Lemosho and Machame are the two routes I get asked about most. They share the same final ascent — from Barranco Camp through the Barranco Wall, Karanga Valley, Barafu Camp, and up to Uhuru Peak. But the first three days are completely different, and that difference matters more than most people think.
I have guided both routes dozens of times. I have watched climbers succeed and fail on both. Here is what you actually need to know.
Lemosho
7–8 days • Moderate • Best acclimatization
Machame
6–7 days • Moderate-Hard • Most popular
Our Pick for Most Climbers
The 8-day Lemosho route gives you the best chance of summiting. The extra day costs more, but the 10% higher success rate means you are far less likely to spend all that money and not reach the top.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Lemosho (8 days) | Machame (7 days) |
|---|---|---|
| Summit Success Rate | 95% | 85% |
| Crowd Levels | Low to moderate | Moderate to high |
| Scenery | Most diverse | Dramatic |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate to hard |
| Acclimatization | Superior | Good |
| Barranco Wall | Yes (shared) | Yes (original) |
| Typical Cost | $2,200–3,500 | $1,800–2,800 |
| Start Point | Londorossi Gate (west) | Machame Gate (south) |
How Each Route Starts
Lemosho — Western Approach
Starts at Londorossi Gate on the western flank. You climb through pristine rainforest on day one, then emerge onto the Shira Plateau — a vast, high-altitude moorland at nearly 4,000 metres. For the first three days you see very few other climbers. The plateau offers panoramic views of the glaciers and the distant Serengeti plains. Many climbers describe this section as the most beautiful part of any Kilimanjaro route.
Machame — Southern Approach
Starts at Machame Gate on the southern side. You climb through dense rainforest on day one, then steep moorland on day two — gaining over 1,000 metres in a single day. The trail passes through the "Valley of Lobelias and Senecios" before reaching the Shira Plateau from the south. More direct, steeper, and faster in the early sections.
From day four onwards, both routes follow the exact same path. You merge at Barranco Camp, scramble up the Barranco Wall together, walk through Karanga Valley, and summit from Barafu Camp. The difference is entirely in those first three days.
Scenery: Both Excellent, But Different
Lemosho's Highlight
The Shira Plateau — vast, open moorland at nearly 4,000m with 360-degree views of the glaciers and the Western Breach. Giant senecios and lobelias dot the landscape. Walking across this plateau feels like being on another planet. You cannot get this on Machame.
Machame's Highlight
The Barranco Wall — a dramatic 250-metre scramble up a volcanic cliff face. Requires hands-on rock and offers breathtaking views. Many climbers call it the highlight of their entire trip. But both routes share the Barranco Wall, so Lemosho climbers get this too.
Both routes share the Barranco Wall, Karanga Valley, and the alpine desert summit zone. The views from Barafu Camp are identical. The only scenery you miss on Machame is the Shira Plateau crossing — and that is the most unique landscape on the mountain.
Difficulty: Machame Is Harder
Machame is more physically demanding in its early sections. Day two climbs from Machame Camp to Shira Camp, gaining over 1,000 metres of altitude in a single day. That is a big push at altitude, and it is the main reason Machame's success rate sits at 85% instead of 95%.
Lemosho's 8-day itinerary spreads elevation gain over more days. Each individual walk is more manageable. The Shira Plateau crossing is relatively flat compared to Machame's steep climbs. You arrive at Barranco Camp on day four feeling fresher and better acclimatized.
Acclimatization: Lemosho Wins
This is where the extra day makes the biggest difference. The 8-day Lemosho provides superior acclimatization through natural altitude variation. On day four, you hike to Lava Tower (4,630m) during the day, then descend to Barranco Camp (3,950m) to sleep. This "climb high, sleep low" pattern is the gold standard for acclimatization — and Lemosho does it better than Machame.
The result: 95% summit success on Lemosho versus 85% on Machame. That 10% difference means roughly one extra successful summit for every ten climbers. If you are climbing with a group of six, that is the difference between one person turning back and everyone reaching the top together.
Crowds: Lemosho Is Quieter
Lemosho's western start means you spend the first three days on a quieter section of the mountain. You might see two or three other groups. The route only becomes busier after merging with Machame on day four.
Machame is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. During peak season (July–August), popular camps like Machame Camp and Barranco can feel crowded. More people at camp means more noise, less personal space, and busier trails.
From day four onwards, both routes share the same camps, so the last three days are equally busy regardless of which route you chose.
Cost: Machame Is Cheaper
The 7-day Machame route is typically $400 to $700 cheaper per person than the 8-day Lemosho. That extra day of Lemosho costs you one more day of guide wages, porter costs, food, and park fees.
But here is the math that matters: if you fail to summit on Machame because of poor acclimatization, the cost of a failed attempt — flights, park fees, gear, time off work — far exceeds the $400–700 you saved. The extra day on Lemosho is not a luxury. It is insurance.
The Verdict
Our Recommendation: Lemosho (8 days)
For most first-time Kilimanjaro climbers, Lemosho offers the best overall package. Higher summit success, superior acclimatization, quieter early days, and the most diverse scenery on the mountain. The extra day and cost are worth it.
When Machame Is the Better Choice
Choose Machame if budget is your primary concern, you only have 7 days, or you are an experienced trekker confident with faster altitude gain. The Barranco Wall from the original direction is also a slight advantage for some climbers.
One important note: do not do Lemosho in 7 days. The 7-day version removes a rest day and compresses acclimatization, dropping the success rate closer to Machame's 85%. If you only have 7 days, pick Machame — it is designed for that duration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Choose Your Route?
Tell us your dates, budget, and priorities. We will recommend the right route and build a custom itinerary around it — whether that is Lemosho, Machame, or something else entirely.
