Machame vs Lemosho: Which Kilimanjaro Route Should You Choose?

Machame or Lemosho? It's the first real decision most Kilimanjaro climbers face. Both routes are spectacular. Both will get you to Uhuru Peak. But they're not identical—and the differences matter more than most blogs let on.

This isn't a sales pitch for one route over the other. Both are excellent. The question is which one suits you—your timeline, fitness level, altitude experience, and what you want from the climb.

Here's the honest comparison: success rates, scenery, acclimatization profiles, difficulty, crowds, and cost. By the end, you'll know exactly which route to book.

Quick Answer

Choose Lemosho if: You want the best acclimatization and highest summit odds (95% vs 90%). The extra day makes a real difference, especially for first-time high-altitude climbers. You'll also enjoy quieter trails for the first 3 days and arguably the best scenery on Kilimanjaro. The typical cost difference is $200-400 more than Machame—worth it if you have 8 days available.

Choose Machame if: You have exactly 7 days (not 8) and want the best 7-day route on the mountain. Machame is shorter but still follows excellent acclimatization principles. It's slightly more challenging (steeper Barranco Wall approach, faster pace), making it ideal for fit, experienced trekkers who like a good challenge. You'll save 1 day and typically $200-400.

Bottom line: If you can spare 8 days, Lemosho is objectively better—better acclimatization, higher success rate, superior scenery. If you only have 7 days, Machame is still an outstanding choice. Both routes converge on day 3/4 and summit via the same path.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Key takeaway: Lemosho costs $200-400 more, takes 1 extra day, and increases your summit odds by 5%. Both are 5-star scenic routes with moderate difficulty. Machame is busier; Lemosho is quieter early on but joins Machame on day 4.

Machame Route: The Full Picture

Machame is nicknamed the "Whiskey Route" because it's tougher than the "Coca-Cola Route" (Marangu). It's the most popular camping route on Kilimanjaro—about 35% of all climbers choose Machame. Why? It strikes the perfect balance: challenging but manageable, scenic, and offers good acclimatization in 7 days.

What Makes Machame Special

The Barranco Wall: On day 4, you'll scramble up a 257-meter rock wall called the Barranco Wall. It looks intimidating from below—nearly vertical in places—but it's easier than it appears. No ropes or technical gear required, just hands-on scrambling. Guides call it "Kilimanjaro's breakfast wall" because you tackle it first thing in the morning. It's exhilarating, photogenic, and one of the most memorable sections of any Kilimanjaro route.

Excellent acclimatization profile: Machame follows the "climb high, sleep low" principle. Day 3 is the classic example: you hike from Shira Camp (3,840m) up to Lava Tower (4,600m) for lunch—gaining 760 meters—then descend to Barranco Camp (3,976m) to sleep. You spend hours at high altitude without the stress of sleeping there. By summit night, your body has adapted to thin air.

Dramatic scenery: Machame traverses all five climate zones: rainforest (day 1), moorland (day 2), alpine desert (days 3-5), and glacial summit zone (day 6). You'll camp beneath the towering Shira Plateau, walk through the eerie Karanga Valley, and wake up to views of Mawenzi Peak's jagged ridges. Every day delivers different landscapes.

Busy but energetic: Machame is the most popular camping route, so expect company. Camps can feel crowded, especially Barranco Camp (the largest campsite on the mountain). For some climbers, this is a downside. For others, the energy and camaraderie of dozens of teams create a motivating atmosphere. You're part of something bigger.

