Do we support any porters initiative

Very definitely yes. Porters and guides are the life blood of any successful mountain climb. Through our partners in Tanzania we support various charity initiatives including the most important Kilimanjaro Porters Society. This society was registered under the name Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society on 30th September 2005 as a non governmental organization with a certificate no 13296 under the organization art of the United Republic of Tanzania. The society exists as a shield for porters who are registered under it with the goal of improving the living and working condition of these porters.

Is Marangu Route busy?

Yes, much busier than the others, because it is 1) the lowest in cost, b) the shortest and c) because it offers huts.

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro on Marangu?

There are two distinct trekking seasons during which is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro. They are January-March and June-October. January-March is generally colder than June-October and there is a higher probability of encountering snow on the summit.

What are the temperatures like on Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is just three degrees south of the equator, so the lower slopes are generally hot and dry reaching 25°C during the day. This quickly dips with each ecological zone however, open heathlands, alpine desert and then, at the summit, categorically Arctic. Temperatures at Uhuru Peak are between -7 to -29°C.

What are the toilets like?

This is a popular question. The toilets that are available on the mountain are pretty rudimentary unless you are on Marangu, and are really just a wooden or block building with a hole in the ground (or a 'long drop'). One option though it adds to the cost is to hire a portable toilet. Finally, although there may not be toilet facilities when you really need them during the days trek, we ask that you seek out a 'loo with a view' away from the path, and keep your used paper in a small bag to dispose of later at camp so as to preserve the environment.

What is altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness, also called mountain sickness, is a group of general symptoms that are brought on by climbing or walking to a higher and higher altitude (elevation) too quickly. High altitude is defined as 8,000 - 12,000 feet (2400 - 2600m) above sea level. Altitude sickness can affect anyone who goes to high altitudes without giving the body time to adjust to the changes in air pressure and oxygen level. Symptoms usually come on within 12 to 24 hours of reaching a higher elevation and then get better within a day or two as your body adjusts to the change in altitude. Because Kilimanjaro has a rapid ascent profile ie. 1000m a day, altitude sickness tends to be more common than on some other treks. It is for this reason that taking your time is vitally important and why shorter routes have a lower success rate.

MARANGU ROUTE

Marangu Route Kilimanjaro: The Quickest and Most Popular Trekking Route

The Marangu Route , often referred to as the Coca-Cola Route, is one of the most popular and quickest ways to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its moderate difficulty, it is the perfect choice for climbers seeking a less strenuous climb, especially those new to high-altitude trekking.This route stands out for its unique features, including dormitory-style huts at various camps along the way, offering a more comfortable option compared to camping. Climbers can rest at Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, and Kibo Hut, which are equipped with bunk beds, though you'll need to bring your own sleeping bag. These huts provide basic bathroom facilities, with running water and flushing toilets at the lower camps and more basic amenities at higher altitudes.

Why Choose the Marangu Route?
Ease of Ascent: Compared to other Kilimanjaro routes, the Marangu Route offers a more moderate ascent. This makes it suitable for first-time trekkers and those seeking a less demanding climb.
Accommodations: Unlike other routes that require camping, the Marangu Route features huts for climbers. With over 60 bunk beds at Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 at Horombo Hut, climbers enjoy a sheltered and relatively comfortable stay. The communal dining rooms and basic bathroom facilities ensure a more comfortable trekking experience.
Quick and Efficient: This route is known for being one of the fastest ways to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, typically completed in five days. However, adding an extra day for acclimatization is highly recommended to improve your chances of reaching the summit and avoiding altitude sickness.
Porter and Cook Support: Porters carry all your equipment and supplies, while a cook prepares your meals. This allows you to focus on the trek and enjoy the experience without worrying about logistics.

The Marangu Route Itinerary
While the climb can be done in as few as five days, most climbers opt for a six-day itinerary for better acclimatization and higher summit success rates. Here's a typical Marangu Route itinerary:
Day 1: Drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Marangu Gate, followed by a trek to Mandara Hut.
Day 2: Hike from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut.
Day 3: Continue from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut.
Day 4: Summit day, starting from Kibo Hut early in the morning to the summit, then descend to Horombo Hut.
Day 5: Descend to the Marangu Gate.

The route is an out-and-back path, meaning you’ll ascend and descend using the same route, which limits scenic variety compared to other Kilimanjaro routes. Nevertheless, climbers enjoy the lush Marangu Forest on the lower part of the climb and can witness the changing landscapes as they move higher up.

What to Expect on the Marangu Route
Dormitory Huts: The only route offering dormitory-style hut accommodation, with various facilities at each hut to ensure climbers' comfort.
Porters and Cooks: Enjoy the support of porters who carry your gear, and a cook who prepares your meals along the way.
Moderate Difficulty: The Marangu Route is less physically demanding than other Kilimanjaro routes, making it a good choice for first-time trekkers.

