Marangu Route
Marangu Route overview
The Marangu Route, affectionately dubbed the “Coca-Cola route,” stands as the oldest pathway leading up Mount Kilimanjaro and remains one of the most sought-after routes to this day. Opting for the Marangu route means retracing the footsteps of Hans Meyer, who achieved the first successful Kilimanjaro summit in 1889. This iconic trail winds its way through Kilimanjaro National Park, traversing the mountain’s diverse climatic zones, ranging from lush tropical forests to barren alpine deserts. Notably, it distinguishes itself as the sole route offering dormitory-style huts for overnight accommodations.
Considering the Marangu Route for your Kilimanjaro ascent? It’s an excellent choice, particularly during the rainy seasons spanning from mid-March to late May and from late October to late December. The provision of huts ensures you remain dry and comfortable amid inclement weather. The Marangu route presents itself in 5- and 6-day variations, with the latter proving notably less strenuous, making it an appealing option for climbers seeking a slightly less demanding trek.
Machame Route Expert Advice
The Marangu route provides picturesque vistas of the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro. Nevertheless, its utilization of the same path for both ascent and descent restricts the diversity of scenery and results in a rather crowded trail. Although the allure of the 5-day itinerary may be enticing, its harsh acclimatization conditions render it considerably more challenging. As such, beginners are advised to opt for the 6-day variation or explore alternative routes with itineraries spanning 7 days or more for a more manageable ascent.
Marangu Route - Summit Success Rat
Over our decade-long tenure of leading Kilimanjaro climbs, we’ve meticulously gathered extensive data on summit success rates for every route, providing us with a reliable foundation of information. Below, you’ll find the summit success rates from 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%
It’s noteworthy that the Marangu route’s 6-day itinerary boasts a higher summit success rate than its 5-day counterpart. However, overall, Marangu route itineraries tend to exhibit lower summit success rates compared to routes such as Lemosho 7-day or Machame 7-day, primarily due to the steeper acclimatization profile.
While Marangu 6 is generally deemed suitable for reasonably fit beginners, the 5-day variation is recommended exclusively for experienced high-altitude trekkers or travelers with substantial prior acclimatization.
It’s important to recognize that the summit success rates for the Marangu route, as presented here, are likely higher than those reported by most other operators. We attribute this discrepancy to several key factors: our exceptionally skilled and experienced Kilimanjaro guides, meticulously prepared and well-equipped expeditions, and comprehensive protocols for managing symptoms of altitude sickness—the primary impediment to summiting during the crucial summit night. Mirable Safaris boasts the most extensive inventory of oxygen tanks in the region, fully stocked and meticulously arranged medical kits on every expedition, and rigorous medical check-ups conducted twice daily. These measures collectively ensure that you have the best possible odds of successfully acclimating to the altitude and reaching the summit of Uhuru Peak.
Prices for Marangu route
Our classic adventures cater to the preferences of the majority of climbers, offering a blend of exceptional comfort and stringent safety standards that render our classic Kilimanjaro hikes both enjoyable and unforgettable. It’s no surprise that this option stands as the most favored among our clients.
Our comprehensive climbing package encompasses everything a climber could possibly need for the journey: a seasoned mountain crew, top-tier group equipment, and meticulously crafted meals designed by nutritionists. Across all our hiking adventures, our safety protocols remain consistent – only guides certified as Wilderness First Responders are entrusted with leading expeditions. Additionally, we uphold strict safety measures, including the provision of oxygen cylinders, fully stocked medical kits, and mandatory medical check-ups (twice daily).
To ensure peace of mind, the progress of each trekking party is monitored via GPS devices. You can easily share the tracking link with your loved ones, enabling them to follow your journey in real-time.
Before and after your adventure, you’ll enjoy accommodations in reputable hotels boasting attentive staff, hot water, reliable Wi-Fi, on-site dining options, and refreshing swimming pools.
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$ USD
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5 Days Trek (7-day tour)
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6 Days Trek (8-day tour)
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1 Pax
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$2,018
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$2,200
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2 Pax
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$1,710
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$1,980
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3 Pax
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$1,660
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$1,930
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4 Pax
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$1,600
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$1,890
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5 + Pax
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$1,556
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$1,840
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Machame Route Detailed Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you'll be warmly greeted by a representative from Pumba Safaris who will facilitate your transfer to the hotel included in your package. At the hotel, you'll find all the essentials for a comfortable stay, including cozy rooms, hot water, attentive staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. Later in the evening, there will be a comprehensive briefing conducted by our managers to ensure you're fully prepared to embark on your climb.
For private tour packages, shared airport transfers are provided for your group. Additional charges may apply for individual transfers. To minimize extra costs, we recommend coordinating the arrival and departure times of your group members.
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:
- Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine;
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
