Machame Route (also known to as the "Whiskey Route") is the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro with high summit success rate. It rewards hikers with scenic splendors. From late afternoon sunsets at Shira to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco Wall, witness a scenic "slide show" as you trek to the top of the world's highest free-standing mountain.
There is an added benefit to taking the Machame Route, as you are afforded the most valuable commodity on the mountain: acclimatization. The route takes you high to Lava Tower (4,630m) on Day 3 and brings you down by nearly 700m for an overnight at Barranco camp (3,950m). This is the secret to successful acclimatization.
(Note: All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals. While the accommodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers strictly tents only accommodation.)
See the itinerary section for more details about this tour.
Also known as the “Whiskey” route, the Machame route is now the most popular ascent route on Mt Kilimanjaro. Compared with the Marangu route, the walking days on the Machame route are longer and the walks are steeper. However, the scenery is spectacular and landscape interesting. The Machame route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.
The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to its popularity there are increased numbers of trekkers, it loses some of its splendour. The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field.
Climbers sleep in supplied tents at designated campsites, and eat meals either outdoors or inside a large dining tent, depending on weather conditions. Bless Africa Tours staff will prepare all meals and set up and take down the tents.
The Machame route is a highly successful route to the summit as you climb high and sleep lower because of position of the campsites, which aids acclimatization. It also offers the opportunity to take an alternative route to the summit, either via Barafu camp or the less frequented and more difficult Western breach route. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, although seven days is recommended to make the walk more enjoyable and improve acclimatization.
After arrival in Moshi and the hotel, there will be the opportunity to rest. Later there will be a meeting with the tour guide for a briefing about the trek and Mt Kilimanjaro and, very importantly, an equipment check.
We recently completed a 10-day adventure in Tanzania and I can confidently say it was one of the most incredible and well-organized travel experiences of my life. The tour was a perfect combination of challenge, natural beauty, and wildlife—featuring a 7-day Machame Route hike up Mount Kilimanjaro, followed by a 3-day classic safari through Tanzania’s top parks.
Don't attempt this trip unless you know exactly what you're getting yourself into. And be aware that no matter how fit you are, altitude sickness can still strike you down. That's why you MUST use a reputable company like World Expeditions for a trek like this. My husband became ill on Day 3. Our trek leader was able to release a guide and a porter to get him back to Arusha and to hospital. I succumbed to a chest infection 5 days later and couldn't summit. Again, I was issued with a guide to get me safely to the next camp. Each of the 5 people in our group who did climb to the summit had a guide to ensure nothing went wrong. This was not the case for other tourists who attempted the climb. I heard stories of people wandering about alone at the top- disoriented and lost. Some groups didn't provide emergency oxygen. That meant their clients had to be dragged down the mountain, often barely unconscious.
Any travel company can be good when things go to plan. What's important is how they respond when things go wrong. And what they do to minimize the risk. World Expeditions could not have been more professional. If you're determined to climb Kilimanjaro, these are the guys you want to do it with.
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the North side receives less precipitation).
The Rongai route is one of the easiest route up to Kilimanjaro summit and it joins the Marangu route at Kibo hut. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended. We have designed the trip for 7 days as that will allow for proper acclimatization on the mountain.
Wildlife can be seen on the lower slopes such as buffalo's, Elephants, Baboons and monkeys together with different species of birds.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, the Rongai route makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. On the way down this route goes together with the Marangu route.
The Rongai route as such is a moderately difficult route and relatively easier than other routes up Kilimanjaro. It is therefore highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience, as the probability of reaching the summit will be higher.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the top things to do while visiting Africa. It offers mesmerizing experiences, and is a must-do for all adventure travelers. That said, choosing from the number of routes available can be a huge task. Luckily for you, we've done all the hard work, so that you can focus your energies on preparing for the most exciting adventure of your life.
The Lemosho route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west. Rather than simply intersecting Shira Plateau (like Machame), Lemosho crosses it from Shira Ridge to Shira 2 Camp, in a pleasant hike. Climbers 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. Including Arusha National Park but is Option,
The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Arusha to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rain forest to Shira Ridge. The Lemosho route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike.
