Aishi Machame Hotel

Aishi Machame Hotel stands in the Machame foothills on Kilimanjaro's south-western slope, a short distance from Machame Gate. Its location is its main attraction. Climbers on the Machame route can sleep close to the trailhead, avoid a long drive on the morning of the climb and wake to cool, fresh mountain air. It is also a restful place to finish, with a hot meal and a comfortable bed waiting after days in a tent. Machame is a farming area on the south-western slope of Kilimanjaro, above Moshi and close to Machame Gate, where the popular Machame route begins. The setting is cool, green and quiet, with banana and coffee farms spread across the hillside and the mountain looming above on clear mornings. It is roughly an hour or so from Moshi by road, which makes it a useful alternative for climbers who want to be near the trailhead.

Staying near Machame cuts the early morning drive before a climb and gives you a calm night in the foothills, away from the traffic of town. It also puts you close to Machame Gate for the day hike described on our Arusha pages, and to village walks and coffee farms. After a climb it is a peaceful place to rest, dry out gear and sleep before the transfer back to Moshi or the airport.

Because room types, facilities and policies change, check the details with the property when you book. Ask about the exact location, the distance to the airport and the gate, whether an airport transfer or early breakfast can be arranged, and whether hot water, wifi and laundry are available.

If you are climbing, ask about luggage storage for the bags you leave behind, since you will only carry what you need on the mountain. It is also worth asking whether the property can pack a breakfast for an early start and whether it will hold a late checkout for your return.

For a trek, aim to arrive the day before the climb begins so you have time to meet your guide, sort kit and sleep. Plan one night afterwards as well, because flights on the day you come off the mountain are tiring and risky if the descent runs late. Pay attention to the seasons: the drier months, January to early March and June to October, are the busiest and rooms fill early, while the rains in April, May and November bring lower rates and a greener landscape.

Whichever property you choose, bring small bills for tips, a power bank and a torch for the occasional power cut. Tanzanian hospitality is warm and informal, and a little patience and good humour go a long way.