I recently completed the 7-day Machame Route hike to Mount Kilimanjaro with Kilisa Tours & Safaris, and it was truly the adventure of a lifetime.
From beginning to end, the trek was exceptionally well-organized. The guides demonstrated deep knowledge, patience, and unwavering support—particularly during the summit ascent, where their encouragement and steady pacing proved invaluable. They maintained a consistent "pole pole" (slowly, slowly) rhythm and continuously checked in to ensure we were acclimatizing properly and feeling well.
The Machame Route itself offers breathtaking diversity. Each day revealed new landscapes—from the lush rainforest on day one to the dramatic Shira Plateau, the exhilarating Barranco Wall, and the stark beauty of the alpine desert approaching Barafu Camp. The route’s acclimatization profile is excellent, and I am confident it contributed significantly to our group’s high summit success rate.
The support crew—porters, cooks, and camp staff—exceeded expectations. We were warmly welcomed at each camp with hot meals and comfortable resting areas. The quality of the food was remarkable for a mountain expedition—nutritious, hearty, and far above what I had anticipated.
Reaching Uhuru Peak was both emotional and exhilarating. Witnessing the sunrise from the Roof of Africa was a deeply rewarding moment and one of the proudest accomplishments of my life.
For anyone considering a Kilimanjaro climb, I highly recommend the 7-day Machame Route. It offers the perfect balance of challenge, scenic variety, and effective altitude adaptation. I strongly encourage choosing Kilisa Tours & Safaris as your operator—they deliver an outstanding and unforgettable experience.
The Rongai route is the only trail that starts from the northern, or Kenyan, side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Because of its remote location, this route offers trekkers a relatively unspoilt wilderness experience whereby climbers can see large wildlife like antelopes, elephants and buffalos. Additionally, since the northeastern side of the mountain receives significantly less moisture than the southern slopes, climbers are less likely to encounter rain and there is a high chance of enjoying clear, unclouded views of the mountain.
Join us on this seven-day, guided journey to the top of Africa through the route less taken. We will pick you up on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive you to your hotel in Moshi. Your journey starts on the second day with a drive from Moshi to Marangu Park Gate.
The trek starts in earnest from the Rongai trailhead. Ascend to the top via Simba Camp, Kikelewa Cave, Mawenzi Tarn Camp and Kibo Hut. Although the Rongai route is flatter than other Mount Kilimanjaro routes, the push to the summit from Kibo Hut is steep and follows the same path taken by those using the Marangu route. Once you have summited the mountain, the descent is made through the Marangu route.
Please note that the tour price also includes two night's accommodation in Moshi, one night each before and after the climb. For more details, please scroll down.
Trekking and HikingClimbing
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Tent, Hotel, Hut
Age Range
7-79 yrs
Operated in
english, french, german, spanish
Destinations
Kilimanjaro Rongai route, Kilima
Kilimanjaro Rongai route, Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Simba Camp, Second Cave, Kikelewa Cave, Mawenzi Tarn Camp, Kibo Hut, Horombo Hut
Take the lesser-known route to the top of Africa's highest mountain during this seven-day, private, guided trip. Your journey to the top starts after we pick you up in Arusha on the first day of the trip and drive you to Londorossi Gate. From there, your journey continues through Big Tree Camp, Shira Camp 2, Barranco and Barafu camps to reach the top of the mountain.
The Lemosho route, which starts on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, is the lesser-known of all the routes to the top of the mountain. However, it is increasingly being preferred by travelers for the beautiful scenery it offers along with a high summit success rate. Most of our travelers who have used this route love it.
Unlike the popular Machame route, which simply intersects the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho route crosses the entirety of the plain from west to east during a pleasant, relatively flat hike. An added bonus is that climbers will encounter low traffic until the route converges with the Machame route and takes you through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, all of which fall in the southern circuit.
We will make our descent via the Mweka route. For more details, please go through the itinerary below.