Day-by-Day Overview

• Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m) → Machame Camp (3,000m) — 5-7 hours through dense rainforest. Muddy, humid, green. You'll gain 1,200m on the first day—a wake-up call if you're not used to uphill hiking.
• Day 2: Machame Camp → Shira Camp (3,840m) — 4-6 hours. You emerge from the forest into moorland. The landscape opens up dramatically—rolling hills, giant heather trees, and your first views of Kibo's summit.
• Day 3: Shira Camp → Barranco Camp (3,976m) via Lava Tower (4,600m) — 6-8 hours. The critical acclimatization day. You climb to Lava Tower (4,600m), eat lunch, then descend to Barranco. You gain altitude during the day but sleep lower—textbook acclimatization.
• Day 4: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp (3,995m) — 4-5 hours. Scramble up the Barranco Wall first thing in the morning, then traverse the Karanga Valley. Short day by distance but demanding because of the wall.
• Day 5: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp (4,673m) — 4-5 hours. You climb to high camp—base for summit night. The landscape is barren, rocky, cold. You'll rest, hydrate, and try to sleep before the midnight wake-up call.
• Day 6: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m) — 12-16 hours total. Summit push begins around midnight. You'll climb 1,200m of scree and switchbacks to Stella Point (5,756m), then traverse the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. After summiting, descend all the way to Mweka Camp—a brutal but necessary 2,800m descent.
• Day 7: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate (1,640m) — 3-5 hours. Final descent through rainforest. Your knees will ache, but you'll be euphoric. Collect your summit certificate at Mweka Gate.

For more details, see our complete Machame route guide.

Lemosho Route: The Full Picture

Lemosho is widely regarded as the best route on Kilimanjaro. It has the highest success rate of any standard route (95%), the most diverse scenery, and the best acclimatization profile. It starts from the remote western side of the mountain, giving you 3 days of solitude before joining the Machame crowds.

What Makes Lemosho Special

Remote and pristine start: Lemosho begins at Londorossi Gate on the western flank of Kilimanjaro. The first two days traverse thick, untouched rainforest with minimal foot traffic. You'll see colobus monkeys, ancient trees draped in moss, and almost no other trekkers. It feels like true wilderness exploration—a stark contrast to the busier Machame Gate start.

Best acclimatization profile: The extra day matters more than most climbers realize. Lemosho spreads the elevation gain over 8 days instead of 7, giving your body additional time to produce red blood cells and adapt to altitude. The itinerary includes multiple "climb high, sleep low" days—the gold standard for altitude acclimatization. By summit night, you're as prepared as possible.

Shira Plateau traverse: One of Lemosho's signature features is crossing the Shira Plateau from west to east over 2 days. The plateau is a massive volcanic caldera older than Kilimanjaro itself—a vast, otherworldly expanse of moorland with 360-degree views. You'll camp at Shira 1 (3,500m) and Shira 2 (3,850m), waking up to sunrises over the plains of Tanzania.

Quiet first 3 days, then joins Machame: On day 4, Lemosho converges with the Machame route at Barranco Camp. From there, both routes follow identical paths—Barranco Wall, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, and the final summit push. This means you get the best of both worlds: solitude early, camaraderie later.

Highest success rate: Lemosho's 95% summit rate is no accident. The extra acclimatization day, gentler gradient, and longer timeline give your body what it needs to perform at 6,000 meters. Altitude sickness is the #1 reason climbers fail—Lemosho minimizes that risk.

Day-by-Day Overview

• Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) → Big Tree Camp (2,780m) — 3-4 hours through rainforest. Easy first day to ease into the trek. Humid, green, and quiet.
• Day 2: Big Tree Camp → Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) — 5-6 hours. Continue through rainforest, gradually transitioning to moorland. You'll gain 720m and camp at the edge of the Shira Plateau.
• Day 3: Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) — 4-5 hours. Traverse the Shira Plateau from west to east. Stunning views, rolling hills, volcanic rock formations. One of the most scenic days on any Kilimanjaro route.
• Day 4: Shira 2 Camp → Barranco Camp (3,976m) via Lava Tower (4,600m) — 6-8 hours. The acclimatization day: climb to Lava Tower (4,600m), then descend to Barranco. Lemosho joins Machame here. Trail traffic increases.
• Day 5: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp (3,995m) — 4-5 hours. Scramble up the Barranco Wall, traverse the Karanga Valley. Same as Machame day 4.
• Day 6: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp (4,673m) — 4-5 hours. Climb to high camp. Rest, hydrate, prepare for summit.
• Day 7: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m) — 12-16 hours. Summit push at midnight, then descend to Mweka Camp. Identical to Machame day 6.
• Day 8: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate (1,640m) — 3-5 hours. Final descent and celebration.

