Marangu Route Overview

Route overview, difficulty, success rates, itinerary, and expert tips

Overview of the Marangu route

The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola route,” is the oldest path up Mount Kilimanjaro and one of the most popular ones. Opting for the Marangu route, you will repeat the very first successful Kilimanjaro summit by Hans Meyer that took place in 1889. The trail lies inside Kilimanjaro National Park, traversing 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.

Considering the Marangu Route? It’s a good pick for climbing Kilimanjaro during the rainy seasons: from mid-March to late May, and from late October to late December because the huts will keep you dry and comfortable. The Marangu route is available in 5- and 6-day variations, with the second one being significantly less difficult.

Safety first: To maintain our strict safety standards, mountain expeditions are available only to participants aged 12–70 years.

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Expert recommendation

The Marangu route offers scenic views of the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro. However, the fact that it uses the same path for ascent and descent limits the variety of sceneries and makes the trail fairly crowded. While the 5-day itinerary might sound tempting, it is much more challenging due to harsh acclimatization. So, beginners should consider the 6-day variation or any 7+ day itinerary on other routes.

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Marangu route on the Kilimanjaro map

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Marangu Route – Summit Success Rate

During our 10 years of operating Kilimanjaro climbs, we’ve collected lots of data on every route regarding summit success rates. We believe those numbers to be fairly accurate. Below you can see the summit success rates on our Marangu route expeditions:

Marangu 5-day itinerary – Uhuru Peak: 83.8%; Crater Rim: 88.0%

Marangu 6-day itinerary – Uhuru Peak: 86.6%; Crater Rim: 93.14%

Note that the Marangu route 6-day itinerary has a higher summit success rate than its 5-day variation. Overall, the Marangu route itineraries have a lower summit success rate compared to routes such as Lemosho 7-day or Machame 7-day. This is due to the steeper acclimatization profile. While Marangu 6 is generally suitable for reasonably fit beginners, the 5-day variation is recommended only for experienced high-altitude trekkers or travelers with good prior acclimatization.

Note that the summit success rates for the Marangu route that we showed you are likely to be higher than those of most other operators. We attribute that fact to our talented and very experienced Kilimanjaro guides, extremely well-equipped expeditions, and detailed protocols for dealing with symptoms of altitude sickness – the main reason why hikers might fail to reach the peak during the summit night. Altezza Travel has the most extensive oxygen tank inventory in the region, full-sized and carefully assembled medical kits on every hike, and rigorous medical check-ups twice a day. All those factors ensure that you have the best chances of successfully acclimating to the altitude and reaching Uhuru Peak.

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Marangu Route Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet your guest experience expert and representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

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.

PLEASE NOTE:Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.

DAY 2

A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park’s eastern entrance: Marangu Gate (1,860m/6102f). After the quick formality of 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 includes passage through the rainforest (where tropical showers are highly probable), so we recommend you take not only spare clothes but also your raincoats. When you reach the camp, our mountain support crew will take care of the necessities and prepare lunch.

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.

PLEASE NOTE:This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:

• Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently);
• To help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness, consider using a preventive measure like a high-altitude aid medicine. Many mountain climbers take such pills in the morning, before they begin their ascent, to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. Our managers will provide more specific details together with your travel itinerary. We recommend consulting your doctor prior to the trip to discuss any potential allergies or health concerns.

At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your breathing pattern at night, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and experience a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Trekking time: 5-6 hours

Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)

DAY 3

The group will wake early for a filling breakfast, and then depart Mandara Hut. This trek heads to the second high altitude camp: Horombo Hut (3,720 m /12,202 f). When you reach the camp on this day, you will be treated to views of two volcanos at once: 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 f gain in altitude, and then hike back down to Horombo Hut where dinner will be prepared for you.

PLEASE NOTE:The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.

Acclimatization hike: // Change in Elevation:

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

On this day, right after breakfast, the group will be trekking to the Kibo Hut (4,720 m /15,482 f). The actual trekking is not very difficult, just remember to stick with an appropriate pace to preserve your strength for the climbing to Kilimanjaro’s summit. When you reach the camp you will be served lunch, after which 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

Your group will depart at night from Kibo Hut (4,720 m /15,482 f) and begin the trek to Kilimanjaro’s summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336 f). The trekking will be moderate from a technical standpoint, but the altitude presents a challenge, making even regular physical activity feel strenuous. For the entire length of the summit trek, each pair of climbers will be accompanied by their own guide, who will be monitoring the pair’s stamina and mental resolve. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Kibo Camp and enjoy a two-hour rest before continuing your descent to Horombo Hut (3,720 m /12,202 f).

