The measurements of physical fitness have to own a high level qualification in order for one to successfully hike the mountain. This is because most of the treks made on Mount Kilimanjaro are a bit challenging. It is rather a solid task to summit the mountain using the Marangu route but can as well be very easy for those people that have acclimatized themselves with hiking.As the most known route to the peak of the highest mountain in Africa, Marangu route is also the easiest among all the routes to this mountain summit.
The craggy Mawenzi standing at 5149 meters and the flat surfaced snowcapped Kibo standing at 5896 meters are the two peaks (twin peaks) found at Mount Kilimanjaro. The stretch between these two peaks has a length of about 5 kilometers .It is wide, and a semi desert high area at a high altitude. From Marangu village, the Marangu route starts as you continue up all the way until the peak. It is known for having lovely huts that are built in a fashion of dormitory kind, that are used for accommodation.
All you need is to carry a sleeping bag, and a mat along with you for confort.Among all the routes, this amazing route on the mountain is the only one that keeps rising and declining
As you prepare, be informed that the temperatures notably keep changing and seriously get cold. However, as you summit up the mountain, there are hardly any showers or bathing facilities there.
It is important to book way in advance as many climbers on this route are controlled. In order to conform yourself to the altitude, it is very much advised that you plan for an extra day and this can be spent at the stunning Horombo hut where a number of walks are also offered.
As you move through hot dusty expanses and the cultivated lowlands, the Marangu route will take you through at a peaceful pace moving via the green rainforests, through the alpine moorland until you get to the glaciated top. You will start your day rather early as you leave the cold Kibo hut, and escalating up to the Uhuru peak. At this time the timing is very favorable making it much simpler since the slope is easier to climb when frozen. Not only is that, the sights of the edge of the crater also very eye catching at day break.
To successfully go up the mountain, you will need walking poles that will take you all the way till the peak. You can as well hire them at the park gate.
Accommodation along the Marunga route
Unlike all the other routes, the Marunga Kilimanjaro route is considered the easiest by so many people because you have the opportunity to have accommodation within available huts unlike the other routes where people have to sleep under canvas. The Mandara hut for example has 70 spaces, while 148 spaces are available at the Horombo hut. There are also extra beds which is very vital since the hut is also used by the people declining from the peak at Kibo. Kibo hut has got only 58 spaces. What you have to pack while summiting the mountain varies since the climbers along this route sleep in huts.
Even when the huts have pillows and mattresses, it is necessary for you to carry a sleeping bag .On top of that, you will need some money on you as you may want to buy a few drinks or sweets that can be bought at the huts even when the prices are abit hiked.
Porters are available to help you carry your luggage and since you don’t have to carry tents around, it can be much more economical and saving if every hiker manages to carry their own bags as they climb up the mountain.
