Sometimes known as the ‘Coca Cola’ route, because it is the most popular route up the mountain, the Marangu Route is in fact followed by ninety percent of all climbers. It has a well defined path, which has been well set out and where most obstacles have been modified to make them ‘climber friendly’. Accommodation on this route is in purpose built mountain huts providing adequate shelter and even bottled water, beer and soft drinks (at high altitude prices!).
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and non-private hotel shuttle bus transfer to Springlands Hotel for overnight
Breakfast at Springlands Hotel . Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at Marangu for the first section of the climb through the montane forest to Mandara Hut at 9000ft/2750m, taking 3 to 4 hours. Overnight at Mandara Hut.
Leaving the forest you trek along a good path through open grassy moorland to reach Horombo Hut at 12000ft/3700m, taking 5 to 7 hours. Overnight Horombo Hut.
Day spent at Horombo Hut to acclimatize.
Continue ascending past “the last water point” traversing the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi to Kibo Hut at 15,000ft/4700m, taking 5 to 7 hours. Overnight Kibo Hut.
An early start for the summit on steep and heavy scree up to Gillman’s Point at 18640ft/5681m on the crater rim to arrive in time for sunrise. Continue onto Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa at 19340ft/5896m. Descend to Horombo Hut for overnight taking 7 to 8 hours ascent and 4 to 7 hours descent. Overnight Horombo Hut.
Descend the mountain to the Park Gate taking 5 to 7 hours to be met and transferred to Springlands Hotel for overnight.
Breakfast at Springlands Hotel. Departure as per plan.
George Kelvin
Team Kilimanjaro were excellent throughout, particularly the head guide, and the assistant guides. The operation was faultless from start to finish and their good humour, knowledge and expertise ensured we all made it to the top. The food was incredible given the surroundings and the friendliness and attentiveness of the porters really helped us keep going. It doesn’t surprise me now having experienced it that they have such a high success rate.