Marangu Route
The Marangu route, famously known as the “Coca-Cola” route, stands as Kilimanjaro’s oldest and most well-established trail. It distinguishes itself by providing dormitory-style sleeping huts instead of traditional camping options. Mandara and Kibo Huts each house 60 bunk beds, while Horombo Hut boasts 120 bunk beds. Although mattresses and pillows are provided, guests still need to bring their sleeping bags. The huts feature communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and water buckets at Kibo Hut.
Marangu is a preferred choice due to its reputation as the easiest ascent, thanks to a gradual slope and a direct path. However, the limited duration of the route poses challenges for altitude acclimatization. Approaching Kilimanjaro from the southeast, Marangu’s drawback lies in its less scenic appeal compared to other routes, as it follows the same path for both ascent and descent, making it the most crowded option.
Description
- No great for acclimatization,
- High success rate – 70% for 5 days and 80% for 6 days.
- Distance – from the gate to the top is 34km and from the top to gate is 35km, total distance is 68km
- Duration- 5 or 6 days – common 6 days
Overview
Marangu Route: Length, Duration, Difficulty, Success.
Distance:
The Marangu route spans approximately 66 km or 41 miles.
Duration:
Typically completed in 5 days, the Marangu route offers a 6-day variation that is notably more favorable.
Difficulty:
While the Marangu route features a gradual elevation gain that is not physically demanding, its brief duration categorizes it as a challenging climb. The limited time spent on the mountain poses difficulties for climbers in acclimatizing.
Success Rate:
Success rate – 70% for 5 days, 80% for 6 days.
8 Day Marangu Route Itinerary
DAY 1 – Arrival
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our experts will greet you and escort you to the hotel in Moshi for dinner and breakfast, following the provided instructions. Later, we will convene for a Kilimanjaro briefing and equipment check.
DAY 2 – Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Overview
- Hours of driving – 3 hours of driving to marangu gate.
- Elevation to the starting point (gate)- 1800m. Route
- Name of the camp- mandara hut.
- Elevation of the next destination – 2700m.
- Total elevation gain of the day – 900m.
- Ecological zone/habitat – rain forest.
- Hiking time – 4 to 6 hours.
- Distance – 8.5km.
- Water-minimum 2 liters maximum 3liters.
- Lunch – saved at the gate.
- Attractions of the day- big trees like east africa yellow wood, flowers like fireball lily, primates like black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, animals like tree hyrax and genet cat, birds like turaco, white eyes, robin chart.
Description
After breakfast, you’ll be directed to gather your hiking equipments by our experts guides. we’ll transport you from Arusha to Marangu gate at 1830m/7,000ft. On this day you’ll be hiking through the rainforest. This stage offers a chance to observe wildlife. The day concludes at Mandara Hut at 2700m/8,858ft, where dinner and overnight accommodations await. The trek covers a distance of 8km/4 miles, taking 3-4 hours, with a habitat primarily in the rainforest.
DAY 3 – Mandara Hut ot Horombo Hut
Overview
- Hiking from mandara camp to horombo camp.
- The elevation of starting point 2700m.
- The elevation of the next camp 3720m.
- The elevation gain of the day is 1020m
- Hiking time – 6 to 9 hours.
- Distance – 10.5km.
- Lunch -saved on the way.
- Evening hiking or acclimatization – absent.
- Water- minimum 3 liters and maximum 5 liters.
- Habitat/ecology zone – heather zone/ moorland.
Description
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Today’s journey takes us from the forest to moorland, providing stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arriving at Horombo hut at 3720m/12,204ft, you can relax and enjoy the scenery. The trek covers a distance of 10.5 km/6.5 miles, taking 6 – 9 hours, with a habitat in heather and moorland.
DAY 4 – Horombo Hut
Overview
- Spend the second day at horombo camp for acclimatization.
Description
On the third day, we head towards Mawenzi hut, passing the zebra rocks. This day is dedicated to acclimatization, Meals are provided throughout the day during the 4-5 hours of walking.
DAY 5 – Horombo to Kibo Hut
Overview
- Hiking from horombo camp to kibo camp.
- The elevation of the starting point is 3720m.
- The elevation of the next camp is 4720m.
- Distance -8km.
- Duration of hiking- 6 to 8 hours.
- Lunch- saved at the camp or on the way to the camp.
Description
Today, we venture into the alpine desert, covering a distance of 8km/4.9 miles over 6 – 8 hours to reach Kibo Hut at 4720m/15,419ft. This hut offers a comfortable resting place before the final ascent.
DAY 6 – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, Uhuru to Horombo Hut
Overview
- Please pleaase note that is gonna be the long day, think about 14 to 16 hours.
