Kilimanjaro Climbing - Marangu Route - Tanzania Wildhog Safaris

The Marangu Route

THE MARANGU ROUTE

ROUTE OVERVIEW:

The Route, often called “Coca-Cola route,” This is the famous Kilimanjaro trekking route and one of the most popular. However taking this root is to repeat the first trekking record for the first successful Kilimanjaro summit by Hans Meyer that took place in 1889. The trail pass through all climatic zones of the mountain from tropical forest to alpine desert. Uniquely, it is the only route that offers dormitory-style huts for overnight stays.

This route is taken special as it’s a good path for climbing Kilimanjaro during the rainy seasons, from mid-March to late May, and from late October to late December because of comfortable accommodation offered by the huts, which will keep you dry. The Marangu route is essential for 5 and 6 days variations, with the second one being significantly less difficult. With Marangu you will enjoy scenic views of the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro. However, the fact that it uses the same path for ascent and descent it can’t give people chances of having the diversity of sceneries and makes the trail honestly crowded. While the 5 days itinerary might sound tempting, it is much more challenging due to harsh acclimatization and so, we recommend that the beginners to consider the 6 or 7+ days itinerary through the other Kilimanjaro routes so as they can acclimatize well.

RECOMMENDATION:

THE OLDEST ROUTE “MARANGU”

Marangu route is known as the oldest route on Mount Kilimanjaro as it was used by the first summit hiker Hans Meyer 1889 and the only route where you don’t have to sleep in tents. Its famous hut accommodation are also brought up every time the route is discussed.

THE SUMMIT SUCCESS WITH MARANGU ROUT.

The summit success Rate depend on the data number collected for couples of years from the trekkers which is for sure shows as on how in detailed it can be. We have the percent variation of two different sides as shown.

The Marangu 5 days itinerary to Uhuru peak 80% and 82% to Crater rim.

And Marangu 6 days to Uhuru peak 83% and 85% to Crater rim.

In fact the Marangu 6 Days has bigger percent in summit success rates than 5 days. Also you can realize that this root has lower summit success rates than the other root like Machame and Lemosho because is steep and less acclimatization. This is generally for fit beginners hiking on Kilimanjaro for 6 days and the 5 days we recommend most for high-altitude experienced trekkers with good prior acclimatization.

Summit success rates may become high due to the reasons as shown here. This is due to the fact that our talented and well experienced Guides: Extremely well-equipped expeditions, and detailed protocols for dealing with symptoms of altitude sickness is the reason why hikers might fail to reach the peak during the summit night. Tanzania Wildhog Safaris has extensive oxygen tank inventory, carefully packed medical kits on every hike, and rigorous medical check-ups. All those factors ensure that you have the best chances of successfully acclimating to the altitude and reaching Uhuru Peak.

Throughout the entire Marangu route, you will be spending your nights in special huts. They offer a great alternative to those who do not want to sleep in tents.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrival: -

On your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will meet our Tanzania Wildhog Safaris representative, and transfer to the hotel. Where all the essentials for a comfortable stay will be provides. Briefing will be held as per information from our representative before starting your expedition in the next day morning. Private tour packages include shared airport transfers for your group. Extra charges will apply for additional individual transfers. To avoid extra costs, sync your group's arrival and departure times. Also it is important to know that check-in starts at 2:00 PM.

Day 2: Trekking from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut:

This day in the morning our guide and mountain crew will arrive at the hotel meet you for a short and quick briefing, then after you will travel by vehicle to Marangu Gate in east central of the Kilimanjaro National Park. (1,860m/6102f). After checking in and acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Mandara Hut (2,720 m /8,922 f). The trekking route pass through the rainforest (where tropical showers are highly probable), so we recommend you having not only spare clothes but also your raincoats. When you reach at the camp, our mountain crew will prepare lunch for you. Take rest acclimatize for the next days.

Trekking time: 5-6 hours

Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)

Day 3: Mandara hut to Horombo Hut

The early morning of today after breakfast, you will then depart from Mandara Hut. This trek heads to the next high altitude camp: Horombo Hut (3,720 m /12,202 ft.). At this camp today you will have a viewing chances of two peaks at once which are Kibo and Mawenzi. Several hours after lunch you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Kibo Hut with a 200 m /656 ft. gain in altitude, and then hike back down to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight.

TAKE NOTE: By doing this acclimatization hike you practice an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude and is done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take it very seriously, as it helps increase your chances of successfully summiting and save you from the altitude sickness. The acclimatization hike altitude from Horombo Hut (3,720 m / 12,204 ft.). Destination point en route to Kibo Hut (3,920 m / 12,861 ft.)

Hiking distance 2.5 km (1.5 miles)

Hiking time: 1-2 hours

Trekking time: 6 hours

Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut.

After breakfast, the group will be heading to Kibo Hut (4,720 m /15,482 f). The trekking is not very difficult, what we have to remember is only to stick with a proper pace to preserve strength for the summiting day. After arriving at the camp you will have lunch, then here we recommend you sleep as much as you can, avoid any strenuous activity, and drink lots of water.

