Marangu route
The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the oldest and one of the most straightforward trekking routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its easier and more direct path, it is the only route that offers hut accommodations throughout the entire climb, making it a preferred option for climbers who wish to avoid camping. This route is often considered a great choice for those who want a quicker ascent, as it is typically completed in 5 to 6 days.
Starting from the Marangu Gate on the southeastern side of Kilimanjaro, the trail ascends through lush rainforest, where trekkers may encounter monkeys and a variety of birds. As you climb higher, the vegetation changes to moorlands, and the landscape becomes more rugged and barren. Despite its straightforward nature, the route still offers stunning views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes.
Unlike other routes, the Marangu Route does not offer a distinct “walk high, sleep low” strategy. This means that the climbers spend less time acclimatizing, which can make it more difficult for some individuals to adjust to the altitude. However, this can be mitigated by taking the 6-day option, which gives extra time to acclimatize
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The Marangu Route is typically less physically demanding than the Machame or Lemosho routes, making it more attractive for climbers who are looking for a more comfortable experience with shorter, less strenuous days. However, its higher success rate tends to be lower than the Machame or Lemosho routes due to the faster pace and shorter acclimatization time.
On this route, trekkers usually spend the night in basic huts, providing shelter from the elements, but the accommodation can be quite basic, and the huts are often quite noisy as they are shared with other climbers.
One of the downsides of the Marangu Route is that it is quite popular, and it can get crowded, particularly during the high season. The ascent and descent are also via the same route, so the variety of landscapes is less diverse compared to other routes like Lemosho or Machame.
The Marangu Route is a great option for those looking for a quicker and more comfortable way to summit Kilimanjaro, but it may not offer the same scenic variety or sense of remoteness that other routes provide.
👇Below you find itinerary for 5 and 6-day treks!