For a detailed itinerary, see our complete Lemosho route guide.

Scenery Comparison

Both Machame and Lemosho are 5-star scenic routes. You won't be disappointed by either. But there are subtle differences worth noting, especially if scenery is a top priority.

Machame's Visual Highlights

The Barranco Wall: This is Machame's signature feature—a near-vertical rock scramble that's as photogenic as it is thrilling. Looking up from Barranco Camp, the wall dominates the skyline. Scrambling up it at sunrise, surrounded by other climbers, is one of those unforgettable Kilimanjaro moments.

Shira Plateau approach from the east: Machame reaches the Shira Plateau on day 2 from the eastern side. You get stunning views of the plateau's vastness, but you don't traverse its full width like Lemosho does.

Karanga Valley traverse: After the Barranco Wall, you traverse a lunar-like valley—barren, rocky, and dramatic. On clear days, you can see both Mawenzi Peak to the east and Kibo's glaciers to the west.

Rainforest on day 1: Dense, muddy, humid jungle. It's beautiful in its own way—moss-covered trees, roots snaking across the trail—but it's similar to what you'll see on any Kilimanjaro rainforest route.

Lemosho's Visual Highlights

Shira Plateau traverse (west to east): This is Lemosho's crown jewel. Over 2 days, you cross the entire Shira Plateau, camping at Shira 1 and Shira 2. The plateau is a massive volcanic caldera—older than Kilimanjaro—with rolling hills, volcanic rock formations, and 360-degree views. Sunrise and sunset from Shira 2 Camp are otherworldly.

Remote rainforest (days 1-2): Lemosho's starting forest is less trampled and more pristine than Machame's. You'll see colobus monkeys, hear exotic birds, and walk through ancient trees draped in Spanish moss. It feels wild and untouched.

Same summit approach as Machame: From Barranco Camp onward, the scenery is identical—both routes share the same path. You get the Barranco Wall, Karanga Valley, and the barren high-altitude desert leading to summit.

Verdict

Lemosho wins on scenery. The Shira Plateau traverse is unmatched—it's the most visually stunning section of any Kilimanjaro route. The remote rainforest start adds to the sense of adventure. Machame's scenery is still excellent (especially the Barranco Wall), but Lemosho covers more diverse terrain and offers wider-open vistas. If you're a photographer or simply love dramatic landscapes, Lemosho is the better choice.

Acclimatization & Success Rates

This is where the real difference between Machame and Lemosho shows up. Both routes follow good acclimatization principles, but Lemosho's extra day translates directly into higher summit success.

The Numbers

• Lemosho 8-day: 95% success rate
• Machame 7-day: 90% success rate

That 5% difference is statistically significant. It means 1 in 20 Machame climbers fails to summit (usually due to altitude sickness), compared to 1 in 20 on Lemosho. If you're investing thousands of dollars and traveling halfway around the world, a 5% improvement in odds is worth the extra day.

Why the Extra Day Matters

Altitude sickness is the #1 reason climbers fail to summit Kilimanjaro—not fitness, not gear, not weather. Your body needs time to adapt to low oxygen levels by:

• Producing more red blood cells to carry oxygen
• Increasing breathing rate (even at rest)
• Improving oxygen delivery to vital organs

These adaptations take 24-48 hours per altitude gain. Lemosho gives you more time at mid-altitude (3,500-4,000m), allowing your body to adapt before pushing higher. By the time you reach Barafu Camp (4,673m) on day 6, you're fully acclimatized. Machame reaches Barafu on day 5—one day earlier—which means slightly less adaptation time.

