Marangu Route up Kilimanjaro:
The most commonly utilized route, Marangu is popular with first time hikers.The route illustrates Kilimanjaro’s progressive changes in scenery from rainforest, extensive moorland and alpine desert, until the eventual climb up loose gravel to the snowline on the lip of this dormant volcano’s peak.

Day 1: Africa here we come!
All scheduled group flights to Africa depart from New York, and are escorted by a Rustic Pathways Flight Leader.

Day 2: Meet and Greet                                            
Welcome to Arusha, Tanzania. On arrival you will transfer to our overnight accommodation where you will get to know the staff and have a briefing about the climb.
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 3: Arusha to Mandara- 1280m to 2740m
The day starts with an early drive from Arusha to the Marangu gate. After registering at the park gates we begin trekking through rainforest, until we reach our first base camp of Mandara.
Hike Time: 3-4hrs, Distance: 7kms, Accommodation: Hut

Day 4 & 5: Mandara to Horombo- 2740m to 3700m
After breakfast, leave the confines of the rainforest, and continue trekking past Maundi Crater into open rolling moorlands where you will get your first clear view of towering Kilimanjaro in the distance. Our base camp for the next two nights is Horombo. (We will take an extra day at Horombo hut for acclimatization.)
Hike Time: 4-5hrs, Distance: 11kms, Accommodation: Hut

Day 6: Horombo to Kibo- 3700m to 4700m
After a good night’s rest trek past the last water point to reach Kibo Saddle.  This is a broad desert zone between the two peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Early to bed tonight as the summit awaits us early tomorrow morning.
Hike Time: 6-7hrs, Distance: 10kms, Accommodation: Hut

Day 7: Kibo to Summit- 4700m to 5895m
Our summit approach starts at midnight, after a snack we precede to the summit through Gilman’s point (18,640ft). It is about 5-6hours from Kibo hut to Gilman’s point and from Gilman’s point to Uhuru Peak (19,340ft) is 1-2 hours. Thus reaching the peak in the early morning of the seventh day will arrive just in time to watch the sunrise. After some awesome picture taking on the Rooftop of Africa we start descending to Horombo hut for dinner and an overnight stay.
Hike Time: 5-7hrs, Distance: 4kms, Summit to Horombo- 5895m to 3700m
Hike Time: 4-6hrs, Distance: 14kms, Accommodation: Hut

Day 8: Horombo to Arusha- 3700m to 1280m
Today is spent descending to Marangu Gate where it all started from. You will be presented with your certificate of accomplishment before transferring back to Arusha for some well deserved rest and relaxation.
Hike Time: 5-7hrs, Distance: 18kms, Accommodation: Lodge

Day 9: Arusha and Relaxing
We spend our final day relaxing, doing some last minute shopping in Arusha for souvenirs and enjoying the chance to recount some of the wonderful memories we have of the last few days. Arusha is a small African town nestled in the shadow of Mount Meru with commanding views of the mighty Kilimanjaro.
Accommodation: Lodge

Day 10: Goodbye Africa
Our journey starts off with an early rise as it's time to say goodbye to the staff and Arusha.  If you are returning home today, your flight will depart this morning. If you are continuing onto another Rustic Pathways adventure,
your staff will help you with your flight arrangements.

All of the items below are guidelines. Here is the packing list for the Climbing Kili. If you are doing a combination of trips over two or three weeks, be sure to check the packing lists for all sections of your trip to pack appropriately. You will not have the opportunity to wash your clothing during this trip in Africa.

One of the important prerequisites of a successful summit attempt is being properly equipped. Ensure that you are well equipped. Extra luggage, including clean clothes to wear after your climb, can be left at our base in Arusha. Please remember to limit the weight of your backpack and its content, to be carried by the porters on the climb, to 30lbs or less.

Travel Documents:
Valid passport
Airline Ticket

Essential Items:
Backpack- Large enough for all climbing gear and clothing. (To be carried by porters)
Day Backpack- 20-35litres. (Large enough to carry your water, camera, raincoat, lunch pack, snacks and warm clothing)
Sleeping Bag (0 to -20.c)
Ski-Pole/Walking Stick
Water Bottle

High Altitude Gear:
1x Waterproof, breathable and windproof jacket (outer wear)
1x Waterproof, breathable and windproof pants (outer wear)
2x Polar Fleece (middle layer)
1x Thermal Underwear (under layers)
Mittens or Warm Gloves
2x Thermal (polertex) Socks
1x Ski Mask
Sunglasses, good quality dark lenses for the climb


Hiking Gear:
2x Shorts
1x Hiking Pants
5-10x Underwear
5x T-shirts
1x Raincoat or Poncho

Footwear:
Water resistant semi-stiff hiking boots
Sneakers
Socks- several pairs for the climb

Equipment:
Sun Hat
Head Lamp
Flashlight with spare batteries

Personal Items:
Toiletries Bag
1x Towel
Sun screen and lip protection, SPF 30+
Toilet Paper
Medications
Contact lenses and accompanying paraphernalia

Optional Items:
Camera
Notebook & Pen
Deck of Cards
CD Walkman or Ipod.
Reading Material

Climbing Kili:

1 - Will the kids be drinking bottled water?
Bottled water will be provided at the beginning of the climb.  Once the supply runs out, water will be collected from designated watering holes and boiled/purified for drinking consumption.

2 - Do we need to get visas for this program?
To obtain a visa if you are an American citizen, your son/daughter needs to bring $100 USD with them (other citizens need $50 USD) for when they arrive into Tanzania.  At the arrival gate they will be able to pay the immigration officer and receive the necessary visa.  You do not need to obtain a visa before your trip.

3 - What will the accommodation on this trip be like?
Huts have been constructed by the National Park service at certain points along the route.  There is a minimum of four people to a hut, mattresses in each one, squat toilets and no showers.

4 - What immunizations do we need to get for this trip?
We are unable to suggest any type of immunizations necessary for the trip, however you can check on the World Health Organization’s website, the Center for Disease Control website or speak with a local travel clinic doctor for more information.

5 - What costs are not included on this trip?
Souvenirs and snacks need to be taken into consideration.

6 - Will there be a flight leader to this country?
A flight leader will meet all the students at JFK and be with them until their arrival into Tanzania.  One will also be present on the return flight home.

7 - How does this program connect to other programs?
Tanzania’s geographical location makes it difficult to connect seamlessly with the other countries we operate in.  We suggest any student interested in connecting programs should first return home and wait for the following week until the next program begins.  This will allow enough time to smoothly integrate into the upcoming trip, without missing out on the first couple of days.

8 - How long is the flight to this country?
It is roughly about 19 hours.

9 - What kind of food will we be eating?
You will be hiking with cooks and porters that transport all of the goods up the mountain for each meal.  They provide a number of different westernized meals to make you feel comfortable and nourished while hiking each day.  It is important to keep your strength on this trip and the cooks do an amazing job of supplying the right kind of food to help you along the way.

10 - How many girls and boys are usually on this trip?
Generally speaking, there are usually more girls than boys, but it is difficult to say with each trip being different.