Below is a typical 7-day schedule used for Machame/Lemosho-style approaches launched from Moshi. Exact camps, times and distances vary by route choice and park regulations; Burigi Chato Safaris confirms the final itinerary with you before departure and with park rangers on registration.
Day 1 — Moshi to Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: Moshi (900–1,000 m) to Machame Gate (1,640 m), camp ~2,900 m
Terrain/notes: Short drive from Moshi to the park gate, then a forest trail through montane rainforest. Expect 4–6 hours hiking with steep sections and rich vegetation. Porter support handles heavy bags; walkers carry day packs.
Day 2 — Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation: ~2,900 m to ~3,800–3,900 m
Terrain/notes: Hike climbs out of the forest into heath and moorland. The day is longer (5–7 hours) but designed for steady ascent to aid acclimatization. Views open toward the western highlands as vegetation thins.
Day 3 — Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: ~3,900 m to Lava Tower (~4,600 m) then down to ~3,900 m (Barranco Camp)
Terrain/notes: Ascend to the volcanic Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco. Expect varied terrain: rocky scree, ridgelines and moor. This deliberate up–down day helps reduce AMS risk.
Day 4 — Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: ~3,900 m to ~4,000–4,200 m
Terrain/notes: The day includes the Barranco Wall scramble (moderate hands-on sections) and high-altitude moor. Shorter day (3–5 hours) to keep energy for higher nights.
Day 5 — Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: ~4,000–4,200 m to ~4,600 m
Terrain/notes: Steep, exposed alpine terrain with rocks and scree. Afternoon rest for final summit preparations and an early night; meals, headlamp checks and layered clothing inspected by guides.
Day 6 — Summit (Uhuru Peak) and descend to Mweka/High Camp
Elevation: Barafu (~4,600 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) then down to Mweka/Lower Camp (~3,000 m) or Millennium Camp (~3,700 m) depending on route
Terrain/notes: Summit push begins around midnight; slow, steady paces on steep scree and rocky saddle. Descent is long—expect 10–16 hours total. Guides monitor acclimatization and pace rigorously.
Day 7 — Descend to Mweka Gate and return to Moshi
Elevation: Camp/gate (~1,640–3,000 m down to ~1,640 m) then drive to Moshi (~900–1,000 m)
Terrain/notes: Final walk through rainforest to the park gate where certificates and exit formalities occur. Short transfer back to Moshi for showers, paperwork and onward travel arrangements arranged by Burigi Chato Safaris.
Times and elevations are approximate; park conditions, exact route choice (Machame, Lemosho, Rongai variants) and group pace change daily stages. Your lead guide will adjust camp choices and resting stops to prioritize acclimatization and safety.