"Climb High, Sleep Low" Profile Comparison

Both routes follow the "climb high, sleep low" principle—the gold standard for altitude acclimatization. Here's how they compare:

Machame:

• Day 3: Climb to Lava Tower (4,600m), sleep at Barranco Camp (3,976m) — 624m descent
• Day 4: Climb over Barranco Wall, sleep at Karanga Camp (3,995m) — minimal descent but good exposure

Lemosho:

• Day 4: Climb to Lava Tower (4,600m), sleep at Barranco Camp (3,976m) — 624m descent
• Day 5: Climb over Barranco Wall, sleep at Karanga Camp (3,995m)
• Extra acclimatization: Two extra nights at 3,500-3,850m (days 2-3) before reaching Barranco

Lemosho spreads the same altitude gain over more days, giving your body extra recovery time between big elevation gains. This is why Lemosho has higher summit success.

Who Benefits Most from Lemosho's Extra Day?

• First-time high-altitude climbers: If you've never been above 4,000m, the extra day significantly reduces altitude sickness risk.
• Anyone prone to altitude sickness: If you've struggled with AMS on previous climbs, Lemosho's gentler profile helps.
• Older climbers (50+): Acclimatization tends to take longer as you age. The extra day matters more.
• Anyone who wants the best possible odds: 95% > 90%. Simple math.

When Machame's 7 Days Is Sufficient

• You've climbed at altitude before (4,000m+): If you know your body handles altitude well, Machame's 7 days is enough.
• You're fit and healthy: Physical fitness doesn't prevent altitude sickness, but overall health and cardiovascular efficiency help.
• You only have 7 days available: Machame is the best 7-day route. Don't compromise down to a 6-day variant—90% success on Machame 7-day beats 70% on Machame 6-day.

Verdict

Lemosho wins on acclimatization and success rate. The extra day is strategically placed to maximize altitude adaptation. If summiting is your priority and you have 8 days, choose Lemosho. If you only have 7 days, Machame is still an excellent choice with a strong 90% success rate—far better than shorter routes.

Difficulty Comparison

Both Machame and Lemosho are moderate-difficulty routes. Neither requires technical climbing skills, ropes, or mountaineering equipment. You're hiking, not climbing. But there are subtle differences in physical demands.

Machame: Slightly Harder

Why Machame is tougher:

• Steeper Barranco Wall approach: You tackle the Barranco Wall on day 4, with less acclimatization than Lemosho climbers (who hit it on day 5). The wall itself isn't technically difficult, but it's steeper and more exposed than any other section. Some climbers find it intimidating.
• Faster pace: You cover 62km in 7 days vs Lemosho's 70km in 8 days. Daily distances are slightly longer, and there's less recovery time between big elevation gains.
• Day 1 is brutal: Machame's first day gains 1,200m in 5-7 hours through rainforest. It's humid, muddy, and relentless uphill. Many climbers say day 1 is the hardest day (excluding summit night). It's a shock to the system if you're not prepared.
• Less margin for error: With one less acclimatization day, your body has less buffer if you're feeling off. If you get mild altitude sickness on day 3, you may not recover as quickly as on Lemosho.

Who Machame suits:

• Fit, experienced trekkers who enjoy a challenge
• People who prefer a faster pace and don't want an extra day
• Climbers comfortable with steep, exposed terrain (Barranco Wall)

Lemosho: Gentler Gradient

Why Lemosho is easier:

• Gentler first day: Lemosho's day 1 gains only 680m in 3-4 hours—far easier than Machame's 1,200m slog. You ease into the trek instead of getting hammered on day 1.
• Spread-out elevation gain: The extra day means shorter daily distances and less aggressive altitude gain. Your body gets more recovery time between big days.
• Better acclimatization = easier summit night: By the time you reach Barafu Camp (4,673m), you're fully adapted. Summit night is still brutal—1,200m of scree climbing at midnight—but your body performs better when it's acclimatized.
• More forgiving timeline: If you have a rough day (mild altitude sickness, stomach issues), the extra day gives you margin to recover without jeopardizing the summit.

