Even though no technical experience is required for Climbing Kilimanjaro, there are some challenges you’ll face with this trek. Thankfully, there are two Kilimanjaro Routes that make things a heck of a lot easier for trekkers. Particularly when they are combined with a suitable level of physical preparation and training.
These are the Lemosho Route and Machame Route. Both of these routes will take you on a splendid expedition through snow-capped scenery, rugged terrains, and vibrant rainforests. And, by the end, you’ll feel like you’ve conquered the world along with Kilimanjaro’s summit.
Both routes have pros and cons, so it’s worth assessing them so you can make a definitive choice according to your needs. Below is a comparison and assessment of the logistics of the Lemosho and Machame Routes.
Overview Of the Lemosho and Machame Route
Lemosho and Machame Routes are among the most popular Mount Kilimanjaro Routes. Both offer diverse surroundings, wonderful views, and challenging terrains. Granting, they differ in difficulty, length, popularity, and altitude.
So, before we get into the deeper logistics of both Kilimanjaro Routes, below is a basic overview of the routes.
| CLIMBING COMPONENTS | LEMOSHO ROUTE | MACHAME ROUTE |
| Distance | 67 km. (41.6 miles) | 62 km. (38.5 miles) |
| Average Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate |
| Average Duration | 6-8 Days | 6-7 Days |
| Highest Point | Uhuru Peak – At 5,895 metres (19,635 feet) | Uhuru Peak – At 5,895 metres (19,635 feet) |
Route Length And Duration of Both Kilimanjaro Routes
The overall distance of the Lemosho Route is a bit longer than the Machame Route, at 67 kilometres. This distance also includes the descent via the Mweka route. The average duration of the route is 6-8 Days.
On the contrary, the distance of the Machame route is a touch less compared to the Lemosho Route, at 62 kilometres. The average duration of the Machame Route is 6-7 Days.
The total length and distance difference are minimal enough that it won’t factor much into your route decision-making.
Difficulty Level and Altitude Gain of Both Kilimanjaro Routes
Both routes have the same average difficulty, i.e. moderate. You should expect some steep inclines on both routes. Generally speaking, the Lemosho Route has a bit of a steeper incline compared to Machame. But the difference isn’t that much, so it won’t factor much into your choice of route.
The following is a day-wise altitude gain of both Kilimanjaro Routes:
| DAY(s) | LEMOSHO ROUTE ALTITUDE GAIN (in feet) | MACHAME ROUTE ALTITUDE GAIN (in feet) |
| DAY 1 | 1,640 | 4,000 |
| DAY 2 | 2,296 | 3,100 |
| DAY 3 | 1,640 | 500 |
| DAY 4 | 2,460 | 100 |
| DAY 5 | 984 (Ascend), 460 (Descend) | 2,200 |
| DAY 6 | 2,460 | 4,045 |
| DAY 7 | 3,592 | 4,685 (Descend) |
| DAY 8 | 4,593 (Descend) |
Scenery And Landscape
Both the Lemosho and Machame Routes offer stunning scenery. They’re among the most beautiful of all Mount Kilimanjaro Routes. Though after crossing the Lava Tower, the scenery is the same. It’s the first few days that offer the best scenic landscapes.
The Lemosho Route is probably the favourite among tourists when it comes to the scenery. That said, the Machame Route also offers fabulous scenery. On both routes, you’ll get to trek up through vibrant rainforests and then enter the captivating moorland zone.
- After this point, you can start enjoying sweeping views over the enormous plains.
- The two routes are not vastly different from each other in terms of scenery and landscapes.
- This is because they both include some time in the rainforest, and both are on the way to the western slope of Kilimanjaro.
All things considered, you can undoubtedly expect a wonderfully scenic climb on either route.
Number Of Climbers and Popularity
Regarding the number of climbers and popularity, the Lemosho Route overshadows the Machame Route by far. Lemosho Route offers unmatched and splendid views of the gorges that feature the western side of Kilimanjaro. It also has one of the highest success rates and best acclimatisation of all the Mount Kilimanjaro Routes.
