The Kilimanjaro Machame route is one of the most popular routes for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. The reason for its popularity is due to it being a very scenic route.
This is a long and hard trek, which reaches an altitude of 5895m. Even if you consider yourself fit, you might still find the climb very hard, depending on how well your body acclimatises to high altitude. There is no scientific way to determine how easily you acclimatise, and be aware that the acclimatisation process also differ from climb to climb.
Most of the trails on the Kilimanjaro trek are well defined and of good quality but some forest sections are often slippery and moorland paths can be very wet in poor weather conditions.
The final ascent to Uhuru peak is almost exclusively on loose rock without permanent footpaths. However, no technical skills are required. During the course of the trip we shall spend time at both high and low altitude, experiencing both extremely cold and quite hot conditions.
We will prepare for an early start every day on Kilimanjaro.
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.
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.
Discover the wildlife of Tanzania in this six-day safari adventure that will take you to Mukumi and Nyerere national parks. The tour starts from the city of Dar es Salaam from where you will be picked up and transferred to Mikumi Natinoal Park.
The open horizons and abundant wildlife of the Mkata Floodplain, the fashionable centrepiece of Mikumi, draw frequent comparisons to the more famous Serengeti plains. The park boasts several wildlife species, including African elephants, wildebeest, zebras and impalas. It is also home to a great many of bird species. More than 400 bird species have been recorded here, such as the lilac-breasted rollers, yellow-throated longclaws, and bateleur eagles.
On the next part of the tour, we will head to Nyerere National Park, formally known as Selous Game Reserve. Founded in 2019, the park covers over 30,000 square kilometres and boasts Tanzania's largest elephant population and many lions, leopards, African hunting dogs, buffaloes, and hippos. Species commonly seen are bushbucks, red and blue duikers, elands, hartebeests, hyenas, giraffes, oryx, reedbucks, impalas, waterbucks, and zebras. The park has the most extensive diversity of safari activities ranging from boat safari along the Great Rufiji River, legendary fly camping trips, jungle walking and game drives in thriving wildlife areas.
See the itinerary section below for more details.
Wildlife safaris and game drives
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Camping
Age Range
1-99 yrs
Operated in
english, french, german, spanish
Destinations
Tanzania Safari Parks, Mikumi Na
Tanzania Safari Parks, Mikumi National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Dar Es Salaam
Experience the stunning wildlife and scenic beauty of Tanzania on this 6-day safari trip! Don't worry about anything; your meals, accommodation, and transportation are all covered on this private tour. We are also open to changes if you wish to adjust the itinerary.
First, we spend a few days in Mikumi National Park, which lies alongside the Northern border of Africa's biggest Game Reserve - the Selous Game Reserve. The open horizons and abundant wildlife of the Mkata Floodplain, the fashionable centerpiece of Mikumi, draw frequent comparisons to the more famous Serengeti Plains. More than 400 bird species were recorded, the lilac-breasted rollers, yellow-throated longclaws, and bateleur eagles joined by a host of European migrants during the rainy season.
Next, we visit Ruaha National Park, the second-largest national park in Tanzania which covers an area of about 22,000 km². It is one of Tanzania's few famous wilderness areas, whereby the experience of game viewing is spiced up by the exciting landscape and the Great Ruaha River. The park has a high concentration of elephants and magnificent mammals and a habitat for endangered wild dogs, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, elands, impalas, bat-eared foxes, and jackals.
Last, we spend a day and a half at Udzungwa, the most significant example of the Eastern Arc Mountains' natural world, which runs in a chain through the whole of Tanzania. The forest makes Udzungwa unique in East Africa, and there is no other place with unbroken series of wood stretching from an altitude of 250 meters up to more than 2000 meters.
Wildlife safaris and game drives
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Lodge
Age Range
1-99 yrs
Operated in
english, french, german, spanish
Destinations
Ruaha National Park, Mikumi Nati
Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park, Udzungwa National Park
This "11 Days-Hidden Safari Treasures of Africa" tour is designed to offer you the authentic African safari and camping experience in Tanzania's many national parks and game reserves.
You will be touring some the best hidden and less visited national parks in this excursion, an experience that is sure to provide you with a sense of African adventure that is unmatched anywhere else on the continent.
The program includes one of the country's untouched and authentic remote wilderness areas, namely Nyerere National Park, formally known as Selous Game Reserve, the largest park in Tanzania. It has the most extensive diversity of safari activities ranging from boat safari along the Great Rufiji River to classic game drive in thriving wildlife areas.
Next up is Mikumi National Park. The park has open horizons and abundant wildlife of the Mkata Floodplain, the fashionable centrepiece of Mikumi, which draws frequent comparisons to the more famous Serengeti plains.