Who Lemosho suits:

• First-time high-altitude climbers
• Anyone who prefers a gentler pace and more recovery time
• Climbers who want the highest odds of summiting comfortably

Verdict

Machame is slightly harder. Steeper sections, faster pace, and less recovery time make it more demanding. Lemosho's gentler gradient and extra day make it more forgiving. Both are still moderate difficulty—don't underestimate either route. Summit night is brutal on both.

For more on what to expect, see our guide: How Hard is Kilimanjaro Really?

Crowds & Traffic

Trail traffic matters if you value solitude or dislike camping surrounded by dozens of other groups. Here's the honest breakdown:

Machame: Busy Throughout

Machame is the most popular camping route on Kilimanjaro (after Marangu, which uses huts). About 35% of all climbers choose Machame. What does this mean in practice?

• Camps are crowded: Expect 10-20+ groups at Machame Camp, Shira Camp, and especially Barranco Camp (the largest campsite on the mountain). Tents are close together. You'll hear other groups. The vibe is energetic but not peaceful.
• Trail traffic is moderate: You won't be alone on the trail, but it's not a conga line. You'll see other groups ahead and behind, especially at bottlenecks like the Barranco Wall.
• Summit night is crowded: Multiple groups attempt the summit simultaneously (starting around midnight). The final push from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak can feel like a slow-moving queue during peak season (January-February, July-September).

Upside of crowds: Many climbers enjoy the energy and camaraderie. You'll meet people from around the world. There's a sense of shared struggle and collective achievement. For some, this enhances the experience.

Lemosho: Quiet First 3 Days, Then Busy

Lemosho starts from the remote western side of Kilimanjaro (Londorossi Gate), which far fewer trekkers use. This creates a split experience:

• Days 1-3 are quiet: You'll see 1-3 other groups at Big Tree Camp and Shira camps. Sometimes you're the only group. The remote rainforest and Shira Plateau feel pristine and wild. This is peak wilderness trekking.
• Day 4 onward: Lemosho joins Machame: At Barranco Camp, Lemosho converges with Machame (and sometimes Umbwe climbers). From this point, trail traffic is identical. Camps are crowded. Summit night is the same slow-moving scree grind with dozens of headlamps.

Best of both worlds: Lemosho gives you solitude when it matters most—the first half of the trek, when you're fresh and soaking in the experience. By the time crowds arrive, you're focused on summit prep and don't care as much.

Verdict

Lemosho wins for quieter trails early on. The first 3 days feel remote and uncrowded—a huge advantage if you value solitude. Machame is busier from start to finish. Both routes share the same crowded summit night experience. If you want the quietest overall route, consider the Northern Circuit (9 days), which stays remote longer.

Cost Comparison

Cost is a practical factor for most climbers. Here's what to expect:

Typical Price Range (Mid-Tier Operators)

• Machame 7-day: $2,200 - $2,600 per person
• Lemosho 8-day: $2,400 - $3,000 per person

Why Lemosho costs more: The extra day means additional costs for:

• Park fees (conservation fees, camping fees)
• Porter and guide wages (1 extra day of employment)
• Food and fuel (1 extra day of meals)

These costs add up to roughly $200-400 more for Lemosho. Some operators charge even more because Lemosho is marketed as the "premium" route.

Is Lemosho Worth the Extra Cost?

