Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
The oldest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, the Marangu route, is also known as the "Tourist
Route" or "Coca Cola Route" The Marangu route takes you at a gentle pace through forests, moorlands
and then across The Saddle, a high-altitude desert separating the main summit, Kibo, 5896m,
from craggy Mawenzi, 5149m, to Kibo Hut. . For what it’s worth, this route is also
considered to be a bit of a joke by serious climbers, and in fact many of the
more experienced operators don’t run trips up Marangu because it’s the
least spectacular in scenery and it seems to attract the most people
who aren’t really committed to doing it properly. The views
from the crater rim at Gillman's Point at dawn can be
spectacular. Uhuru Peak lies a further 1h30min.
around the rim. This is a tough walking trip
but within the limits of a fit individual
used to walking in mountain areas. An
extra day for acclimatisation to
the altitude is recommended
at Horombo from where
there are various walks
to enjoy.
You can do Marangu in 5 or 6 days, and just as with the other routes, people tend to have a much
reater rate of success if they choose the longer option. Having that extra day on the mountain to
acclimatize can make a huge difference in your ability to make the summit on that final
grueling day. Accommodation on the mountain is in comfortable huts. You will need
a sleeping bag, warm clothes and walking poles.
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