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.
Ascend the highest mountains in Kenya and Tanzania. An ascent of East Africa's twin peaks (Mt Kenya and Mt Kilimanjaro) provides a challenge for seasoned trekkers. Add the prolific wildlife and rich diversity of flora for which this region is renowned and this trek becomes one not to miss. Our traverse of Mt Kenya ascends via the lesser known Chogoria Route with fine alpine walking that ensures we are well prepared for an exhilarating circuit of the summit peaks including Point Lenana (4985m). Transferring to Arusha Tanzania we prepare for our climb on Mt Kilimanjaro via the challenging and beautiful Lemosho Route. Our itinerary gives maximum possible acclimatisation to enjoy the incredible scenery. We climb the rim of the Shira Plateau with a gentle ascent and panoramic views. We walk on the lava ridges and enjoy extensive views of the plains below. From here, there is some steep climbing but also a chance for a restful afternoon before the final summit day. From the summit of Kilimanjaro (5895m) we savour one of the best sunrises in the world.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Hut, Lodge, Tent
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Arusha, Nairobi, Shira, Lava Tow
Arusha, Nairobi, Shira, Lava Tower, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak, Mount Kenya National Park, Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson, Simba Tarn, Old Moses Camp, Kilimanjaro Lemosho route
