Machame vs Lemosho: The Two Best Routes on Kilimanjaro
The Machame and Lemosho routes are consistently rated as the best ways to climb Kilimanjaro. Both offer excellent scenery, good acclimatization profiles, and high summit success rates. But they differ in important ways that may make one better suited to your goals.
Quick Comparison
Machame Route (7 Days)
- Success Rate: 85-90% (7-day itinerary)
- Duration: 6-7 days
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Scenery: Excellent (Southern Circuit)
- Crowds: Moderate to High (most popular route)
- Price: From $2,495
- Best For: Fit climbers wanting the classic Kilimanjaro experience
Lemosho Route (8 Days)
- Success Rate: 95-98% (8-day itinerary)
- Duration: 7-8 days
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Scenery: Best on the mountain (Western approach + Southern Circuit)
- Crowds: Low to Moderate (remote start)
- Price: From $2,795
- Best For: Those wanting the premium experience with highest success rate
Scenery
Both routes traverse the spectacular Southern Circuit including the Barranco Wall, but Lemosho wins on scenery because its western approach through pristine rainforest (with wildlife) and across the Shira Plateau adds two days of landscapes that Machame climbers never see.
Success Rate
The 8-day Lemosho has the highest success rate of any route at 95-98%. The extra day provides superior acclimatization. The 7-day Machame achieves 85-90% which is still well above the overall mountain average of 65%.
Crowds
Machame is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro, used by approximately 50% of all climbers. Lemosho starts from the remote western side and is significantly quieter for the first 2-3 days before joining Machame climbers at Shira Camp 2.
Our Recommendation
Choose Lemosho 8 Days if you want the highest success rate, best scenery, and fewer crowds. Choose Machame 7 Days if you are fit, experienced at altitude, and want to save time and budget while still having an excellent climb.
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