Success Rates and Tips for the Marangu Route
Although the Marangu Route is known for its quick ascent, it is crucial to follow an acclimatization schedule. Ascending too quickly can lead to altitude sickness, so climbers should consider the six-day trek to ensure they have enough time to adjust to the high altitudes.

The Marangu Route is perfect for those seeking a shorter, more straightforward climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, with moderate difficulty and the comfort of hut accommodations. With a success rate boosted by proper acclimatization, it remains one of the most popular choices for climbers worldwide.

If you are looking for answers to specific questions, read here or go here to see some of our blog posts

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MARANGU route at a glance

Sleep in huts on the mountain

From 5 trekking days but best done in 6 days

Starts in Marangu forest and joins Rongai and Northern Routes

A longer slower approach but with less acclimatisation

Summit via Kibo Hut and Gilmans Point

MARANGU ROUTE ITINERARY

Day-1: Kilimanjaro International Airport arrival and transfer to hotel.

Day 2: Marangu Gate (1860m) - Mandara hut (2715m)
Elevation: 1,860m to 2,700m
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

We leave Moshi town at about 0900hrs for Marangu Gate and start hiking between about 10h30 and 12h00. The route takes one through a thick rainforest from the park gate to Mandara Hut. Dinner is served during the early evening in the communal dining areas.

Day-3: Mandara Hut - Horombo Huts (3700m)

Elevation: 2,700m to 3,700m
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Heath Zone
After breakfast we start out towards Horombo Huts on a route that will take about 5-6 hours. The climb will take us through the heath zone with small shrubs being the main vegetation. At our lunch stop about half way up, we will get stunning views across to Mawenzi. We will arrive at Horombo Hut around 15h00 with Kibo summit already in view.

Day-4: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

Elevation: 3,700m to 4,700m
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Heath Zone

Wake to breakfast as usual. Pack and begin the hike to Kibo Huts. The first half of the day's hike traverses the upper heath land while the second half crosses the vast saddle that connects Mawenzi and Kibo. The saddle is an alpine desert that resembles a lunar landscape. It is here that you may begin to feel the first effects of altitude with Shortness of breath and irritability, assuming it had not taken effect earlier on the climb. The day's hike should take 6 to 7 hours, stopping half way for lunch.

Day 5: Summit via Gilman's Point to Uhuru Peak (5895 m/19340 ft) and descend to Horombo Huts (3700 m/12200 ft)
Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m to 3,700m
Distance: 24 km/14 miles
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
Habitat: Alpine Arctic to Heath Zone

Wake around midnight and prepare for the summit ascent. This part of the hike is carried out during the early morning before dawn so that the climbers reach Kilimanjaro Uhuru Peak at around sunrise. Leave at about 1:00am and reach Gilman's Point at about 7:00am. The climbers are met with views of the crater from Gilman's Point. Another 2 hours of hiking will bring you to the long awaited summit, Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft) at about 8:30 am. From there you will descend back to Kibo Hut, collect your possessions and cross the saddle again at Horombo Huts where you will spend the night. After eating dinner, you will get some well-deserved sleep.

Day-7: Horombo to Mandara Huts to Park Gate
Elevation: 3,700m to 1,860m
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

You will wake as usual, pack and then descend along the same route to Mandara Huts, where you will have lunch, before heading down to the park gate where you will be met by your transport back to Moshi. You should reach the park gate around 14h00
Day-8: Depart

After breakfast you are transferred to Kilimanjaro airport for your flight home.

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bELOW ARE SOME OF THE QUESTIONS WE ARE FREQUENTLY ASKED ABOUT KILIMANJARO

Is Kilimanjaro a technical climb?

No. Kilimanjaro is a trekking peak in that you essentially hike or trek to summit. No technical expertise is required, nor use of rope etc. There are sections on the mountain which require a scramble up rocky areas, dependant on which trekking path you follow. On Marangu there are no scramble areas.

How difficult is the Marangu Route?

Marangu route is the only Kilimanjaro climbing route that offers hutted accommodation and is often referred to as the 'Coca Cola' route or the 'Tourist route'. This is because it is 1) the lowest in cost, b) the shortest and c) because it offers huts. Therefore it is the busiest route. It also used the same path up and down. It has a slow and steady altitude gain until the final night where it gets very steep and to it is called the ' easier route'. The final ascent is also steeper than on the other routes from Kibo to Gilmans. However, its success rate is lower overall due to its quicker ascent profile can be hard going as you ascend 1500m in anything from 5.5 to 9 hours. Apart from that, after the summit you need to descent 3000m in 16-18 hours making it challenging. So while you don’t need to be a super athlete or have prior climbing experience it is important to be active and committed to training prior to the climb.

How long is Marangu Route?

Kilimanjaro Marangu route is approximately 70 km /42 miles from gate to gate. Most trekkers complete the Marangu route in 5 days but it is best done over 6 to increase your chances of acclimatization and therefore success.

