The Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola route,” is one of the seven routes used for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The trek on the Marangu route begins from the southeastern part of the mountain and takes approximately 5 to 6 days for both ascent and descent. It is advisable for trekkers to opt for the 6-day option to acclimatize better.
The Marangu route is the most comfortable trail for trekking the mountain because it’s the only route where visitors can sleep in dormitory huts, unlike other routes where trekkers sleep in tents.
Although the Marangu route is the shortest route to the summit of the mountain, most trekkers fail to reach the summit because it doesn’t allow enough time for acclimatization to the altitude. Despite the provision of mattresses and pillows, you will still need to carry sleeping bags.
Mandara and Kibo huts each have 60 bunk beds, while Horombo hut has 120 bunk beds. Mandara and Horombo accommodations offer communal dining areas and basic washrooms with flush toilets, while Kibo hut provides long drop toilets and buckets of water.
Trekkers using the Marangu route may find it somewhat monotonous compared to other routes since they use the same path for both ascent and descent. It is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro and therefore the most crowded. This may not be the best option for trekkers seeking a more remote and wild experience on the mountain.
- Day 1 on the Marangu route starts from Marangu gate after receiving a briefing from park authorities. The hike takes you through a tropical rainforest for about 8 kilometers, providing opportunities to spot various birds and wildlife, especially primates, before reaching Mandara hut, where you will spend the night.
- Day 2 continues through the rainforest to open woodlands and the moorland zone, covering a distance of 12 kilometers. If the weather is clear, you may have views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks from Mawenzi ridge. This hike typically takes about 5 to 7 hours, and you will stay overnight at Horombo hut.
- On the third day, during your ascent, you should watch out for any signs of altitude sickness. This day is dedicated to acclimatization, with a hike of 1-2 hours to Mawenzi hut or Zebra Rocks and back to Horombo hut for the night.
- The fourth day of the climb takes you through desolate highlands and picturesque landscapes to the alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This part of the climb becomes physically challenging and steep, with the final ascent to Kibo hut, where you will spend the night. The hike to Kibo hut typically takes between 5 to 7 hours.
- Day 5 will be the most challenging day of the climb, known as summit night. You will wake up at 11 pm, starting the hike at midnight. You’ll navigate loose rocks and challenging terrain to reach Gilman’s Point by dawn. From there, you will walk along the crater rim and ultimately reach the summit at Uhuru Peak, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views. Afterward, you’ll begin your descent to have lunch at Kibo huts and then continue down to Horombo huts for a well-deserved rest.
- On day 6, you will descend from Horombo huts to Marangu gate, which takes about 5 to 7 hours. The trek concludes with a celebration featuring the Kilimanjaro song and dance performed by the guides. Afterward, you will enjoy lunch and be driven back to your respective hotels or the airport.
The Marangu route is an ideal trail to use during the rainy season because it provides hikers with protection from heavy rains and winds. While the initial stages of the climb on the Marangu route may be manageable, the final ascent to the summit camp is very demanding, involving an approximately 1000-meter vertical gain in a single day.
