The Marangu Route, known as the only “Coca-Cola route” with hut accommodations, delivers an equally intense summit push (to Uhuru Peak) as other routes. Fresh from completing the climb, an ordinary office worker shares hard truths
Summit Day by the Numbers
Duration: 14-16 grueling hours (including night climb)
Altitude: 4700m ascent to 5895m, then descent to 3700m
Distance: 5.5km uphill + 12km downhill (yes, the descent is longer!)
The Real Physical Toll
Night Climb (4700m-5685m)
Midnight departure – first 4 hours feel like an endless gentle slope
50-minute hike/5-minute rest rhythm – breathing trumps speed
Biggest challenges: Biting cold (-15°C wind chill) + sleep deprivation
Dawn Assault (5685m-5895m)
Slope suddenly steepens – each step requires 30% more lift
Common symptoms: Throbbing temples/lead legs/air hunger (though oxygen levels stay above 80%)
The Grueling Descent
Volcanic ash behaves like shifting sand – sidestep in zigzags
6-hour continuous descent punishes knees (knee braces=absolute lifesavers)
Gear Wisdom
Glove system: Base liner + ski gloves + backup pair (my outer gloves froze solid – survived thanks to guide’s spares)
Insulated bottles beat hydration bladders (hose freezes solid)
Altitude Reality Check
Lowest oxygen saturation: 76%
Acupressure beats painkillers for headaches
Nausea common during descent (but actual vomiting rare)
Timeline Breakdown
00:00 Departure → 03:30 Volcanic rock section → 05:40 Summit sunrise → 06:30 Descent begins → 10:00 Back at camp → 16:00 Final descent point
Pro Tips from Survivors
Trim toenails! (Toes jam painfully against boots during descent)
Pack individually wrapped wipes (“toilets” are open-air boulders)
Double-layer socks (Smartwool + regular wool prevented blisters)
Energy gels essential (Your porters need them more than you do)
The Verdict
Tougher than expected but manageable. Keys to success: ① Match your guide’s pace exactly ② Use poles as crutches downhill ③ Never ask “How much longer?”
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