Trekking and HikingClimbing
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Tent
Age Range
12-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kilimanjaro Lemosho route, Kilim
Kilimanjaro Lemosho route, Kilimanjaro, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania, Lemosho Big Tree Camp, Shira Camp Two, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Mweka Camp, Arusha
Tanzania is blessed with some of the most spectacular peaks and hiking points around eastern Africa. The most intriguing of them all is the hike up Uhuru peak on Mt. Kilimanjaro. Mount Kilimanjaro attracts a lot of visitors annually who seeks the adventure of conquering the highest peak in Africa, and the highest free standing mountain in the world. Mount Kilimanjaro has different routes to the peak at 19340feet (5895meters) above sea level. One of these is the Machame Route which this tour will take.
Machame is a Zigzag route up and down trail. You will be hiking up and then hiking a bit down again to sleep low, which is very good for acclimatisation. Due to this reason, by taking this 7 days Machame Route your chance of reaching Mt. Kilimanjaro's summit will also be higher as you will be better acclimatized.
One of the most challenging points on the Machame route is the Baranco wall. We will pass it slowly and safely so there is not need to worry about this point. One of the highlights of this is of course reaching Uhuru Peak on Mt. Kilimanjaro, but, in fact, the entire climb and tour is a highlight.
On the way down, we will descent via the Mweka route. The sleeping mode on the Machame Route is camping.
For a day-by-day itinerary, please see the itinerary tab.
Set off on a 9-day wildlife-spotting overland adventure through Uganda. Track endangered mountain gorillas with experienced guides deep in the rainforests of their natural habitat, and view chimps in Kalinzu Forest. Travel comfortably in one of our Landos (overland adventure vehicles) for an unforgettable and affordable way to see the highlights of this country, while wilderness camping to keep you right in the middle of the action.
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
15-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kampala, Lake Bunyonyi , Kalinzu
Kampala, Lake Bunyonyi , Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Lake Mburo National Park, Jinja
22% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Watch the wonders of Kenya and Tanzania unfold before you on this incredible 15-day overland adventure. Head deep into the heartland of the Maasai tribespeople and the finest game parks in eastern Africa. Travelling through the acclaimed Maasai Mara and the vast Serengeti plains to the stunning lakes of the Great Rift Valley and the dramatic scenery of the Ngorongoro Crater, you'll spot a wealth of exotic predators and peaceful herbivores. Follow in the footsteps of the Maasai with local knowledge each step of the way, leaving you with memories of Africa to last a lifetime.
Road tripWildlifeExplorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Sleeper Bus
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Nairobi, Mto Wa Mbu, Serengeti N
Nairobi, Mto Wa Mbu, Serengeti National Park, Karatu, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, Loita Hills, Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park
22% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Experience Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters on the 18-day Gorillas to the Mara Accommodated tour, a family-friendly journey from Nairobi through Kenya and Uganda’s most celebrated parks. Track elusive gorillas and playful chimpanzees, then witness the drama of Maasai Mara’s sweeping plains teeming with game. This trip takes you through Kampala, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and seven other fascinating destinations. With all accommodation, transportation, and meals provided, families can focus on making lifelong memories. The chance to observe great apes in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime highlight, making this tour package uniquely rewarding for both young explorers and seasoned nature lovers.
Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Tent
Age Range
18-75 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Re
Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Mombasa, Lake Nakuru National Park, Jinja, Eldoret, Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
PRIVATE SAFARI: Combine game drives in two of Kenya's best national parks, with a blissful Indian Ocean beach break on this 9-day tour of captivating Kenya. Enjoy incredible views of Mt Kilimanjaro and see huge herds of elephants in Amboseli National Park. Then go in search of the Big Five in Tsavo West National Park, renowned for its magnificent scenery and large prides of lions. After an exhilarating safari, enjoy four days of rest and relaxation at Diani Beach with its powder white sand, azure waters and incredible coral reefs.