- Hiking from kibo hut/school hut camp to uhuru peak (to the summit of mount kilimanjaro).
- Elevation of the starting point -4720m.
- The elevation of uhuru peak (the summit of kilimanjaro) – 5895m.
- The elevation gain to uhuru peak -1175m.
- Hiking time to the summit of Kilimanjaro – 6 to 8 hours.
- Hiking time to Kibo – 4 hours.
- Hiking time ftom kibo hut to Horombo – 4 hours.
- Distance to uhuru peak from kibo hut -6km.
- Distance from uhuru peak to horombo camp – 20km.
- Ecological zone- arctic zone to the top, below 5000m – alpine desert zone and moor land.
- How to dress for the summit ascend – the expedition leader will explain on how to dress up for the summit after checking your summiting gear.
- What to pack in your backpack –, water, wallet, passport, few energy bars, small first aid kit, extra fleece, sun hat, sunscreen and cameras, any identity to take pictures with it like the national flag of your country, t-shirt from where you are working, the flag from your company, pictures of your love’s one.
Description
Beginning at midnight, we ascend through volcanic scree to Gilmans point at 5685m/18,651ft. Continuing across the snow leads to Uhuru Peak at 5895m/19,340ft. After descending to Kibo Hut, a brief stop precedes moving to Horombo Hut. Covering 20km/12 miles, this stretch takes 11-15 hours, with the habitat in the summit zone.
Day 7 – Horombo to Marangu Gate, to Hotel (5-9hrs walking)
Overview
- Hiking time-6 to 9 hours.
- Distance -19km.
- What to pack in your backpack- hardshell jacket and hardshell pants, wallet, passport, water and sunglasses
- Ecological zone –mor land &rainforest zone.
Say goodbye to the team at the gate.
Description
The final day takes us to Marangu National Park Gate at 1830m/6003ft, passing through Mandara Hut at 2700m/8,858ft. Summit certifications are awarded for the successful climb before heading back to the hotel in Arusha for a concluding dinner. The trek covers a distance of 20km/12 miles, primarily in the rainforest habitat. This marks the end of the journey.
Day 8 – Explore more options or Departure
Climbing cost includes
- Hotel before & after the climb.
- Meals on the climb.
- Camping equipment like – tents, chairs, tables, sleeping mattress.
- Professional expedition leaders, guides, cooks, waiter and porters.
- All park fees and taxes.
- Portable toilet.
- All transfers.
- Dedicated supporting team.( best guides, best cooks and best porters)
- Safety equipment like –
- Oxygen tanks,
- Portable stretchers.
- Pulse oxmiters,
- Portable Altitude Chamber for the creator camp and northern circuit.
- Evacuation report forms.
- Stethoscope for checking pulmonary edema.
- Fully- loaded medical kits.
Climbing cost excludes
- International flights.
- Tips to the climbing team.
- Visa fees.
- Personal gear rentals.
- Travel insurance.
- Lunch and dinner in the hotel.
- Drinks in the hotel.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the Length of the Machame Route?
The Machame route covers a distance of approximately 62 km or 37 miles, with a total elevation gain ranging from approximately 16,000 to 17,000 feet.
How Many Days Does it Take to Ascend Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route?
The Machame route offers various options and can be completed in 6 to 7 days.
How Challenging is the Climb of Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route?
Considered a challenging route due to its considerable distance and elevation gain, the Machame route involves strenuous ascents and descents. Despite this, its well-structured acclimatization schedule positions it as a moderately difficult route.
What is the Success Rate of Climbing Kilimanjaro using the Machame Route?
Success rates are contingent on the duration spent on the mountain. Across all operators, it’s estimated that 6-day Machame climbs boast a success rate of approximately 50%, while 7-day Machame climbs achieve around 70%. Our 6-day Machame route enjoys a success rate of approximately 90%, and the 7-day Machame route reaches an impressive 98% success rate.
What is the Cost of Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route?
The cost varies based on the duration of the climb. Currently, our pricing for a group ascent on the 7-day Machame route is $2,699 per person. Explore all our pricing details here.
Other Routes
Marangu Route
6 days + 2 Night at the hotel
Machame Route
7 days + 2 nights at the hotel
Lemosho Route
7 days + 2 night at the hotel
Shira Route
8 days + 2 nights at the hotel
Northern Circuit
9 days + 2 night at the hotel
Rongai Route
6 days + 2 nights at the hotel
Umbwe Route
6 days + 2 night at the hotel
Crater Camp Route
8 days + 2 nights at the hotel
Mount Meru Hiking
4 days
Kilimanjaro climb
3 days