understand everything that was going on. Our driver, Denis, was driving like a pro and…
