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
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 Masai 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
12% 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
Group 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
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
Embark on this nine-day journey from northern to southern Kenya’s most majestic landscapes. Enjoy a safari experience in Samburu, spotting unique wildlife such as reticulated giraffes and Grevy's zebras in the picturesque landscape. Head to Nyahururu Falls, marvel at the scenic beauty and explore the surrounding area. Travel to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake surrounded by lush landscapes and conclude your journey with a visit to the iconic Masai Mara Game Reserve admiring rich biodiversity and enjoying game drives to spot the "Big Five." Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes, and appreciate the unique wildlife and cultural experiences each destination has to offer.
Wildlife safaris and game drives
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english, french, german, italian, spanish
Destinations
Nairobi, Samburu National Reserv
Nairobi, Samburu National Reserve, Nyahururu, Lake Naivisha, Maasai Mara National Reserve
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Let me be upfront, this wasn’t a glamorous vacation. It was muddy. It was dusty. We had early mornings, long drives, and a few mosquito bites. But will I want to experiemce this again? Yes!
The tour was well organized, and the guide was a legend! Quite funny, patient, and ridiculously sharp-eyed. Samburu was our first real dive into the wild, and it delivered. We saw elephants on day one, and from there it just kept coming, leopards, hyenas, even a rare kudu.
One afternoon near Lake Nakuru, our vehicle got stuck in a patch of thick mud. Instead of getting annoyed, our group jumped out (after checking for nearby buffalo, obviously) and helped push. That’s the moment I’ll remember, complete strangers working together in the middle of Kenya. What impressed me most was how fast the team coordinated with support. Another vehicle was ready to assist if needed and our guide handled it all with total calm. You could tell they’ve got experience.
The boat ride at Naivasha was another highlight. There’s something eerie and beautiful about hippos watching you from the waterline. Then came Masai Mara, which just floored me. We saw a lion cub playing with its sibling and a herd of wildebeest thundering past. It’s a feeling out of the world.
The accommodations were decent, nothing fancy, but clean, comfortable, and always ready with a warm meal. And I appreciated how the team kept things running smoothly from behind the scenes. Airport pickup was seamless, the group size was just right, and every transition from lodge to lodge was effortless for such a packed itinerary.
If you want pristine perfection maybe look elsewhere. But if you want raw beauty, real moments, and a sense of the world beyond your bubble, this is it. Hats off to the team for making it all flow.
Wildlife safaris and game drives
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Re
Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Samburu Game Reserve, Nyahururu, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara National Reserve
I’m an amateur wildlife photographer and booked this safari mainly to shoot the “Big Five.” I wasn’t disappointed.
The 4x4 vehicles had pop-up roofs which made it super easy to get clear shots. The guides were patient and even repositioned the vehicle to help me get better angles. I got shots of a male lion at golden hour, a herd of elephants with dust clouds swirling, and flamingos creating a pink blanket over Lake Nakuru.
Even beyond the animals, Kenya is photogenic as heck—acacia trees silhouetted against the sunset, Maasai people in their beautiful red garments, and of course, Mount Kilimanjaro standing quietly in the background at Amboseli.
This wasn’t just a vacation—it was a creative recharge. I’m already editing my portfolio to include a “Kenya” section!
Wildlife safaris and game drives
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Nairobi, Amboseli National Park
Nairobi, Amboseli National Park, Kajiado, Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park
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