Will we have access to fresh running water at camps?

There are several streams on the trail and porters will collect water from them. The cook then boils this water for you to fill you water bottles for your days hike. You can also use purifier tablets in stream water or add it to your boiled water however it can also have an effect on the diamox and make you feel nauseous. The higher you climb the less water there. On the Machame trail, for example, the last water point is at the Karanga Valley, the lunch-stop before Barafu; on Marangu, it’s just before the Saddle. For this reason it is essential that you carry enough bottles for at least two litres.

When is the best time or months to climb Kilimanjaro?

The warmest months with the clearest trekking days, are from mid to late December, January, February, September and October. The rains often come in April and the start of May with the possibility of some snow. June through to August are superb trekking months, though evening temperatures tend to be colder. The wettest months are November and early December, where snowfalls are likely. Note however, that as this is a mountain it is not impossible to get sporadic snow or rainfall at odd times throughout the year, although the snow normally only falls above 4800m.

What are the huts like on Marangu Route?

The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut. Mandara and Kibo Huts have 60 beds each and the Horombo Hut sleeps 120 people.

How does Marangu compare to other routes?

Physically, the Marangu and other routes are quite diffrent mainly because the buk of the volcanic activity from the eruption was towards the west (the Machame and Umbwe side) of the moutain. For this reason, the western side is much steeper and more rugged than Marangu. The ether routes that are not as steep as the western routes are Rongai and Northern Route

Which is the best route to follow to climb Kilimanjaro?

There are 7 summit routes; namely, Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame. Of all the routes, Machame is by far the most scenic albeit steeper route up the mountain. The Rongai is the easiest camping route and the Marangu is also easier but accommodation is in huts. As a result, this route tends to be very busy and ascent and descent routes are the same. Both of the latter have lower prospects to acclimitise by the climb high sleep low principle unless one adds on extra days. The Northern Circuit, approaches Kibo from the west, crossing the caldera of Shira Volcano before turning north to follow the trail through Moir Valley and around the northern side of Kilimanjaro.

The Shira, Lemosho and Machame all meet up before Lava Tower (day three), and then with Umbwe at Baranco Camp (end of day three). Marangu, Rongai and Northern Circuit all meet up at Kibo Huts.

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How hard is it to hike to Everest Base Camp compared to Kilimanjaro?

Most people think Everest Base Camp is higher than Kilimanjaro but surprise surprise, it is not. Base camp of Everest (or rather Kala Pathar – the little hill you climb up above base camp) is actually 5545m, whereas Kilimanjaro summit is 5895m.

People also think it is a tougher hike than Kilimanjaro, but Kilimanjaro is actually regarded as tougher by those who have done both.

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How will the altitude affect me on Kilimanjaro?

This is a really difficult one to answer directly - "how will I cope with the altitude". To be honest, this is an ' unknown' factor as no-one can predict how your body will cope at altitude. People who have been to altitude many times in the past without problems, may on one climb suddenly develop problems. There are many factors that play a role. The only way to help combat this, is to take all of the necessary precautions, and walk slowly, pole pole. Choosing a path like Machame where you get to follow the principle of "climb high, sleep low" is also advisable.

How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro?

The Kilimanjaro National Park fees are something that nobody can escape and are a large portion of your climb cost. For a six day/five night camping trek you pay about $800 in fees alone! So on average a climb will cost you between $1450 and $2800 depending on the number of days, number of people and the route that you take. There are some operators who will quote you $1000 for a trek - ask yourself, what are they skimping on and who is going to suffer as a result. You? Your safety? The porters?

Where can I get climbing Insurance for Kilimanjaro?

If you are going hiking or climbing or trekking then you need extra cover for your activities. Hiking and Climbing have become popular for many adventure seekers looking to add a climb up Kilimanjaro or a trek to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna or even Island Peak to their list of amazing adventures. But any climb to high altitude carries with it a number of risks and having the correct and good trekking insurance is an absolute must. We recommend two different groups depending on whcih contry you reside in. For further details, click on the icon

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questions

Q: How difficult is Marangu Route

The Marangu route is the only Kilimanjaro climbing route that offers hutted accommodation and is often referred to as the 'Coca Cola' route or the 'Tourist route'. This is because it is 1) the lowest in cost, b) the shortest and c) because it offers huts. Therefore it is the busiest route. It also used the same path up and down. It has a slow and steady altitude gain until the final night where it gets very steep and to it is called the ' easier route'. The final ascent is also steeper than on the other routes from Kibo to Gilmans. However, its success rate is lower overall due to its quicker ascent profile.

Q: What are the huts like on Marangu?

There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. The huts provide comfortable communal sleeping, equipped with solar lighting. There are also cold showers and flushing toilets at Mandara hut and Horombo hut. Kibo has long drop toilets.

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