PLEASE NOTE:Don’t forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including most broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.

Trekking time: 9-12 hours

Distance: 16 km (9.9 miles)

DAY 6

You will be offered a warm breakfast in the morning, after which we will head for the Kilimanjaro National Park’s exit: Marangu Gate (1,970 m /6,462 f). After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will have the chance to share your opinions on the trip in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates and provide you with a transfer back to the hotel.

Trekking time: 5-6 hours

Distance: 18 km (11.1 miles)

DAY 7

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

PLEASE NOTE:Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.

Prices for Marangu route

Classic Premium // Classic Tarif

Our classic adventures are what the majority of climbers are looking for. The combination of great comfort and high safety standards makes our classic Kilimanjaro hikes enjoyable and memorable. This is the most popular option among our clients.

This climbing package includes everything that a climber may need for the hike – our experienced mountain crews, high-quality group equipment, nutritionist-designed meals. Our safety protocols, though, are the same for all our hiking adventures – only the guides with Wilderness First Responder certification are assigned to lead a party. Other safety measures include a supply of oxygen cylinders, complete medical kits and compulsory medical check-ups (two per day).

The progress of each trekking party is tracked with GPS device. You may share the link with your family and friends, who will be able to monitor your progress in a real-time mode.

Before and after the adventure you will stay in a good hotel with caring staff, hot water, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool.

Marangu route price per person book this Climb

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Marangu Route FAQ

Machame route 6 days vs Marangu route 6 days

Both Machame and Marangu are frequently compared due to their popularity. The fact that Marangu is the only Kilimanjaro route with dormitory-style huts sets it apart. It is particularly suitable for climbing Kilimanjaro during the rainy season, alongside other northern Mount Kilimanjaro routes like Rongai 7. While both routes witness considerable foot traffic, Marangu’s uses the same trail for ascent and descent, which can result in a more congested experience. Additionally, this fact somewhat narrows the variety of landscapes you encounter on the Marangu trail.

Hikers on both these itineraries have approximately 87% chance of reaching the highest summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. However, this rate is slightly lower compared to other extended itineraries that last 7 days or longer. This is primarily due to the more challenging acclimatization. If you’ve decided to choose between Machame 6 and Marangu 6, we would say that Marangu 6 might be a little easier.

Which route is better Marangu or Lemosho?

Both Kilimanjaro Marangu route and Lemosho route are chosen by thousands of hikers every year. Marangu route’s hut accommodation might appeal to some, while Lemosho offers stunning views, an easier acclimatization profile, and higher success rates, especially on its 7 and 8-day variations.

Marangu has another advantage that we can mention: there’s an emergency road to Horombo Hut, at an altitude of 3,720 meters (12,205 feet). This means that in the rare cases when an evacuation is needed, it would be possible to organize it faster on this route. However, every camp on Kilimanjaro has a helicopter pad for evacuation cases that require immediate helicopter rescue.

What is the success rate of the Marangu route Kilimanjaro?

Nearly 84% of Altezza Travel hikers on Marangu 5-days and 87% of hikers on the 6-day itinerary make it to the summit. This is quite high compared to historic data or other operators. However, longer 7-day itineraries on other routes can offer even higher summit success rates.

Why is Marangu called the Coca Cola route?

The Marangu route itinerary on Mount Kilimanjaro is often referred to as the “Coca-Cola route” because it is perceived as one of the more “touristy” or “comfortable” routes to climb Kilimanjaro. However, while it may offer more basic amenities compared to other routes, the climb still presents significant challenges and requires adequate preparation and fitness. Climbers need to recognize that regardless of the route chosen, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro needs commitment and some preparation.

How hard is the Marangu route for climbing Kilimanjaro?

Marangu 6 days is a moderately difficult route accessible for a variety of climbers. However, its 5-day variation is significantly more difficult and we do not recommend it to beginners. The most challenging part of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is usually the summit day in the high-altitude desert. Longer itineraries provide an opportunity to achieve better acclimatization and make the summit day more manageable.

How many days is the Marangu route?

The Marangu Route is available in two variations or itineraries: 5 or 6 days. The 6-day variation is a moderately challenging hike, while the 5-day Marangu route is recommended only for experienced high-altitude or those with good prior acclimatization.

What is the Marangu route known for?

The Marangu route is known as the oldest route on Mount Kilimanjaro and the only route where you don’t need to sleep in tents. Its famous hut accommodation are also brought up every time the route is discussed. And for a cool fact: our friend Alexis Peltier once landed a plane near Kibo Hut on the Marangu route!