Continue your African adventure by visiting Ruaha National Park, the second-largest park in Tanzania. Here, the experience of game viewing will be spiced up by the exciting landscape and the Great Ruaha River, as well as high concentration of elephants, big cats and the rare African hunting dogs.
Lastly, take a trip to Udzungwa National Park. Its forest makes Udzungwa unique in East Africa, as there is no other place with unbroken series of wood stretching from an altitude of 250 meters up to more than 2000 meters. Hike up the Udzungwa Mountains to see the species endemic to the region, and see the majestic waterfalls and swimming in the fresh water hole at the base of the falls.
Wildlife safaris and game drives
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
1-99 yrs
Operated in
english, french, german, spanish
Destinations
Tanzania Safari Parks, Selous Ga
Tanzania Safari Parks, Selous Game Reserve, Udzungwa National Park, Dar Es Salaam, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park
Book this seven-day, guided trip with us and summit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, via the Shira route. The starting point of this route is the Shira Gate, which is located at a higher elevation than the Londorossi Gate, used by travelers heading for the top of the mountain through the Lemosho route. However, what is unique about the Shira route is that the first section of the trail is not covered by foot but driven. Therefore, climbers using this route will miss out on hiking through one of Kilimanjaro’s ecological zones, the rainforest.
Your journey starts in Moshi, from where we will drive you to the Londorossi Gate. An off-road vehicle will then transport you to the Shira Gate, located 3,600 metres above sea level, from where you will then hike up to Simba Camp on the first day of the climb. Please note that those who spent the previous night in Moshi will experience a sizeable gain in elevation today and might face complications due to the lack of acclimatisation.
From Simba Camp, your journey to the top continues via Shira 2 Camp, Lava Tower and Barafu Camp. Although it might be difficult for those who cannot deal with a sudden increase in elevation, this route is much more scenic than other routes to the top as it crosses the spectacular Shira Plateau and then joins the Machame route, thereby allowing climbers to experience beautiful sights around the southern circuit as well. Plus, you will experience a low traffic on this route until it joins the Machame.
The Shira is ideal for those who are confident in their ability to acclimatise fast and deal with sudden elevation increases. Along with this, travelers should also be able to trek through steep trails over an extended period of time.
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, Moshi, Mount Kilima
Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Simba Camp, Shira Camp Two, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Mweka Camp
The Machame Kilimanjaro route is a Zigzag route with a trail going up and down. We will hike high and to the extent possible try to sleep low as it is good for acclimatization.
On the Machame route a challenging point is the Baranco wall. We will take it slow and steady making sure that we pass it in a safe manner. While reaching the Mt. Kilimanjaro summit is a highlight in fact the entire Machame route is excellent.
On the way down from Mt. Kilimanjaro we will descend via the Mweka route. As for accommodation we will be making use of camping where also toilet facilities will be available.
Comparing the Machame route with the other Kili-routes then it is simply a longer and some times steeper. It covers more ground and involves more ups and downs. It wears you out more, takes more energy, but does not require more skill. But, a key advantage is that it offers much better acclimatization - increasing your chance of reaching the summit.
Some people are terribly worried about climbing the Barranco Wall. Don't worry. It's not a cliff face and it's not a climb. It's mostly a very steep path that requires you to use your hands every now and then.
For a detailed itinerary kindly see the itinerary tab. We look forward to providing you with an excellent climb on Africa's highest free standing mountain in the world.
Are you looking to summit Africa's famous mountain, Kilimanjaro, but without the crowds? The Lemosho route is considered Kilimanjaro’s most scenic trail, and also one of the quietest, although it does include some steep passages! Join us for a 7-day trek along the beautiful Lemosho route.
We will use different ways for ascent and descent, to get the most of the scenery. At night, we'll set up camp and sleep in tents in campsites along the route. All campsites are in direct radio contact with the management of the national park.
The first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge. On an enjoyable, reasonably flat walk, the Lemosho path spans the entire Shira Plateau from west to east. Crowds are poor until the road near Lava Tower joins the Machame route. Then the road travels on a trail known as the Southern Circuit under Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field before climbing from Barafu. During the ascent, you often have excellent views of Mt. Meru, west of Kilimanjaro, and Kenya. The descent is via the Mweka road.
Book this 7 Days Lemosho Route, relax, and let our team do everything for you, from the arrangements of the whole tour to the end. If you need any assistance from us, such as hotel reservations or transportation, please let us know and we will be very happy to assist you.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Tent
Age Range
15-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kilimanjaro Lemosho route, Mount
Kilimanjaro Lemosho route, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Lemosho Big Tree Camp, Shira Camp Two, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Mweka Camp, Arusha