Wildlife safaris and game drives
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Nairobi, Amboseli National Park
Nairobi, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo West National Park, Diani beach
PRIVATE SAFARI: Explore Kenya's most scenic and wildlife-rich national parks and reserves on this incredible 11-day private safari. Game drive across the open plains of the Amboseli National Park and marvel at Mount Kilimanjaro. Look out for black and white rhino in picturesque Ol Pejeta Conservancy and encounter an abundance of animals in Samburu National Reserve, home to the red–robed Samburu tribesmen. Then travel on to Lake Nakuru with its flocks of flamingos before ending your adventure with 3-nights in the legendary Masai Mara, Kenya's flagship conservation area. This is Kenya encompassed!
Wildlife safaris and game drives
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Nairobi, Amboseli National Park
Nairobi, Amboseli National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara
SMALL GROUP LODGE SAFARI: Encounter incredible wildlife on this 9-day Kenya safari with comfortable lodge accommodation. Go on a game drive and visit the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi National Park. See the flocks of flamingos at Lake Nakuru and go in search of the Big Five in the Masai Mara. Then head south to Amboseli, famed for its large herds of elephants, and enjoy incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Wildlife safaris and game drives
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This package combines the best of Tanzania wilderness adventure with the tranquil beauty of Zanzibar beach.
On this tour, enjoy a safari trip to three famous national parks: Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and Serengeti National Park, along with one amazing conservation area and World Heritage Site, The Ngorongoro Crater.
This classic safari is packed with game drives where you can spot animals and enjoy the Tanzanian wildlife. Then take a flight to the beautiful coast of Zanzibar and head to the private side of Nungwi beach to relax, soak up the sun and enjoy the breeze.
Wildlife safaris and game drives
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
5-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lake Manyara National Park, Sere
Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Zanzibar, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha
Embark on a 15-day odyssey through Madagascar, a land of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Your journey begins in the charming town of Ambositra, renowned for its skilled woodcarvers. Next, venture into the lush rainforests of Ranomafana National Park, where you'll encounter lemurs in their natural habitat. Prepare to be awestruck by the dramatic landscapes of Isalo National Park. Hike through narrow canyons, climb towering rock formations, and discover hidden swimming holes.Unwind on the pristine beaches of Sarodrano, a coastal paradise. Soak up the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and explore the vibrant coral reefs. Venture off the beaten path and discover the hidden treasures of Akanin'ny Nofy. Hike through lush forests, encounter unique wildlife, and witness stunning waterfalls.
AdventureTrekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Age Range
5-80 yrs
Operated in
english, french, german, italian, spanish
Destinations
Morondava, Antsirabe, Antananari
Morondava, Antsirabe, Antananarivo, Andasibe, Ambositra, Ranomafana, Fianarantsoa, Isalo National Park, Zombitse National Park, Sarodrano
The 6-day Machame route is the most beautiful route up the famous Mount Kilimanjaro. The route is best suited to adventurous hikers looking for an authentic and rustic experience, as the route offers tented accommodation only, and all your equipment and supplies are brought up with help from a porter. A cook prepares all your meals. However, hikers will be rewarded with a scenic splendour that is not seen on the Marangu route, from late afternoon sunsets at Shira to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco Wall.
The Machame route is normally completed in a minimum of six days. The added benefit to the six days means you are afforded the most valuable commodity on the mountain – time to acclimatize.
This is our most successful and popular hiking route on Mt. Kilimanjaro, mainly as a result of the following two important factors. First, on day 3 of the hike, the topography of this route allows you to climb high and sleep low – as you start from Shira camp (3 847m) hike up to Lava Tower (4 642m) and then down to Barranco camp (3 984m) for overnight. Second, the summit attempt path from Barafu camp has less loose scree (rocks) compared to the summit attempt path from Kibo Hut, making it slightly easier to reach the crater rim.
NB: With small Additional cost we can book for you accommodation before or/and after summiting Mount Kilimanjaro.