Yes, if:

• You want the best possible odds of summiting (95% vs 90%)
• Better acclimatization matters to you (especially if it's your first high-altitude climb)
• You value scenery and quieter trails early on
• $200-400 is a small percentage of your overall trip cost (flights, gear, vaccinations, travel insurance, accommodation)

Stick with Machame if:

• You only have 7 days (not 8)
• Budget is tight and $200-400 makes a real difference
• You're confident in your altitude acclimatization ability (based on previous climbs)

Beware of Ultra-Budget Operators

Some operators offer Machame for $1,500-1,800 or Lemosho for $1,800-2,200. These prices are suspiciously low. They often mean:

• Underpaid porters and guides (unethical labor practices)
• Poor-quality food and gear
• Inexperienced guides who may not recognize altitude sickness symptoms
• Hidden fees for "extras" like rescue insurance or oxygen

On Kilimanjaro, cheap operators compromise safety. We've seen budget groups with guides who don't carry pulse oximeters, porters who are overloaded and underfed, and climbers who turn back due to preventable issues. Pay a fair price for a reputable operator. Your safety is worth more than $300 in savings.

What's Included in a Fair Price?

A reputable operator's price should include:

• All park fees, camping fees, and conservation fees
• Professional, certified guides (Wilderness First Responder trained)
• Fair porter wages (following KPAP/IMEC guidelines)
• 3 meals per day + snacks
• Drinking water (purified)
• High-quality tents (sleeping and dining tents)
• Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
• Pulse oximeter for daily health checks
• Portable toilet (optional but highly recommended)
• Airport transfers

For transparent pricing breakdown, see our Kilimanjaro packages page.

Which Should You Choose?

You've now seen the full comparison—success rates, scenery, acclimatization, difficulty, crowds, cost. Here's how to make your decision:

Choose Machame If:

• You only have 7 days. Machame is the best 7-day route on Kilimanjaro. Don't compromise down to a 6-day variant—the success rate drops significantly.
• You're fit and enjoy a challenge. Machame's steeper sections and faster pace appeal to experienced trekkers who like pushing themselves.
• You like the energy of a popular route. The camaraderie and bustle of camps can be motivating. You're part of something bigger.
• Budget is tight. Machame costs $200-400 less than Lemosho. If that difference matters, Machame still delivers excellent scenery and good acclimatization.
• You've climbed at altitude before. If you know your body handles altitude well, Machame's 7 days is sufficient.

Choose Lemosho If:

• You have 8 days available. The extra day improves acclimatization, increases summit odds by 5%, and provides better scenery with quieter trails early on. It's objectively the better route if you have the time.
• It's your first high-altitude climb. The extra acclimatization day significantly reduces altitude sickness risk for first-timers.
• You want the best possible odds of summiting. 95% success rate vs 90%. If maximizing your chances matters, Lemosho is the clear winner.
• You value scenery and solitude. The Shira Plateau traverse is unmatched. The remote rainforest and quiet first 3 days create a more immersive experience.
• You prefer a gentler pace. Lemosho spreads the same elevation gain over more days, making it less aggressive and more forgiving.
• You want the "best" route. Lemosho is widely regarded as the best route on Kilimanjaro—best acclimatization, best scenery, highest success rate. It's the gold standard.

Still Not Sure?

Our recommendation: If you have 8 days, choose Lemosho. If you only have 7 days, choose Machame. Both are excellent routes. Both summit via the same path. The difference is how you get there—and how well your body adapts along the way.

If you're still torn, reach out to us. We'll ask about your altitude experience, fitness level, and priorities to recommend the best fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Book Your Kilimanjaro Climb?

Now you know the real differences between Machame and Lemosho—success rates, scenery, acclimatization profiles, difficulty, crowds, and cost. Both routes are excellent. The question is which one fits your timeline, priorities, and experience level.

We've guided both routes hundreds of times. We know every camp, every water source, every tricky section. We'll make sure you're prepared, supported, and equipped to summit safely. No hidden fees, no surprises—just honest guiding and transparent pricing.

Whether you choose Machame or Lemosho, you're choosing one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro. Let's get you to the summit.