Marangu Route
The Marangu route is the oldest and most established path to climb Kilimanjaro. It’s also known as the ‘Coca-Cola’ route. Many trekkers prefer this route because it offers a gradual slope and is the most straightforward trail on the mountain. The route is the only one that offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations. Mandara and Kibo Huts each have 90 bunk beds, and Horombo Hut has 120 bunk beds. Guests are provided with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms. The washrooms range from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut. It takes only five days to complete the climb using this route.
However, this route’s success rate is pretty low due to acclimatization issues. Using a longer route will help your body adjust better to the mountain’s environmental conditions. The short time frame of this route makes acclimatization more difficult. This trail approaches from the southeast and is less scenic than other tracks as it has the same ascent and descent path.
Facts:
Travel Tips
- Choose longer days of the trek as your body needs time to adjust with the high-altitude acclimatization.
- Trekking poles will become your best friend on the harsh trails.
- Take it easy and don’t try to rush to the top and always listen to your guide.
- Drink lots of water and stay hydrated.
- The amount of Oxygen on the top is only 50% as compared to the amount of Oxygen you are used to have. So, pay attention to your body signals and inform your guide as soon as possible.
- Choose the dry season to experience your trek the most.
- If possible, avoid taking pills like Diamox. It may show harmful side effects.
- Pack the necessary gears and double-check the complete list.
- Prepare a ‘Kilimanjaro playlist’ to listen to during your hike which helps to break your mental stress and physical exhaustion.
Uniquiness
- The Marangu route is the only one that starts from the southeast side of the mountain.
- The route is the only route providing hut facilities to the trekkers.
- It allows a comfortable trekking.
- The huts are well-equipped with bunk beds and very comfortable mattresses.
Geography
The Marangu route approaches the mountain from the south, passing south of Mawenzi before crossing to the desolate Saddle and heading to Kibo Hut. The ascent to the summit on this route is conducted via the Normal Marangu Route, an arduous scree slope that culminates in arriving at Gilman Point on the crater rim.
Weather
- The weather of Kilimanjaro is unpredictable throughout the year. The temperature on the mountain varies widely depending upon the altitude.
- June to October to the beginning of March offers the best time to climb the mountain.
- Different climatic zones offer different atmosphere. The temperatures and precipitation levels and vegetation drop as hikers move to a high altitude.
- As the weather varies, so the hikers should be ready to experience the hot, wet or cold conditions at any time while on the mountain.
What is the success rate for climbing Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route?
The success rate of climbing the mountain depends on the duration of your climb. When considering all operators, it is estimated that 5-day Marangu climbs have a success rate of approximately 50%, while 6-day Marangu climbs have a success rate of around 70%. However, our 5-day Marangu route has a higher success rate of approximately 70-75%, and our 6-day Marangu route has an even higher success rate of approximately 80-85%.
Pro & Cons
- Marangu is the only route providing the dormitory-style accommodations throughout the climb.
- Marangu is the shortest route up Kilimanjaro.
- The route is perfect for first-time climbers.
- Follows the climb high and sleep low profile.
- As the route is shorter, so offers poor acclimatization.
- Less scenic as compared to the other routes.
- Despite being the easiest route, the success rate is low.
