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.
Experience some of Kenya and Tanzania's most famous natural wonders on a 15-day adventure that will see you tackling the most challenging and scenic way to the roof of Africa on a trek along the Machame route to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. Once you descend, embark on an overland journey across the Serengeti plains and enjoy multiple game drives to seek out Africa's iconic animals. Descend to the floor of the gigantic Ngorongoro Crater in pursuit of elephants, lions, and elusive rhinos. This tour is a non-stop active action that's perfect for independent travellers who love a challenge.
Kilimanjaro Marangu Route, Nairobi, Shira Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Camp, Moshi, Kisii, Lake Victoria, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Mto Wa Mbu, Marangu, Machame Camp
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.
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.
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.
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.