The Marangu route is the original Kilimanjaro route, and it has been nicknamed the 'Coca Cola' route because it's the one trail with some spots where you can buy a cool drink. It climbs the southeast slope of Kilimanjaro and takes you through all of the beautiful vegetation zones, namely rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and the Arctic summit.
The Marangu is an outlier route as it's so different from the six others. For starters, it's the only route where you stay in huts instead of camping. Secondly, it's the only route that has you retrace your steps on the descent; as mentioned, all of the other routes 'end' after the summit and instead have you hike down via a different route.
The Marangu has historically been the most popular Kilimanjaro route (although that status is now being challenged by the newer and very popular Machame and Lemosho routes). Those who trek the Marangu route are often folks on a tight budget. This is because you need less equipment and fewer porters since you're staying in dormitory-like accommodation (you sleep in huts and are provided with mattresses). This makes it a popular choice with budget Kilimanjaro tour operators who don’t have camping equipment to offer.
The Marangu route also only takes five or six days to complete, which again makes it a cheaper option compared with the longer routes.
There are folks who like the Marangu route because it's one of just three routes where you avoid the Barranco Wall, which is a very steep section of the climb that makes some climbers nervous.
The Marangu route's acclimatization profile is, however, mediocre. It thus has a very low summit success rate. It's consequently not particularly good value for money, in our opinion.
You will meet our driver and pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel. Pre-trek briefing at your hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 3 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
Distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
You leave the glades of the rain-forest 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 affects of the altitude.
Distance: 12km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
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.
Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
Distance: 6km up / 15km down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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
Distance: 20km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
The Northern Circuit Route is a scenic and less crowded trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It's known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse ecosystems, offering a longer and more gradual ascent compared to other routes.
The Lemosho route is one of the best routes for acclimatization. The route is less used and a beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. The route is one of the few where groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are inhabited by buffalo, elephants, and other wildlife.
This is arguably the most beautiful Kilimanjaro route, and it’s very popular. It begins on the western slope and then skirts around the south of Kibo Peak. You descend the mountain’s southeastern slope via the Mweka route.
Fargin Safaris offers various travel experiences that highlight Tanzania’s rich culture, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes.