Route Overview

Lemosho Route:

Begins on Kilimanjaro’s remote western side.  The trail crosses through beautiful, quiet rainforest, then the open Shira Plateau before joining the southern circuit that loops around the mountain.  You’ll tackle the famous Barranco Wall and summit via Barafu Camp.

Machame Route:

Starts slightly further south-west.  Known as the “Whiskey Route” (steeper than the old “Coca-Cola” Marangu Route), it climbs through dense rainforest, up to Shira Camp, then merges with the same southern circuit to the summit.

Both routes follow well-established trails within Kilimanjaro National Park, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Acclimatisation and Summit Success

This is the deal-breaker for many.  More days = better acclimatisation = higher chance of a safe, successful summit.

• Lemosho Route: Our Lemosho trek is 8 days on the mountain, giving you a gradual approach through remote forest and across the Shira Plateau.  This slower ascent helps your body adjust to altitude naturally.  That’s a big reason our Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route summit success rate is an impressive 96%.

• Machame Route: Our Machame climb is 7 days on the mountain, with a quicker gain in altitude during the first two days.  It’s a bit tougher early on, but we pace it carefully and our Guides know how to manage it well, our Machame Route success rate is currently 100%, though fewer people choose it than Lemosho.

Winner: Lemosho, especially for first-timers or anyone wanting the safest odds.

Crowds

Another big difference between the Lemosho Route and the Machame Route is how busy they get.  Kilimanjaro is popular, you won’t have it entirely to yourself, but some routes feel more remote than others, especially in the early days.  Here’s how these two compare:

• Lemosho Route: Quieter start.  The first two days through untouched forest and the broad Shira Plateau feel remote and peaceful.  Once you join the Machame path higher up, it’s busier, but you’ll have enjoyed solitude early on.

• Machame Route: Very popular, especially during peak season.  Campsites and trails are noticeably busier from day one.

Winner: Lemosho, if you value quiet wilderness and a less crowded trail.

Scenery

You can’t really go wrong, both routes are stunning and cover classic Kilimanjaro highlights: rainforest, moorland, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, the Southern Icefields and that iconic crater rim sunrise.

Lemosho edges ahead for many because you get a wider sweep of remote western forest and the full Shira Plateau crossing.  Machame doesn’t cross the plateau in the same way, you hit it from below.

Winner: Lemosho, by a nose.

Cost

More days mean higher park fees, more food, and more wages for your Mountain Crew, so yes, the Lemosho Route costs a bit more than the Machame.  The Machame Route is shorter and logistically simpler, so it’s often the cheaper option.

But don’t pick your route by cost alone.  There’s a reason we talk about the time–cost–success triangle on Kilimanjaro: cut days to save money and you risk your summit success.  Take an extra day, invest a bit more, and you buy yourself a safer, more successful climb.

Winner: Machame for tighter budgets.  Lemosho if you see extra time as smart insurance for your summit dream.

So, Which Should You Choose?

If you want the best acclimatisation, quieter trails at the start, and scenery that never disappoints, pick our Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route.  It’s our top choice for first-time high-altitude trekkers and anyone serious about summiting safely.

If your time or budget is tight and you’re fit enough to handle a faster ascent, the Machame Route is still an excellent option, and in the right hands (ours), your chances are still excellent.

Ready to Decide?

Explore our detailed Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route itinerary and Machame Route itinerary.

Or drop us a message, we’ll help you choose the right route for you, not just the easiest to sell.