MARANGU ROUTE – OVERVIEW
Marangu Route, commonly known as the Coca-Cola route is more popular and also the cheapest because it can be done in fewer days and has permanent sleep huts at the campsites. Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep and passes Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. It is a shorter route with a steeper incline and less time for acclimatization it tends to have a lower summit success rate. This is the only route where the ascent and descent routes are shared, thus creating more traffic.
Tanzania Alpine Chat Adventure offers a unique service throughout the climb
Climbing Kilimanjaro is the ultimate challenge! You will be accompanied by professional guides, porters, and a cook during your ascent to Uhuru Peak via the Marangu route. Our crew will take care of you and perform a health check every morning and evening to make sure everything is in order. In addition, the accompanying cook will serve you delicious food during this tour. The quality of the food is at the top of our priority list, as you depend on good food during the strenuous climb. If you would like to have a look at the menu in advance, we will be happy to send it to you.
Our customers experience climbing Kilimanjaro via the Marangu route as an unforgettable experience! As soon as you have confirmed your booking with us, we will send you a comprehensive document to prepare for the trip.
How fit do you need to be to climb Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route?
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a real challenge due to the altitude, rate of ascent, and different temperatures. During an average climbing day, you will walk four to five hours per day. If you are healthy and fit it is absolutely within reach. There are many things you can do to increase your chances of reaching the summit and to make sure you enjoy the trek.
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You must take your time. Don’t hike too fast so your body has time to adapt and acclimatize.
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Prepare. Being in good shape also makes the climb much easier. Go hiking a few months before the climb, especially multiple-day hikes are excellent training. But also, running and aerobic exercise are a good preparation.
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Add an extra day. It is always difficult to predict who will be affected by altitude sickness. By adding one extra day to your climb, you will reduce this risk. Since you spread the climb over more days your body gets more time to get used to the higher altitude. We do advise you to do this to increase the chance of making it to the top.
If you like advice on how to prepare yourself for climbing Kilimanjaro, you can always contact us
Day 0: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport transfer, overnight stay at Chanya Lodge.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met with an Alpine Chat Adventure representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. 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 Professional Mountain guide, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
Day 1: Marangu Gate - Mandara Huts
A guide and support crew will meet you for orientation before traveling to Marangu Gate. Obtain permits and register before trekking to Mandara Hut through the rainforest. Bring raincoats, spare clothes, gaiters, and trekking poles for the muddy trail. At camp, the crew will prepare lunch. Drink over 3 liters of water daily and consider altitude medicine. Inform your guide of any altitude sickness symptoms.
DAY 2: Mandara Huts - Horombo Huts
After breakfast, you will leave the rainforest and ascend through heathland, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels, and proceed into the moorlands. Midway, you’ll stop for lunch. An acclimatization hike towards Kibo Hut follows, gaining 200 meters before returning to Horombo Hut for dinner and views of Mawenzi. The acclimatization hike is crucial to prevent altitude sickness. The day’s details are 11 km (3 mi) covered over 5-6 hours, from 2,740 m (9,000 ft) to 3,720 m (12,100 ft).
DAY 3: Horombo Huts - Kibo Huts
After breakfast, the trek continues through heathland to the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Maintain a steady pace to conserve energy for the summit. Upon reaching camp, have lunch, rest, avoid strenuous activity, and stay hydrated. The day’s journey covers 10 km (6 mi) over 6-8 hours, with an elevation gain from 3,690 m (12,100 ft) to 4,700 m (15,400 ft).
DAY 4: Kibo Huts -Summit Uhuru Peak - Horombo Huts
Excitement builds as we prepare for an early start, beginning the most challenging part of the trek in a switchback ascent toward the summit. We climb through scree and possibly snow to reach Gillman’s Point on the crater rim, where a magnificent sunrise awaits. The final hour to Uhuru Peak, likely through snow, brings the reward of reaching the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, we descend steeply back to Horombo Huts, stopping at Kibo for lunch. The day covers a 4 km (2.5 mi) ascent in 5-7 hours from 4,700 m (15,400 ft) to 5,895 m (19,340 ft), and a 14 km (9 mi) descent in 5-6 hours back to 3,720 m (12,100 ft).
DAY 5: Horombo Huts - Marangu Gate – Moshi, overnight stay at Chanya Lodge.
You will have a warm breakfast in the morning before heading to Marangu Gate (1,830 m / 6,462 ft). After a ceremony with your crew, we begin our descent, stopping briefly at Mandara Huts. The descent is wet, muddy, and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you’ll receive summit certificates and have the chance to share your trip experience. A vehicle will then take you back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower, dinner, and celebrations. You’ll stay overnight before being transferred to your next destination.
DAY 0: Departure transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport
Today marks the bittersweet culmination of your extraordinary journey with us. If you wish to extend your adventure, we offer enriching day trips before your departure, tailored to your interests. As you depart for Kilimanjaro International Airport, carry with you the indelible moments and triumphs of conquering Kilimanjaro. It has been our privilege to guide you, and we sincerely thank you for choosing Alpine Chat Adventure. Safe travels and warm wishes until we meet again!
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