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 Usambara Mountains are a mountain range in North-East Tanzania, approximately 70 miles (110 km) long and ranging from 20 to 40 miles (64 km) in width. Mountains in the range rise as high as 8,000 ft (2,440 m). They are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, which stretch from Kenya through Tanzania, and are one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.
The range is accessible from the towns of Lushoto in the West, and Amani in the East. The Usambaras are commonly split into two sub-ranges, the West Usambara and the East Usambara. The East Usambara is closer to the coast, receives more rainfall, and is significantly smaller than West Usambara.
The Usambaras are fairly unique in that, being in East Africa, their unspoiled regions are covered in tropical forest, which today remains mainly in the West of the continent. The mountain range was formed nearly two billion years ago.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Eco Lodge
Age Range
5-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Moshi, Usambara, Lushoto, Malind
Moshi, Usambara, Lushoto, Malindi Village, Rangwi, Mtae, Arusha
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.
This 8-day Lemosho Route on Kilimajaro starts with a high-altitude drop-off in the alpine region at 3,500 meters. Starting from this high point generally makes the trek easier and milder, making it perfect for families or beginners.
Lemosho route is known for its premium-class Kilimanjaro trekking. If you choose it as your trekking option you will get a unique fusion of the most amazing landscapes and easy acclimatization. Lemosho makes Uhuru accessible even for teenagers.
This route has a slightly more expensive price which is fully justified by the advantages of the Lemosho Route. These include spectacular scenery, an SUV transfer to the beginning of the trek, and the highest chances of successful climbing and solitude! Also, the camping site's location and gradual altitude increase are the most suitable for beginners and amateurs. Compared with other routes, the acclimatization process is the easiest one on Kilimanjaro, making the summiting chances the highest.
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.
Kilimanjaro Trek through Machame Route is a 9-day trekking tour that offers amazing views, landscapes and experience. Also known as “the Whiskey Route”, Machame is considered one of the best routes for acclimatization as it follows the mountaineering code of hiking high and sleeping low.
The starting point of the route, Machame Gate is only an hour drive from Moshi town. Located on the southern slope of Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame Gate will lead you to the top along the exciting footpath, featuring tropical forests and diverse ecosystem. You will finish the trek in the Arctic desert in the summit area.
Camps along the trek are favorably located for a smooth and gradual acclimatization. On the 3rd day, Machame Route converges with Lemosho and Umbwe at Barranco camp.
While, it is possible to complete the trek in 6 days, we recommend 7 days for Machame route because it makes it easier to acclimatize and helps you get ample rest for the climb, maximizing your chances of reaching the top.
Trekking and HikingAdventure
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Hut, Tent
Age Range
9-70 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kilimanjaro Machame route, Mount
Kilimanjaro Machame route, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Moshi, Machame Camp, Shira, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Mweka Camp, Mweka Gate, Kilimanjaro
Traverse the north side of the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro on this epic and rewarding trek. Climb the Rongai route to the summit - the highest point in Africa - witnessing the mountain's varied climactic landscapes and astounding panoramas along the way. Our seven-day itinerary is slow and steady, giving you time to acclimatise, and we trek alongside world-class guides, with experienced porters and cooks on hand every step of the way.
Gradual ascent - Our seven-day ascent lets you slowly acclimatise to the changing altitude, helping you reach the summit and enjoy the climb.
Experienced crew - Our trek is led by world-class leaders and accompanied by a full team of guides, porters and cooks.
Wild camps - Sleep on Kili's slopes as we wild camp with panoramic views of the surrounding plains.
Full moon - All 2025 departures are planned to coincide with the full moon, ensuring us a bright final ascent with stunning views towards Kibo and the crater rim glacier.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Lodge, Tent
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Moshi, Simba Camp, Second Cave
Moshi, Simba Camp, Second Cave, Kikelewa Camp, Mawenzi Tarn Hut, Kibo Hut, Horombo Hut
The Lemosho route is one of the newer routes leading to Mount Kilimanjaro, and a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low traffic, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. The route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge.
Unlike the popular Machame route, which simply intersects the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho route crosses the entirety of the plain from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. An added bonus is that climbers will encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the southern circuit. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
Lemosho is considered the most scenic route on Kilimanjaro, and grants panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain.
ClimbingTrekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Age Range
12-75 yrs
Operated in
english, french, german, spanish
Destinations
Kilimanjaro, Mount Kilimanjaro N
Kilimanjaro, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Mti Mkubwa, Shira, Shira Camp Two, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Hut, Barafu Camp, Moshi
Experience stunning panoramic views on one of the world’s most renowned treks when you join us on this iconic climb of Africa’s tallest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro.
This trek takes you on the popular Marangu route, which uses comfortable trekking lodges for the overnight accommodation. You’ll be climbing for five hard and breathless days to reach the summit so you better be fit. We also add in one acclimatisation day en-route to give you a bit more time on the mountain and to give you the best chance of reaching the summit. We recommend you do plenty of training before undertaking this challenge, but when you reach the summit the spectacular views out across the African landscape will make all the hard work and pain so worthwhile. Truly a once in a lifetime achievement!
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
8-85 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Moshi, Mand
Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Moshi, Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro Trek - Lemosho route is a 10-day journey that offers a wonderful chance to explore Mount Kilimanjaro through the scenic Lemosho route, an experience that combines natural beauty with a sense of personal achievement. The adventure begins in the lush rainforests, where you’re travel through diverse ecosystems, gradually ascending to the summit of Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Lemosho Route offers a less-traveled path, providing breathtaking views and a challenging yet rewarding trek. As you progress, explore the expansive Shira Plateau, conquer the thrilling Barranco Wall, and traverse the picturesque Karanga Valley surrounded by glaciers and alpine desert.
Witness the sunrise from Stella Point on the crater rim and take in the view from Uhuru Peak. Encounter unique flora, including giant senecios, and marvel at distinctive volcanic formations like the Lava Tower. Stay overnight at the Machame Camp nestled beneath towering peaks and descend through the Mweka Route, reflecting on your accomplishment amidst lush landscapes.
This Kilimanjaro climb promises an unforgettable adventure, weaving together natural wonders and the satisfaction of reaching the "Roof of Africa." Join us for a transformative expedition that leaves you with enduring memories of a remarkable achievement.