Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 6 Days
Route: Marangu
MARANGU ROUTE KILIMANJARO
The Marangu Route is the oldest and most well-established trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro, and it remains extremely popular, despite a wide variety of other options becoming available.
This path provides trekkers with the classic Kilimanjaro climbing experience, offering sweeping views and a wonderful hiking adventure all the way to the summit of Uhuru Peak. That said, it also has some unique aspects that set it apart from any of the other routes as well, giving the Marangu route a character and feeling that is entirely it's own.
Marangu route starting point
One of the more interesting aspects of Marangu Route is that it is the only route up Mount Kilimanjaro that doesn’t allow camping, so instead of sleeping in tents, trekkers stay in permanent huts instead.
These dormitory-style shelters provide extra protection from the wind and rain, which makes this route a popular one for travelers climbing during the rainy season, which comes in April and May. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut
While staying at those huts, trekkers will sleep in bunk beds equipped with a simple mattress and pillow. They’ll also be able to purchase an array of candy bars, bottled water, and soft drinks, which is why the Marangu route is often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route.”
Marangu Route offers a slow, steady climb to each of the daily camps, which has given it the reputation for being an easy trek. Don’t underestimate this trail, however, as the approach to the final camp can be physically demanding with roughly 1000 meters of vertical gain on that day alone.
Of course, summit day on Kilimanjaro is always a challenge no matter which direction you approach from, making the final steps onto the top all the more satisfying.
Because it is one of the shortest treks to the summit – requiring just five days to reach Uhuru Peak – the Marangu Route is a popular one with trekkers who have a limited amount of time for their climb.
The downside to this is that it doesn’t provide as much of an opportunity to acclimatize to the altitude. Because of this, the Marangu route has the highest failure rate of any of the routes up Mount Kilimanjaro. Keep that in mind when choosing this option for your Kilimanjaro trek.
The Marangu Route is also the only route that uses the same path going up and coming back down. That means that while the trail is a scenic one, trekkers will experience the same sites going up as they do going back down. And because it has traffic going both directions, Marangu can also get overly crowded at times too.
Still, for a classic Kilimanjaro experience, it is tough to top this tried and true route to the Roof of Africa.
Climbing Kilimanjaro offers Marangu a five or six day private climb. The five-day variation does not have an acclimatization day on day three at Horombo Hut.
ARRIVAL DAY
Arrive in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you are met after passing through customs. Transfer toNgare Sero Mountain Lodge and have a comprehensive briefing and equipment check with your climbing manager and your guide. Overnight at Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
Accommodations: Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner
ACCLIMATIZATION DAY
Mount Meru Day trip
Acclimatize during a day at Arusha National Park the foothills of Mount Meru (the Second highest peak in Tanzania ). Spot wildlife on foot as you warm up for your climb accompanied by an armed ranger.
Overnight: Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
TREK DAY 1
Arusha to Marangu gate – Mandara Hut
Altitude gain:6,046 ft to 8,858’ ft; Hiking time: 4-5 hours, 5 miles
After registering at the Kilimanjaro National Park gate you’ll take your first step toward your goal – the roof of Africa. You’ll be hiking through the montane forest, a lush, biodiverse zone, and home to the endemic flower Impatiens Kilimanjaro. Keep an eye out for blue and colobus monkeys and listen to the birdsong, the avifauna here is prolific. You may even catch a glimpse of Hartlaub’s Turaco, a stunning brightly colored resident. After reaching Mandara Hut you could take a walk over to the Maundi crater or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Accommodations: Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Mountain Huts
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TREK DAY 2
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Shira Camp
8,858 ft to 12,205 ft: Hiking time: 6-8 hours, 7 miles
Today your hike will take you out of the forest and into the heathland where giant heathers grow, and as you climb higher, into the moorland. Here you’ll see two of the most unusual plants on Kilimanjaro, the fairy-tale-like giant groundsel and the giant lobelias. You’ll also have your first views of the peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo, that’s the really big one that you’ll be scaling in a few days.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Mountain Huts
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TREK DAY 3
Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
12,205 ft to 14,400 ft : Hiking time: 2-3 hours, 3 miles
No need to pack your bags today as you’ll stay a second night at Horombo. Your guide will take you on an acclimatization walk to Zebra rocks and the base of Mawenzi peak where you’ll have glorious views of Kibo looming over the saddle. The rest of the day be spent at camp where you can put your feet up and catch up on some rest.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Mountain Huts
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TREK DAY 4
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
12,205 ft to 15,430 ft: Hiking time: 6-8 hours, 6 miles
Today you’ll trek up into the barren high altitude desert, crossing the boulder-strewn saddle that connects Kibo and Mawenzi. You may be lucky and see a buzzard or even a lammergeyer soaring on the thermals above. After reaching the camp the rest of the day is devoted to preparing for your summit bid – preparing your kit, eating and resting.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Mountain Huts
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TREK DAY 5
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak Summit to Horombo Hut
15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to12,205 ft, 4 miles ascent, 10 miles descent, 6-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
The push for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak! You will be woken at around 11:30 pm to make a start just after midnight. This is where your grit and determination will be called upon but your reward is possibly the most amazing sunrise you’ll ever see on the horizon behind Mawenzi.