Lemosho Route Vs Machame Route – Pros And Cons
Both of these Mount Kilimanjaro Routes have advantages and drawbacks. It’s worth balancing them out so you can choose your most preferred option and make your experience as memorable as Kilimanjaro’s natural beauty.
Pros Of The Lemosho Route
| Scenically Beautiful – There are many Barrancos (deep canyons) on Kilimanjaro, the most notable being the Barranco Wall. When you take the Lemosho Route to climb Kilimanjaro, you’ll pass this wall near the Lava Tower. The views here will be simply stunning. |
| Wildlife Sightings – Because the Lemosho Route is remote, there are fewer crowds along the trail. So, the chances of seeing antelopes and elephants are significantly higher. Also, there are several primates in the lush rainforest zone, which you’ll also get to see. |
| Remote Trekking Adventure – As many people undertake the climbing expedition up Mount Kilimanjaro each year, the routes tend to get very crowded. |
| Though this isn’t the case when it comes to the Lemosho Route. This is a perfect choice for those who want to take an off-beaten track and enjoy a tranquil hiking experience. |
Cons Of The Lemosho Route
| Bit Expensive – Lemosho is one of the most expensive Kilimanjaro trekking routes. But if you want a more relaxing and quitter trekking adventure, then the extra costs will be worth it. |
| Takes a Long Time – The ideal itinerary of the Lemosho Route is for 8 days. Some may consider this a drawback, but this is a great advantage. Due to the extended time, your body will be able to acclimate to the altitude range, and you’ll avoid any serious illnesses. |
Pros Of The Machame Route
| Cost-Effective – The Machame Route is the most popular choice among trekkers. Thus, this results in considerably reduced costs. So, if you want a more cost-effective Kilimanjaro Climb, then the Machame Route is the way to go. |
| Shorter Distance – The Machame Route is one day shorter compared to Lemosho, yet it has a great success rate. The seven-day itinerary involves a day of high-altitude ascent and low-altitude sleep. This aids in acclimatisation and increases the odds of reaching Kilimanjaro’s summit. |
Cons Of The Machame Route
| Fewer Wildlife Sightings – Fewer wildlife sightings will be along the Machame Route. But what it may lack in animals, it more than makes up for in the stunning vistas. The natural beauty of Kilimanjaro is in full flow along the Machame Route. |
| More Crowded – The Machame Route has risen in popularity in recent years, so the trail has grown rather crowded. But if you find comfort in having a large group of people around to share your trekking experience, then Machame is for you. |
OUR VERDICT: Lemosho is our preferred Kilimanjaro Climbing Route mainly due to the tons of positive feedback we get from hiking enthusiasts. Though that’s not to say the Machame Route is not ideal. Not at all, both these Kilimanjaro Routes offer breathtaking surroundings, different climatic zones, and great altitude acclimatization that increases success rates.
Logistics Of the Lemosho and Machame Route
Now that we’ve got the pros and cons out of the way, you need to know all the logistics for both the Lemosho and Machame routes. The following aspects will help you decide what the Best Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes are.
Starting Elevation Of Both Kilimanjaro Routes
The starting point of the Lemosho Route is at the Lemosho Gate, which is to the northwest of Kilimanjaro’s summit. The Machame Route, on the other hand, has the starting approach from a southwestern point at Machame Gate.
This means that hikers on both routes first walk different trails, stay at different campgrounds, and enjoy different scenic landscapes.
