6 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE
23 december 2022 - Moshi, Tanzania
6 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE
The Marangu Path is Mount Kilimanjaro's oldest and most well-established trekking route, and it remains immensely popular despite the availability of a wide range of other options.
This road offers trekkers the classic Kilimanjaro climbing experience, with sweeping views and a magnificent hiking journey all the way to Uhuru Peak's summit. However, it also has several distinguishing features that set it different from the other routes, giving the Marangu route a distinct personality and atmosphere. 6 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE
OVERVIEW
The Marangu path, often known as the Coca-Cola route, is the cheapest way to the peak. This is also the only route that includes sleeping cabins with solar lighting and nice beds at each camp site.
The cottages are shared, and each bunk has a sponge mattress and cushion.
Mandara and Kibo Huts each have 60 beds, and Horombo Hut has 120 beds. The two bottom huts have bathrooms and running water. The last camp has men's and women's latrines, although they are very poor.
All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere.
This route is usually done in 5 days (shortest route to the summit) but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
Marangu route starting point
One of the most interesting elements of the Marangu Path is that it is the only route up Mount Kilimanjaro that does not allow camping, therefore hikers stay in permanent huts rather than tents.
These dormitory-style shelters give additional wind and rain protection, making this route popular for climbers during the rainy season, which occurs in April and May. Mandara and Kibo Huts each have 60 bunk beds, and Horombo Hut has 120 bunk beds.
Trekkers will sleep in bunk beds provided with a modest mattress and pillow while staying at those shelters. They'll also be able to buy candy bars, bottled water, and soft drinks, which is why the Marangu road is also known as the "Coca-Cola Route."
The Marangu Route has a reputation for being an easy trip because to its slow, steady climb to each of the day camps. However, don't underestimate this track, as the approach to the final camp can be physically challenging, with approximately 1000 meters of vertical gain on that day alone.
Of course, summit day on Kilimanjaro is always a challenge, regardless of which direction you approach from, making the last steps to the summit all the more satisfying.
The Marangu Route is popular among trekkers who have a limited amount of time for their ascent because it is one of the shortest hikes to the summit, taking only five days to reach Uhuru Peak.
The disadvantage is that it does not allow for as much time to acclimate to the altitude. As a result, the Marangu route has the highest failure rate of any route up Mount Kilimanjaro. Keep this in mind before deciding on this route for your Kilimanjaro trek.
The Marangu Route is also the only one that follows the same course up and down. That means that, while the trail is beautiful, hikers will see the same sights going up as they do coming down. Marangu can also become congested at times due to traffic flowing in both directions.
Still, it's difficult to beat this tried-and-true approach to the Roof of Africa for a traditional Kilimanjaro experience.
Marangu is available as a five or six day private climb on Kilimanjaro. The five-day option does not include an acclimatization day at Horombo Hut on day three.
How Difficult is the Marangu Route?
Every year, many inexperienced hikers attempt this route since it provides nice hut accommodations, as compared to other routes that require you to overnight in mountain tents. Many people claim that this route is easier than other hikes to the summit of Kilimanjaro. It is a prevalent misperception among hikers that a 5-day journey is easier than a 6-day hike. However, the 5-day choices can be problematic because there isn't much time to adjust to the altitude. The 6-day option is more easier, but it still requires a strong level of fitness.
What is the distance of the Marangu Route and how many days does it take to complete?
The Marangu Route is 82 kilometers (50 miles) long. The fewest number of days required on the Marangu Route is 5, however when arrival and departure days are considered, it is 9-10 days. Because the Marangu Route is the shortest on the mountain, it is preferable to spread the journey out over 6 days to maximize your chances of success.
What is the Maragu Route Summit Success Rate?
The Marangu Route has the lowest summit success rates because it is one of the shortest routes on the mountain. This is primarily due to the inexperienced local tour operators who lead tourists up the mountain on the shorter 5-day hike. As a result, the 5-day average success rate is 50%! With this in mind, we urge our hikers to only take the 6-day option, which raises the success rate to almost 90%!
What scenery will I see on the Marangu Route?
The Marangu path climbs through rainforest, moorlands, and alpine landscapes before reaching the glacier zone. This trip is breathtaking, and it is the only one that permits you to return the same way you came.
What is the best time to journey through the Marangu Route?
The greatest time to climb Kilimanjaro is between July and September. During this time, the weather is the most stable, and rain is least likely. Because of its proximity to the equator, the peak may be climbed at any time of year. Be cautious; April and May are the rainy months, so avoid them if possible.