Day 1: Arusha - Londorossi Gate - Forest Camp (9,281 ft/2829 m)

Drive from hotel in Arusha to Londorossi Gate (about 3 hours). Here we will check in and weigh all of the bags carried by the porters. Then, we will drive to Lemosho trailhead to start the hike after lunch. Today's hike will bring us through the forest while enjoying the sounds of birds and the sight of monkeys. The hike takes about 3-4 hours to Forest Camp.

 

Day 2: Forest Camp - Shira 1 (11,499 ft/3505 m)

Depart from Forest Camp after breakfast. We will continue through the forest for a few hours, then we will reach the heather/moorland zone. A long hike of 6-7 hours today means that we will stop for a picnic lunch along the way. Today's hike will take us high and then into a plateau where we will sleep at Shira 1 Camp. If weather is clear, we may get our first views of the peak as we approach camp today.

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Day 3: Shira 1 - Moir Hut (13,665 ft/4165 m)

As we depart Shira 1 Camp today, we will continue to hike through the Shira plateau, meaning the first half of our hike will be on flat ground. After a picnic lunch, the second half of our hike will include a gradual upward climb. We will see some unique high-altitude plants along the trail today. After hiking about 7 hours, we will arrive at Moir Hut Camp. If weather and energy permit, we may do a short, evening hike to practice "climb high, sleep low".

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Day 4: Moir Hut - Pofu (13,212 ft/4027 m)

Today will be our first day on the Northern Circuit, breaking away from those completing the Southern Circuit or Western Breach routes. Our hike will include many ups and downs through several ridges. We will hike for 5-7 hours, stopping on the way for a picnic lunch. Tonight we will sleep at Pofu Camp.

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Day 5: Pofu - Third Cave (12,959 ft/3950 m)

Today's hike is easy with very little uphill climbing. We will continue around the Northern side of the mountain, ending the day at a slightly lower altitude than where we started. Staying at a relatively stable altitude will make this a great day to help with acclimatization. After a 5-6 hour hike, we will reach our camp, Third Cave Camp where we will have lunch and overnight.

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Day 6: Third Cave - School Hut (15,453 ft/4710 m)

Today is another fairly easy hike, with a constant gradual incline. This will give you time to rest before the long hike to the summit at midnight tonight. We will reach School Huts Camp after 4-5 hours, where we will eat lunch and relax while enjoying the view.

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Day 7: Barafu - Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft/5895 m) - High Camp (12,500 ft/3810 m)

Summit Day! We will wake up around midnight for breakfast and to get ready for the summit ascent. Today will be a very long day, reaching the summit, then descending.  From School Huts we will hike through switchbacks for 5-6 hours up to Gillman's Point (18,638').  From there, we will continue on a much more gradual and easier path to the summit at Uhuru Peak, arriving around sunrise. After celebrating and taking photographs at the peak, we will head down to Barafu camp (about 3 hours) where we will eat lunch.  From there, we will continue our descent along the Mweka route to High Camp where we will sleep tonight.

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Day 8: High Camp - Mweka Gate - Arusha

We will wake up in the morning for breakfast and a celebration of our summit success with our team. After our celebration, we will descend to Mweka Gate through the forest (5-7 hours). There we will have a final lunch together and you will receive a certificate for a successful summit. After lunch, we will get back into a vehicle and return you to your hotel in Arusha, where a hot shower will be waiting for you!