Marangu Route

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About

Marangu Route

Dubbed the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu Route is a classic trail to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. As the oldest and most established route, it is favored by climbers coming on Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing expeditions for its relative ease, comfort, and unique opportunity to stay in huts instead of camping.

Key Features

  • Duration: 5 or 6 days; shorter than other Kilimanjaro Routes
  • Distance: 72 km or 45 miles
  • Difficulty: Low
  • Success Rates: Low; for the 5-day trek the success rate is 50%
  • Scenic Variety: As the ascent and descent routes are the same; hence it is labeled as less scenic as compared to other routes.

Conditions And Distance

The Marangu Route covers about 72 kilometers, starting from the southeastern side of Kilimanjaro. The trail undergoes a uniform progression through different ecological zones, from montane rainforest to alpine desert, and ultimately the arctic zone.

  • Trail: The Marangu Route is generally well-maintained, though it can be steep in parts. Get ready to traverse the misty forests, moorlands, Saddle (high-altitude alpine desert), and some rocky paths as you approach the summit.
  • Weather: Weather conditions can vary significantly, from tropical warmth at the base to freezing temperatures at the summit.
  • Wildlife: The lower elevations are known for their rich biodiversity, including monkeys and vibrant birdlife. You are going to locate blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, rats, bush infants, and hyenas near your hut accommodations.

Duration

Typically, it takes 5 to 6 days to complete the Kilimanjaro Mountain trek via Marangu Route. The extra day allows for better acclimatization and a higher chance of successfully reaching the summit.

  • A 5-day trek can be challenging due to the quick ascent and limited acclimatization.
  • The 6-day option is more popular, providing climbers an extra day to acclimatize and rest.

How Hard Is The Marangu Route?

While the Marangu Route is often considered the easiest path up Kilimanjaro, it still poses challenges. Only the altitude and the final summit day are demanding, and physical fitness, along with mental determination, is necessary for success.

  • Elevation: Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a potential challenge due to the high altitude as the route reaches the Kilimanjaro summit at a height of 5895 meters (19,341 feet)
  • Terrain: The path is mainly gradual with a few steep areas, particularly on the final summit day.
  • Fitness: While it's less demanding than other routes, maintaining a good fitness level is still necessary.

Day-By-Day Breakdown

A typical Marangu Route Kilimanjaro itinerary looks like this:

  • Day 1 - Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut: Trek through lush rainforests, soaking in the verdant surroundings.
  • Day 2 - Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut: Transition from rainforest to moorland, offering sweeping views of the surroundings.
  • Day 3 - Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut: This additional day is spent hiking on Mawenzi Ridge for acclimatization purposes. Experience the scenic and motivating views of Mawenzi and Kibo.
  • Day 4 - Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut: Travel through the striking lunar landscape of the alpine desert.
  • Day 5 - Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut: Begin the early morning summit push, celebrate at the peak, and descend to Horombo Hut.
  • Day 6 - Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate: Descend through moorland and lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, marking the end of the Kilimanjaro Trek.

To sum it up, the Marangu Route is an excellent choice for climbers seeking a less physically strenuous route, or those who prefer the comfort of sleeping in huts over tents. So, if you are a first-time trekker or someone who values convenience over simplicity, Marangu could be your perfect route for Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing expeditions.

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