You’ll probably be around Gilman’s Point (5685m) at this time so it’s time for a much-needed breather before walking around the top of the crater rim, passing Stella Point, and finally reaching Uhuru. Take some time to enjoy the views of the crater and glaciers then you’ll retrace your steps back to Kibo for breakfast and a rest. You’ll then descend back down to Horombo hut which will feel oxygen-rich after the summit and a long night's sleep.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Mountain Huts
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TREK DAY 6
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
12,205 ft to 6,046 ft: Hiking time: 5-7 hours, 12 miles
Our last day on the mountain will start after breakfast and thanking your crew its time to head back down to the forest stopping for lunch at Mandara Hut and then on to Marangu gate. Your guide will arrange your certificates and our driver will meet you to transfer you to your hotel for a long hot shower and a celebration.
Accommodations: Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TREK DAY 7
Departure
If your time in Africa ends today our transfer team will drive you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure. If you have booked with us a safari or a few days to dissolve into the pristine sandy beaches and tropical waters of Zanzibar, we will be there to help you comfortably transition from your climb into your next Tanzanian adventure
Included in this Trek :
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents:
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
- All Park fees Airport transfers Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Oximeter
- Medical Kit
- Emergency oxygen
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Accommodation in Arusha
- Portable toilet
Items not included:
- Flights
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips Personal spending monies for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Difficult is the Marangu Route?
This route is attempted by many novice hikers every year as it offers comfortable hut accommodations, as opposed to other routes that require you to sleep in mountain tents. Many people attest that this route is less difficult compared to other hikes to the top of Kilimanjaro. It is a common misconception for trekkers to perceive a 5-day hike to be easier than a 6-day hike. However, the 5-day options can be very difficult as it does not allow for much time to acclimate to the altitude. The 6-day option is much easier, but a good level of fitness is still required.
What is the distance of the Marangu Route and how many days does it take to complete?
The exact distance on the Marangu Route is 82km or 50 miles. The shortest number of days required for the Marangu Route is 5 days, however, when you take into consideration the arrival and departure days, it is 9-10 days. As the Marangu Route is the shortest route on the mountain, it is best to complete the journey over 6 days to increase your chances of success.
What is the Maragu Route Summit Success Rate?
As it is one of the shortest routes on the mountain, the Marangu Route has the lowest summit success rates. This is mainly because of the unprofessional local tour guides who take groups up the mountain on the shorter 5-day hike. Because of this, the 5-day average success rate is 50%! We advise our hikers with this in mind, so we only take the 6-day option which increases the success rate to over 90%!
What scenery will I see on the Marangu Route?
The Marangu route ascends through the rainforest, moorlands, and alpine areas before ending in the glacial zone. This trek is very beautiful and is the only route that allows you to descend the same way you ascended.
What is the best time to journey through the Marangu Route?
Between July and September is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro. The weather is the most stable during this period and encountering rain is less likely. Since it is close to the equator, it is possible to climb the mountain at any time during the year. Be cautious, April and May are the wettest months, so this period is best avoided.
