Summary

The Marangu route which is often known by it’s other popular name “Coca-Cola” route, is among the first established routes on Kilimanjaro that date from a long time ago. it is also worth noting that this is the only route which offers sleeping huts so far, replacing camping style with dormitory-like accommodations. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut. Many favor Marangu because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. However, the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu is, unfortunately, less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path. It is also the most crowded route for that reason. Orongai African Safaris offers Marangu as five or six day private climb. The five day variation does not have an acclimatization day on day three at Horombo Hut.