Day 1:Londorossi Gate – Shira 1 Camp (9,000 ft)

No hurry today, as we pick you up from your hotel and drive to Londorossi Gate; this first section of the trail comprises just a few hours of moderate walking. Listen to birdsong and admire the forest flora and fauna as you wend your way to Shira 1 Campsite.

Day 2 : Shira 1 Camp – Shira Plateau (11,000 ft)

This section of the climb involves only 5 hours of slow, relaxed hiking. The trail takes you out of the rainforest and up into the Hagenia zone, where vegetation begins to thin out. There are excellent views of the Shira Needles and Mount Meru from your campsite at Shira Plateau.

Day 3: Shira Plateau – Moir Hut (12.500 ft)

After the customary early breakfast, you will start climbing through alpine meadows of giant heather to open heath and on up to empty moorland. A leisurely 5 hours hike will bring you to Moir Hut for refreshment, rest and overnight.

Day 4: Moir Hut – Lava Tower Camp (14,300 ft)

By now you should be thoroughly acclimatized, thanks to the slow pace of the gentle Shira Route, and ready to start this 4-hour trek through thinning vegetation to the Alpine Desert Zone. Temperatures can reach freezing point at the approach to Lava Tower, where you will shelter and camp this night.

Day 5 :Lava Tower Camp – Barranco Camp (13,000 ft)

Awake today, cold but elated, with the whole Shira Plateau at your feet and magnificent views all around you. Start climbing up to the pass of the 15,000 ft high Lava Tower and start your descent along the Grand Barranco canyon. Today’s 6 hours walk takes you across streams and alongside waterfalls to your camp at Barranco.

Day 6:Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (13,000 ft)

Trekking from Barranco to Karanga Camp takes approximately 4 hours and involves fairly easy climbs, up and down the mountain slopes, with only a slightly more strenuous scramble up Barranco Cliff. Take an afternoon hike among giant senecios and lobelia in the Karanga Valley – but be sure to get plenty of rest today in preparation for your summit attempt which lies just two days ahead.

Day 7:Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (15,200 ft)

This hike on alpine desert terrain is achingly beautiful. Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks loom majestically over you, mosses and lichens are soft underfoot and the very air breathes tranquility. Try to sleep early tonight at Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak is just around the corner!

Day 8:Barafu Camp – SUMMIT (19,340 ft) – Mweka Camp (10,200 ft)

Carry as little as possible on this midnight start for the summit, when temperatures range from minus 4 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit and the climb becomes much more difficult. After approximately two hours on the long scree slope, you will reach Hans Meyer’s Cave and from here the gradient becomes steeper.

Continue your scramble for another three hours to Gilman’s Point where you can stop to admire the rising sun glinting of the ice fields and craggy peaks of Mawenzi. Summon up that last reserve of energy and walk along the crater rim for another couple of hours to reach your goal – Uhuru Peak, towering at 19.340 ft. Retrace your steps down from the summit and continue to Kibo Hut where you will have the opportunity to rest, partake of refreshments and bask in the glow of your great achievement before descending to Mweka Camp for a well-earned sleep.

Day 9: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate

The descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate takes approximately five hours and climbers usually arrive before noon. Upon arrival at the gate, you will be presented with a certificate, attesting to your success at reaching the Roof of Africa – Uhuru Peak – and your vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to Arusha.!