Marangu 6 Day Route

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 on each climber to make sure you are prepared and have everything you need for the climb.  After pre-climb orientation the day is yours to relax and get well rested before beginning the climb tomorrow. 
Overnight: At a lodge in Arusha
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 2:  DRIVE FROM ARUSHA TO THE MARANGU GATE
(Day 1 on Mountain)
After breakfast, your driver and mountain guide will pick you up and drive you to the Marangu Park Gate where you will check in and register.  You will begin hiking after lunch through the Rainforest to Mandera Hut where you will overnight.
Starting Elevation: 6,046 ft (1,843 m)
Ending Elevation: 8,858 ft (2,700 m)
Distance Hiked: 5 miles (8 km)
Approximate Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3:  HIKE FROM MANDERA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT
(Day 2 on Mountain)
After breakfast, you will enter into the upper moorland zone.  You will stop along the way to enjoy lunch. After lunch you will continue hiking to Horombo Hut for overnight.
Starting Elevation: 8,858 ft (2,700 m)
Ending Elevation: 12,205 ft (3,720 m)
Distance Hiked: 7.5 miles (12 km)
Approximate Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4:  SPEND THE DAY ACCLIMATIZING AT HOROMBO HUT
(Day 3 on Mountain)
After breakfast, you will spend about 3 hours hiking before descending back down for lunch.  You will spend the afternoon resting and relaxing before going on another small hike in the evening returning in time for dinner.
Starting Elevation: 12,205 ft (3,720 m)
Ending Elevation: 12,205 ft (3,720 m)
Distance Hiked: 2.5 miles (4 km)
Approximate Hiking Time: 3 hours
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5:  HIKE FROM HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT
(Day 4 on Mountain)
After breakfast, you will continue hiking entering into the Alpine Desert zone. You will enjoy lunch on the trail as you make your way to Kibo Hut.  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 approximately 12am to get ready for your hike to the summit.
Starting Elevation: 12,205 ft (3,720 m)
Ending Elevation: 15,430 ft (4,703 m)
Distance Hiked: 6.2 miles (10 km)
Approximate Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6:  HIKE FROM KIBO HUT TO THE SUMMIT TO HOROMBO HUT
(Day 5 on Mountain)
After a small snack, you will leave camp at around 2am to begin your ascent to the summit.  You will hike via headlamps through the Arctic climate zone.  You will pass through Gilman’s Point at 18,638 feet (5,681 m) before continuing for another 1 hour to Uhuru Peak, “The Roof of Africa” at 19,341 feet (5,895 m).  Once you have celebrated this great accomplishment, you will begin your descent down the mountain.  You will stop of lunch and a short rest at Kibo Hut camp before proceeding down the mountain to Horombo Hut.
Starting Elevation: 15,430 ft (3,720 m)
Ending Elevation: 12,205 ft (3,720 m)
Distance Hiked: 13.3 miles (21.5 km)
Approximate Hiking Time: 16-20 hours
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7:  HIKE FROM HOROMBO HUT TO THE MARANGU GATE AND TO ARUSHA
(Day 6 on Mountain)
After breakfast, you will continue your hike down the mountain enjoying lunch on the trail as you make your way to the Marangu Park Gate.  Upon your arrival, you will have a short award ceremony where you will receive your certificate for successfully climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. You will sadly say good-bye to your climbing crew at this time and meet your driver who will drive you back to Arusha where you will enjoy a nice hot shower and time resting and relaxing.
Starting Elevation: 12,205 ft (3,720 m)
Ending Elevation: 6,046 ft (1,843 m)
Distance Hiked: 12.5 miles (20 km)
Approximate Hiking Time: 7-10 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 for a safari, you will begin the day per what is on your itinerary.  If you are proceeding onto another destination, you will continue on with those plans, and if you are returning home, depending on your flight time, you may be able to spend some time in Arusha before you catch your flight back home with great memories of a huge accomplishment to share with your family and friends.
Included Meals: Breakfast