Into the Ulugurus: DofE Practice Expedition

Duke of Edinburgh Practice Expedition – Uluguru Mountains

Last month, our Duke of Edinburgh groups headed into the Uluguru Mountains near Morogoro for their practice Adventurous Journey. This range is known for its steep, technical terrain and dense forest, providing a serious physical challenge right from the start. For many of the students, this was their first real taste of navigating the unique landscape of the Eastern Arc Mountains, and they handled the initial climb with impressive determination.

Day one was a constant uphill battle. Carrying full packs the teams had to manage their pace and energy carefully. Despite the heavy lifting and the vertical gain, the groups reached their designated campsites in good time. Tents went up efficiently, dinner was cooked over the stoves, and everyone settled into their sleeping bags for a well-earned rest. The effort of the climb was rewarded with some truly fabulous views across the mountain ridges, giving the students a clear look at just how much ground they had covered.

The second day started with more of that great scenery, but the weather quickly shifted. As is often the case in the Ulugurus, the tropical rain hit hard and fast. The temperature dropped significantly, and the trails quickly turned into a muddy, slippery challenge. This was the moment where the students really showed their grit. Navigating in the wet and cold is never easy, especially when morale is tested by damp gear and tired legs. However, the groups stayed focused, kept each other moving, and remained a total credit to the school throughout the toughest stretches of the trek. They showed that they can maintain their standards and support their teammates even when the conditions are far from ideal.

Since this was a practice trip, it was the best possible time to make mistakes. These journeys are designed specifically for the students to figure out what works and, more importantly, what doesn’t. Several students realized that their packs were perhaps a bit heavier than they needed to be. Most importantly, the rain on day two taught some valuable lessons about waterproofing; many discovered that gear which looks fine in the shop doesn’t always stand up to a mountain downpour.

These experiences are exactly what the teams need to bank before the Qualifying Adventurous Journey. The mistakes made in the Ulugurus are the foundation for a successful final expedition. Over the last few weeks, students should be reflecting on their performance, refining their kit lists, and sharpening their skills to ensure they are fully prepared.

A massive congratulations to everyone involved for pushing through. You have broken in your boots and proven you can handle the elements. The Qualifying Adventurous Journey will take place on 22–23 March. Please take this time to review your equipment and ensure everything is in order.

A final reminder to all participants: check the official kit list. Make sure your waterproofs are actually waterproof, your boots are cleaned and dried, and you aren't carrying unnecessary weight. We look forward to seeing you all back out on the trail for the final push.