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The Marangu Route up Kilimanjaro is a favourite choice for adventure seekers eager to conquer the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. Unlike other paths, the Marangu Route boasts hut accommodations and breathtaking scenic views.
As the sole Kilimanjaro Route with sleeping huts and the surprising luxury of Coca-Cola en route, it has garnered nicknames like the “Tourist Route” and the “Coca-Cola Route.” Here are our details of the Marangu Route used for Climbing Kilimanjaro.
The Marangu Route stands as Kilimanjaro’s oldest and most established trail. It promises hikers a classic experience and unveils scenic views of Africa’s tallest peak. This trail has its distinct charm, making every hiker’s journey memorable.
But remember, the Marangu Route is considered the least scenic compared to other Kilimanjaro Routes, as the route travels through the same ascent and descent path.
One feature that sets the Marangu route apart is the unique hut accommodation. Unlike other routes where tents are the norm, the Climbing Kilimanjaro Marangu Route offers huts with basic amenities.
These shields against unpredictable weather conditions make the journey more comfortable. Trekkers will come across these notable huts during their climb:
However, one shouldn’t mistake providing huts for an easy climb. These shelters have shared facilities, from simple washrooms to dining spaces. This communal nature of the facilities adds to the overall adventure.
Typically, a climb via Marangu takes five to six days, making it an excellent choice for those with time constraints. However, it’s essential to be aware that the condensed time frame may provide less opportunity for acclimatization.
Trekkers from Marangu Gate venture through rainforests, heathlands, and alpine deserts before reaching the ice-capped Kibo summit. With every step, you come closer to touching the African skies. At Tanzania Tribe Safaris, we offer our climbers a seven-day Marangu RouteItinerary for Climbing Kilimanjaro. This 7-Day Marangu Route variation includes an additional day of acclimatization.
DAY | START | ALTITUDE (m) | FINISH | ALTITUDE (m) | TIME (hrs) | DISTANCE (km) |
DAY 1- Arrival Day | ||||||
2 | Kilimanjaro National Park Gate | 1700 m | Mandara Hut | 2740m | 4-5 hours | 7 km |
3 | Mandara Hut | 2700 m | Horombo Hut | 3720 m | 5-6 hours | 10 km |
4 | Horombo Hut | 3720 m | Kibo Hut | 4700 m | 4-8 hours | 10 km |
5 | Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak | 4700 m to 5895 m | Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut | 3720 m to 3720 m | 9-12 hours | 16 km |
6 | Horombo Hut | 3720 m | Marangu Gate | 1860 m | 5-6 hours | 18 km |
DAY 7 – Departure Day |
The Marangu Kilimanjaro Route is often perceived as the most straightforward route to Uhuru Peak. This perception is mainly due to its hut accommodations and direct path. However, don’t be misled.
The challenge of the Marangu route lies in its quicker ascent, which doesn’t always provide enough time for acclimatization. As a result, though it’s known for its “easier” journey, the Marangu Route Success Rate may be lower than some other routes.
Thus, it’s imperative to heed guides’ advice and consider spending an extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut.
The journey via the Marangu Route Up Kilimanjaro offers several impressive scenic landmarks.
At last, not to forget about the view from the summit, Uhuru Peak- it’s simply the jewel on the crown.
Our Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages offering climbs via Marangu Route have various provisions. The list is outlined below:
Before opting for a package, you can always contact our trekking experts. They will share all the details about Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing via Marangu Route for a safe and comfortable journey.
The Marangu Route Up Kilimanjaro is ideal for those wanting a slightly more comfortable experience, thanks to the huts. The shared experiences in these communal huts often result in lasting friendships among climbers.
However, its shorter climb duration means acclimatization is rushed. Hence, those with mountain trekking experience or confidence in their ability to acclimate might find Marangu most suitable.
Looking for an unforgettable experience? Check out our Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages at Tanzania Tribe Safaris!
Oct 27, 2023
Oct 26, 2023
Oct 25, 2023
Oct 20, 2023
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