The marathon route leaves Moshi stadium and heads down towards the town, and then along the main road to Dar-Es-Salaam for approximately 8-9km. This section of the route is relatively flat, and there are plenty of well-wishers along the road. We turn around and head back to the town of Moshi, tracking down into the actual town itself before turning toward the mountain and heading up a long, steady ascent towards Mweka. The uphill climb is gradual, but with Kilimanjaro towering above and all the local villagers out to cheer you on, the time passes quickly. The turnaround point marks approximately 32km and the last section is a fast downhill run back toward the stadium. Regular water tables as well as 'sponging points' and the odd 'shower' keep the runners refreshed and cool along the entire route. The route passes through many small holder farms, villages, parts of town, banana and coffee plantations and patches of forest, providing great excitement to the residents who give ample vocal support.

For those running the half marathon, the route also starts at the Moshi stadium and after a short section on the flat, it follows the gradual uphill route to Mweka as per the full marathon - before turning around at approx 10km to return to the stadium again. The atmosphere in the stadium is electric with local bands playing, entertainment, crowds of local enthusiasts to cheer the runners, and lots of food and drink for sale.

The logistics of the operation are run by the Kilimanjaro Marathon Club and the members of both the Tanzania Amateur Athletics Association (TAAA) and the local Kilimanjaro Amateur Athletics Association (KAAA).

Travel arrangements and packages to access the race are being provided by Wild Frontiers, a South African, Tanzanian and Ugandan based tour operator, who are experienced in Tanzania travel and logistics and who are members of the South African Tour Operators Association and ASATA, and who is the largest tour operator into Tanzania from South Africa.

The race is completely backed up, with twelve water points being provided and manned by local organisations. Crowd control and traffic control are provided for, as is medical assistance and communications. Official timekeeping is arranged, as is an official prize giving and function attended by local dignitaries.

Includes: Airfare Johannesburg/Dar es Salaam/Kilimanjaro/Dar es Salaam/Johannesburg on Air Tanzania, transfers, marathon entry package: guaranteed bib number, t-shirt, medal, goody bag, Wild Frontiers hospitality tent facility at finish, return transfers to/from stadium, Marathon carbo-loading supper on Saturday, 03 March 2007, 3 nights accommodation in Moshi on a bed and continental breakfast basis, 5 night lodge safari including all meals, 1 night accommodation at Kia Lodge on a bed and breakfast basis, road transportation on safari by 4 wheel drive minibus, services of a driver/guide, game drives and sightseeing as specified, park fees, domestic flight Serengeti-Kilimanjaro.

Excludes: Visas, travel insurance, health requirements, gratuities, drinks, all items of a personal nature and any service not specified.

Prices are subject to change due to any unforeseen circumstance. Please note that the prices quoted are based on Serena Hotels. We can offer the same trip on budget hotels/lodges.

Health Requirements - Please note you will need a Yellow Fever inoculation. This must be done no later than 10 days prior to departure. If you have had any previous history of liver disorders you must consult your physician first. Malaria prophylactics are a must. Please enquire for details of travel clinics operating in your area.

Travel Insurance - Please ensure you have sufficient medical cover for the duration of your trip. Please contact us for further details.

Visas - Should you be travelling on a South African passport you will need a visa for Tanzania. This takes approximately 3 working days and can be done at the Tanzania High Commission in Pretoria. We can make the necessary arrangements on your behalf, alternatively they can be contacted on telephone: or at 822 George Avenue, Arcadia, Pretoria. You will need a valid passport (your passport must have at least 3 blank pages), 2 passport photographs and 2 completed forms. Other nationalities - please check with our office or the Tanzania High Commission. It is also possible to obtain a visa on arrival.

ITINERARY:

Day 1 - Friday - When travelling (flying) we strongly suggest you wear / carry on you your running shoes - these are crucial for your race, and you do not want to risk losing them in the hold. Make sure you have your yellow fever certificate with you - whilst it probably won't be asked for on arrival in Tanzania, when you return home it may be requested. Check in at the Air Tanzania counter, Johannesburg International Airport at 12h45 latest. Depart on flight TC 7909 at 14h45, arriving Dar es Salaam at 19h25. Connect your flight 20h00 (local time) to Kilimanjaro International Airport, arrive 20h55 (local time). On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Moshi (+- 1 hour/1 hour 30 minutes drive). Stay here for 3 nights on a bed and continental breakfast basis.

Day 2 - Saturday - Spend the day relaxing at the pool or you may opt to go into Moshi, where you can buy curios and have some lunch at one of the local restaurants. Day trips can be arranged at an additional cost. The Marathon Course bus will be available today on a scheduled basis for all Wild Frontiers clients to view the route. This evening we include a special carbo-loading supper for you to build up stamina for the race. Tonight there will be a Marathon briefing.

Day 3 - Sunday - Mt Kilimanjaro Marathon 2007 - RACE DAY. Transfers to and from the stadium will be provided for all Wild Frontiers clients. The Wild Frontiers Hospitality tent with shade and drinks will be provided exclusively to all Wild Frontiers clients at the finish. Overnight at the at your Moshi hotel on a bed and continental breakfast basis.

Day 4 - Monday - You'll be collected from the hotel this morning and transferred to Arusha (+- 1 hour 30 minutes drive) for the start of your safari. Depart at 14h00 with your driver/guide to Lake Manyara. Overnight - Manyara Serena Lodge located on the escarpment with spectacular views down across the lowland areas of the Great Rift Valley.

Day 5 - Tuesday - After breakfast depart on a morning tour of Lake Manyara National Park. Return to the lodge for lunch. After lunch drive to Ngorongoro for dinner and overnight. Overnight - Ngorongoro Serena

Day 6 - Wednesday - After breakfast we descend steadily down the steep 610 metre sides of the crater from our lodge on the crater rim. A day's game viewing in the crater is almost guaranteed to turn up four of the Big Five, as well as zebra, gazelle, warthog and a rich variety of birds, all viewed against the backdrop of the thickly forested crater walls. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro.

Day 7 - Thursday - Depart after breakfast with a picnic lunch and drive via Olduvai Gorge, viewing game en route to the Serengeti. It is at Olduvai Gorge where, in 1959, Mary Leakey made her groundbreaking discovery of a hominid (human-like) skull dating back 1.8 million years. Since then other hominid species, possibly our early ancestors, have been found in the area dating as far back as 3.7 million years. The whole area is often referred to as the 'cradle of mankind.' Dinner and overnight - Serengeti Serena There is the opportunity to take a balloon safari (additional cost - prebooking required) to float over the Serengeti and get close to game from the air. It's rather expensive, but is an incredible experience! Subject to availability and weather. Price USD 399 per person.

Day 8 - Friday - In the morning a game drive followed by lunch. In the afternoon another game drive. Dinner and overnight at your Serengeti lodge.

Day 9 - Saturday - Breakfast at leisure and proceed to Seronera airstrip for your flight to Arusha. Transferred to Kia Lodge. Overnight Kia Lodge on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 10 - Sunday - After breakfast you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight on Air Tanzania to Dar es Salaam, departing Kilimanjaro 09h00, arriving in Dar at 09h55. Connect flight TC7908 departing at 11h00 to Johannesburg, arriving at 13h40.