3 Days Mount Meru Trekking, the trekking through dense forests, scaling steep hillsides, and finally reaching the top of Mount Meru the fifth highest mountain in Africa. As a passionate adventurer and nature lover, you might crave the adrenaline rush that comes with conquering a challenging trail like Mount Meru. But you also know it's not easy the mountain demands the best of you physically, mentally, and emotionally.
If you are someone who craves adventure and wants to challenge themselves, then conquering Mount Meru might just be perfect for you. Located in Tanzania, this dormant volcano stands at an impressive 4,562 meters high and is often overshadowed by its bigger and more famous neighbor, Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Momella Route takes you through the Montane Forest to Miriakamba Hut, across the Ngare Nanyuki River and Inner Wall, and towards the summit of Mount Meru. Accompanied by an armed park ranger, starting early in the morning to reach the peak will ensure a spectacular view of the sunrise from the fifth-highest mountain in Africa.
At 4,566 m Mt Meru is the fifth highest mountain on the African continent and the second highest in Tanzania. About 250,000 years ago, a massive volcanic eruption blew away the entire eastern flank of the mountain and left it with the distinctive appearance it has today.
The mountain became well known mainly because it is only 70 km from Mount Kilimanjaro. Mt. Meru has become a popular "warm up" trek for Kilimanjaro climbers.
Mt. Meru is located within Arusha National Park, and usually the climber can start the trip from Moshi or Arusha, in Northern Tanzania. This major location provides Mount Meru climbers the chance to spot some wildlife that naturally inhabits the area.
The ascend is fairly steep and the route to the summit passes over watercourse, through parkland, montane forest, a giant heather zone and moorland.
The summit is made by a narrow, barren ridge, which gives spectacular views of the Ash Cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater.
Known as the "Coca-Cola" route, the Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations.
The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended when climbing Klimanjaro using the Marangu route.
However, despite its immense popularity, we avoid leading climbs on the Marangu route. The route has the least scenic variety of all the routes because the ascent and descent are done on the same path and it is the most crowded route for that reason. Marangu is favored during the rainy season, where the hut accommodations are preferred over wet ground, or for those who only have five days to climb Kilimanjaro.
NB: With small Additional cost we can book for you accommodation before or/and after summiting Mount Kilimanjaro.
We used local travel specialists and service was outstanding. We had good nutrition and a competent guide, which is all that is needed. We took a guided town tour of Moshi before our climb, which was a great cultural experience. We totally recommend Rongai route for Kilimanjaro Hiking.
Ol Doinyo Lengai is situated in the North of Tanzania close to Lake Natron. Ol Doinyo Lengai is 2890m high. The Maasai call it a sacred volcano and believe that Ol Doinyo Lengai is the creation of their God Engai and his home. They believe that Ol Doinyo looks over the people and cattle.
Ol Doinyo Lengai gives hiking fans an opportunity to experience a breathtaking hike in a short time and amazing natural surrounding. It is a perfect alternative for those who do not have the time or experience to climb Kilimanjaro but still want to have a trekking adventure in Tanzania.
Not only will the hike take your breath away, but you will also be rewarded with beautiful landscape surrounding Ol Doinyo Lengai.
Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest and the most well established route.
Many favour the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain due to its more gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts with dormitory style accommodation.
The minimum number of days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended in order to enhance acclimatization opportunities.
Our Kilimanjaro climb happened on 1st January, 2025 was an experience of a lifetime. The guides including Gabriel were highly professional and ensured we were comfortable every step of the way. The porters and cooks were fantastic, making sure we had delicious meals and enough rest. Their expertise made the summit possible! 100% recommend!
The Lemosho Route is perhaps the most scenic Kilimanjaro route, from the first day to the last. The trail begins north of Shira, also on the western side of the mountain. But unlike the Shira Route, where for the first day you walk on a wide 4 WD road, Lemosho is a narrow wilderness trail right from the beginning, passing through pristine and remote rainforest with good chances of seeing wildlife. It then crosses the Shira Plateau before joining the Machame Route near the Lava Tower.
Luckily, despite its growing popularity, especially for second time Kilimanjaro climbers, Lemosho sees a very low number of people and truly offers and incredible adventure on the highest peak in Africa, and the highest free standing mountain in the world.
Maasai Wanderings is looking very much forward to providing you with a climb of a lifetime. No previous mountaineering experience is required for this trip.