Necessary Equipment And Supplies
When it comes to what equipment and supplies you need for Kilimanjaro, they are the same for both routes. So, make sure to include the following items in your Kilimanjaro Packing List.
| BASIC EQUIPMENT | FOR YOUR HEAD | FOR YOUR HANDS AND FEET | FOR YOUR UPPER BODY | FOR YOUR LEGS | OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS |
| Daypack | Sun Hat | Lightweight Gloves | Insulated Jacket | Trekking Trousers | Plug Adapters |
| Waterproof Duffle Bag | Beanie-style hat | Trekking Boots | Hard shell outer jacket | Hard Shell Trousers | Sun and Lip Screen |
| Trekking Poles | Sunglasses | Training Sneakers | Soft-shell/Fleece Jacket | Merino wool leggings | Camera and extra batteries, and lenses |
| Sleeping Bag | Headlamp | Gaiters | Long-Sleeved Shirt | Insulated Synthetic Pants | Travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste |
| Scarf | Wool/Ski Hat | A few pairs of socks | Thermal Base Layer | Heavy Baselayer Bottoms | Ear Plugs |
Accommodation And Camping Options
One of the major differences in terms of surroundings and experience between the two routes relates to the campgrounds of the early days. Before reaching Barranco Camp, hikers of the Lemosho and Machame Route stay over at different campgrounds.
- On the Machame Route, the two itineraries diverge only after the Barranco Camp.
- The six-day itinerary takes trekkers to Barafu Camp and skips the Karanga Camp.
- Whereas, climbers of the seven-day itinerary make a stop at Karanga Camp.
Those hikers who climb Kilimanjaro through the Machame Route stay at Machame Camp and Shira Cave Camp on their way to Barranco Camp.
- Those who climb the seven-day Lemosho Route stay at Mti Mkubwa Camp and Shira Two Camp before reaching the Barranco Camp.
- While climbers of the eight-day Lemosho Route have a stay at Shira 1 Camp, Mti Mkubwa Camp, and Moir Hut.
Of all the campgrounds used by trekkers of both routes, Shira 2 Camp is known for its amazing location. Sunsets here are a thing of wonder. Moreover, situated high up on Kilimanjaro, Karanga Camp is a terrific site for both sunrises and sunsets. On the seventh day of the Machame route, you’ll get to stay at this camp. And, all trekkers on the Lemosho Route spend an overnight stay at the camp.
Acclimatization
Acclimatisation is when your body adjusts to the reduced oxygen that normally comes with a higher altitude. To give your body enough time to adjust to the higher altitude, you should increase your elevation gradually.
Both the Lemosho and Machame routes offer great acclimatization. This is even truer when you choose the longer itinerary over the shorter one.
Lemosho whispers with wilderness and slow climbs, Machame chats with crowds and quick steps, either way, Kilimanjaro’s peak is ready for your victory photo shoot.
Lemosho Route Vs Machame Route – Deciding Factors
The Lemosho and Machame routes should be chosen based on the duration and length of the climb. The Lemosho Route takes 7 to 8 days to complete, whereas the Machame Route takes 6-7 days.
- If your budget permits and you want the simplest trekking path with less walking per day, then the 7-Day Machame Route itinerary works well.
- And, if you have the time, choose the 8-Day Lemosho Route to strengthen your acclimatisation process.
You should choose the Machame Route if you want a shorter climb. But, we advise that you climb for at least 7 days to better acclimate to the higher altitude conditions. This will also maximize your chances of reaching the summit.
We have some other blogs that are just as informative as this one. Follow the links below to read them:
https://africanscenicsafaris.com/blog/where-does-kilimanjaro-rank-in-height/
Which Kilimanjaro Route Is Right for You?
We have a preferred option regarding Kilimanjaro Routes, and that is the Lemosho Route. But you may have a different choice, based on your personal preference and needs.
If you want the best scenic surroundings coupled with high success rates and great acclimatisation, then the Lemosho Route is a perfect choice. But, if you’re backed on time and want a more cost-effective Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure, then the Machame Route offers just that. At African Scenic Safaris, we have itineraries for both of these Kilimanjaro Routes, so you can choose a route and go on a thrilling ascent up Kilimanjaro.
