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.
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
15% 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
20% 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
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.
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.
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
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