Moshi, Tanzania
+255 742 596 234 -
generoustours43@gmail.com
Moshi, Tanzania +255 742 596 234 generoustours43@gmail.com
Marangu Route is the most popular, least difficult and the shortest way to Uhuru Peak. This route is also called the Tourist Route or the Coca Cola Route. 70% of all climbers choose this route, because most of the route consists of easy hiking. This route is fairly easy but the final part to the summit is still difficult. Although this rout is the easiest, it has the highest failure rate due to bad preparation. It is advised to take this route seriously enough, to be well organized and to take all possible safety measures. All the camps on this route sale goods such as chocolates, beer, soft drinks and mineral water, and they all have a radio contact to the Park Office. This route can be done in 5 days but it is advised to take an extra day for acclimatization at the Horombo hut which is also the only campsite on Kilimanjaro with beds and mattresses. Known as the ‘Coca Cola Route’ because of its popularity and its relative ease, the Marangu route is the most popular route by which to reach Kilimanjaro’s summit. For those who are pressed for time, the five-day option is a rushed, but achievable way to conquer the Roof of Africa.
You'll be picked up from your Moshi accommodations and make the drive to Kilimanjaro National Park. Here, you'll liaise with your guides and begin your ascent through the verdant rainforest that clothes the lower reaches of Kilimanjaro. Hiking for 5-6 hours through this ancient jungle, you'll get to go on a miniature safari as you spot wildlife such as black and white colobus monkeys along the way. You'll spend your night at the modern Mandara Huts, which boast luxuries such as solar lighting and flush toilets. You won't be seeing those again anytime.
You will set off bright and early today, as you have got a long day of hiking ahead of you! Today's hike takes you from the verdant rainforest into the stark alpine zone, as you will cover more than 11 kilometres on your way to the Maundi Crater. If the weather is clear, you will find stunning views of Kibo Glacier from here before settling down for the evening.
You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!.