Trekking time: 4-8 hours

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)

Day 5: Summit to Uhuru peak and descent to Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning around 2am the group will start summiting to Uhuru peak from Kibo Hut in an altitude of (4,720 m /15,482 f) this day will be the day of accomplish the trekking aim. The Uhuru Peak is (5,895 m /19,336 f). The trekking will be sensible from a technical standpoint, but the altitude presents a challenge, making even regular physical activity feel persistent. For the entire summit trek distance the guest will be monitor by the guides in terms of stamina and mental resolve to insure that everyone is okay. After the summit you will return to Kibo Camp for a two hours rest before continuing your descent to Horombo Hut.

Trekking time: 9-12 hours

Distance: 16 km (9.9 miles)

DAY 6: Descent from Horombo hut to Marangu gate

This morning on the way back you will be served a warm breakfast, then after continue to Marangu for exit (Marangu Gate 1,970 m /6,462 f). After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will take chance to share your opinions of the trip in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your honoring certificates and then we take a transfer back to the hotel.

Trekking time: 5-6 hours

Distance: 18 km (11.1 miles)

Day 7: Departure:

Today you will take rest in the hotel and then later transfer to the airport. It is important to know that the Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for extra charges.

What’s Included:

All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.
All camping fees.
Hut fees for Marangu route.
Hotel before and after the hike in (bed and breakfast bases).
Camping equipment (special tents, sleeping mats, camping tables, chairs and Mess/Dining Tent.
3 Fresh Meals on the hike.
Professional guides, cooks and porters
Certificate for successful summiting attempt.
Portable Oxygen tanks.
Oxy-meter carried by all chief guides
Qualified first Aid respond guides and Fully-loaded medical kits.
3-4 litters of mineral drinking water provided daily during the climb
Kilimanjaro Park rescue team fees
All park fees and taxes
Dedicated support team
Storage for remaining luggage that you won’t need on hike.
The local communities giving back.

What’s Excluded:

International flights and Local flights
Item of personal natural
Tips to the climbing crew
Personal medicine and snacks.
Meals which are not specified in the Hotels.
Visa fee
Personal gear rentals
Single supplement
Travel insurance
Portable toilet
Lunch and dinner in the hotel.

Price:

DURATION

1 PAX

2-4 PAXS

5-7 PAXS

8-12 PAXS

7 Days tour (5 Days Trekking)

$2,300

$2,190

$2,090

$1,800

8 Days Tour (6 Days Trekking)

$2,380

$2,255

$2,140

$1,895

MARANGU FACTS AND QUESTIONS:

MARANGU IS KNOWN AS THE COCA COLA ROUTE?

This rout is recognized as the “Coca-Cola route” because it is perceived as one of the Hikers best choice route, as it is comfortable for climbing. However, while it may offer more basic facilities compared to other routes, the climb is still significant challenging and it needs suitable preparation and fitness. Climbers need to recognize that regardless of the route chosen, summiting always needs assurance and preparation.

HOW BETTER MARANGU IS, THAN LEMOSHO?

Both Marangu and Lemosho route are chosen by thousands of hikers. Marangu route’s hut accommodation might appeal to some, while Lemosho offers spectacular views, good acclimatization profile, and higher success rates, especially on its 7 and 8 days itinerary. Marangu has another advantage too, there’s an emergency road to Horombo Hut, at an altitude of 3,720 meters (12,205 feet). Which means in the rare cases when an evacuation is needed, it is essential to do it here fast. However, every camp on Kilimanjaro has a helicopter pad for evacuation cases that require immediate helicopter rescue.

HOW MARANGU ROUTE AND MACHAME ROUTE 6 DAYS VARIES.

Both Machame and Marangu are frequently compared due to their popularity. While the Marangu route offer Huts that are in form of dormitory make’s it to be exceptional in all Kilimanjaro route. This makes it to be better for the Hikers during the rain seasons as it keeps them dry. In comparison to other northern routes like Rongai 7 days. In fact both routes have considerable foot traffic. With Marangu the same trail is used to accent and descent which at most can be crowded. In fact this root minimize chances of having most Kilimanjaro views that can be sported in different angle which is offered by other route. The guest uses this route have high chances of reaching the summit though is a bit lower compare to those who take more days of hiking such as 7+days. This is because of a bit more challenging acclimatization and so, for who asks for either 6 days Machame or Marangu route we can recommend Machame route as it can be a bit easier than Marangu and will lead to high summit success percentage than Marangu.

HOW HARD IS THE MARANGU ROUTE WHILE CLIMBING KILIMANJARO?

When taking Marangu few days from 6 and less is abstemiously difficult route reachable for a variety of trekkers. However, its 5 days variation is considerably more difficult and we don’t recommend it to beginners. The most challenging part of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is usually the summit day within the high-altitude. Itineraries with longer days gives an opportunity to have better acclimatization and make the summit day better.