Day 1:    PRE-CLIMB ORIENTATION
After a leisurely breakfast, you will meet your mountain guides and group leaders where they will discuss the climb program, mountaineering and group expectations, hazards on the mountain, sickness prevention, etc.  The guides will also answer any questions you may have about the climb.  They will also do an equipment and gear check for each climber to make sure you are prepared and have everything you need for the climb.  After the pre-climb orientation, the day is yours to relax and get well rested before beginning your climb the next day.  
                  Overnight: At a lodge in Arusha
                  Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 2:    DRIVE FROM ARUSHA TO THE MACHAME TRAILHEAD (Day 1 on Mountain)
After breakfast, your driver and mountain guides will drive you to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate where you will check in and register. After lunch you will begin hiking through the Rainforest to Machame Hut Camp where you will spend your first night on the mountain. 
                  Starting Elevation: 5,380 ft (1,639m)
                  Ending Elevation: 9,350 ft (2,850m)
                  Distance Hiked: 3.4 miles (5.5 km)
                  Approximate Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
                  Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3:    HIKE FROM MACHAME HUT TO SHIRA II CAMP (Day 2 on Mountain)
After breakfast, you will continue your hike on a rather steep and dusty trail entering into the Upper Moorlands.  You will take plenty of breaks while you hike and make your way to Shira II Camp, enjoying lunch along the way.
                  Starting Elevation: 9,350 ft (2,850m)
                  Ending Elevation: 12,500 ft (3,810m)
                  Distance Hiked: 3 miles (5 km)
                  Approximate Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
                  Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4:    HIKE FROM SHIRA II CAMP TO BARANCO HUT CAMP (Day 3 on Mountain)
After breakfast, you continue hiking through the Upper Moorlands entering into the Alpine Desert climate zone. You will enjoy lunch at Lava Tower (15,092 ft/4,600m) before continuing your hike down to Baranco Hut Camp. Although you end the day at about the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
                  Starting Elevation: 12,500 ft (3,810m)
                  Ending Elevation: 12,795 ft (3,900m)
                  Distance Hiked: 5.6 miles (9 km)
                  Approximate Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
                  Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5:    HIKE FROM BARANCO HUT CAMP TO BARAFU HUT CAMP (Day 4 on Mountain)
After breakfast, you will continue your hike with a scramble up “The Great Baranco Wall” using your hands in spots to help you maneuver around the rocks and boulders. You will hike through the Alpine Desert passing through Karanga Valley where you will see your last drops of water.  Lunch will be served on the mountain before continuing onto Barafu Hut Camp.  Once you arrive at camp you will spend your time resting and sleeping to re-gain as much energy as you can.  You will wake at 11p.m. to get ready for your hike to the summit.
                  Starting Elevation: 12,795 ft (3,900m)
                  Ending Elevation: 15,331 ft (4,673m)
                  Distance Hiked: 5.5 miles (9 km)
                  Approximate Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
                  Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6:    HIKE FROM BARAFU HUT CAMP TO THE SUMMIT TO MWEKA HUT CAMP (Day 5 on Mountain)
After a small snack and the clock striking midnight, you will begin your ascent toward the summit.  Hiking with headlamps through the Arctic climate zone, you will pass through Stella Point at 18,885 feet (5,756m) before continuing on for another intense 45 minutes to Uhuru Peak, “The Roof of Africa” at 19,341 feet (5,895m).  Once you have celebrated this great accomplishment and taken photos, you will begin your descent down the mountain.  Stopping for lunch and a short rest at Barafu Hut Camp before proceeding down the mountain to Mweka Hut Camp.
                  Starting Elevation:15,331 ft (4,673m)
                  Ending Elevation: 10,171 ft (3,100m)
                  Distance Hiked: 10.5 miles (17 km)
                  Approximate Hiking Time: 12-16 hours
                  Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7:    HIKE FROM MWEKA HUT TO THE MWEKA GATE AND RETURN TO ARUSHA (Day 6 on Mountain)
After Breakfast, you will continue your hike down the mountain arriving at the Mweka Exit Gate.  Upon your arrival, you will enjoy lunch and an award ceremony, where you will receive your certificate for successfully climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Sadly, you will say good-bye to your climbing crew and meeting with your driver who will drive you back to Arusha. Where you will enjoy one of the best hot showers you will ever have, along with time resting, relaxing, and talking about the amazing feat you just accomplished.           
                  Starting Elevation: 10,171 ft (3,100m)
                  Ending Elevation:5,380 ft (1,640m)
                  Distance Hiked: 6.5 miles (10 km)
                  Approximate Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
                  Overnight: At a lodge in Arusha
                  Included Meals: Breakfast, and Lunch

 Day 8:    BEGIN NEXT DAY ACTIVITIES OR FLY BACK HOME
If you are continuing on to do safari, you will begin the day per your itinerary. 

If you are proceeding onto another destination, you will continue on with those plans. If you are returning home, you may be able to spend some time in Arusha before you catch your flight back home loaded with memories of an incredible accomplishment to share with your family and friends.
                  Included Meals: Breakfast