This Marangu Route is also referred to as the “Tourist Route” or “Coca-Cola Route” because it is the most popular of all the routes. And because the route is the only one offering sleeping huts with beverages like Coca-Cola along the way, it is considered tourist-friendly.
Marangu is the easiest of all the routes on Mount Kilimanjaro where the ascending is very much gradual and steady. This is much less painful and challenging as compared to the other routes. But as per the stats, only about 35% of the people reach the top, primarily because they are ill-prepared.
The trekking journey commences at the southeast area of the mountain near the Marangu Gate. It takes a minimum of five days to complete, however, six days is recommended and is deemed more practical. There are living structures all along the way with a dining hall and bunk beds all equipped with mattresses and pillows which are known as sleeping huts. Descend will be down the same path which sometimes makes the Marangu route seem overcrowded. It is cheaper to climb as well because of the small distance between the gate and Moshi, thus making it a shorter route to cover.
On your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport a member of our staff will be at holding a We wild Travel placard. You will then be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register, and commence the climb. Through the rainforest, you walk to the Mandara escarpment. If you want a better view of the surroundings including regions of Kenya and Tanzania, you should consider taking a side trip to Maundi Crater. In the rainforest, you can spot towering Eucalyptus trees, varied birdlife, and numerous Colobus monkeys.
You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
As we ascend further, we pass the last watering spot and walk into the saddle of Kilimanjaro which is in between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The rich vegetation starts once you advance into the upper heath land, but then gradually diminishes. Dinner will be arranged at the hut and you’ll relax and prepare for the next summit day.
The trekking will resume between midnight to 2 am and we’ll head towards the summit to the Gilman’s Point which is at the crater rim through a route filled with heavy scree and snow. Following that, we’ll ascend to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. You’ll be gifted with unbelievable.Once at the summit, you can take pictures which you will act as souvenirs for your friends and family back home. After spending some time up there, you’ll be descending down to the Horombo escarpment. Lunch on route The climb will begin in way before sunrise in the darkness, thus you’ll be requiring headlamps and flashlights. Until you start descending, it’s going to be extremely cold and you’ll need warm layer of clothes. This will be by far the most demanding part of the trekking journey and a strong will power and an optimistic attitude is required to complete it!
Following breakfast, you’ll be descending down to the Mandara Hut through a moorland trail. Then through a lush forest path, you’ll be further descending to Marangu to the National Park gate. The lower elevations will most likely be muddy and wet where gaiters and trekking poles will come in handy. Shorts and t-shirts are more than enough to wear, however, do pack rain gear and warm clothes. Youth Adventures vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
Depart Tanzania or continue your dream with amazing safari extensions.
For trekkers not continuing with a safari, we provide transfers to Kilimanjaro International Airport or bus station for your onward journey.
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