Mount Kilimanjaro's Machame and Lemosho Routes: So why are they the Top Routes anyway?
For many, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Hence, it is only natural to seek the best route and do stringent research about the many trekking options. For several years, Marangu Route has been deemed the most popular route. This popularity*** is mainly due to its affordability and shorter length. But, climbers have now become aware of the declining success rate of Marangu. Thanks to scenic routes like Machame and Lemosho, a lot of adventurers are able to enjoy higher success rates up the iconic Kili. But what’s the difference between the two? And why are they the top routes anyway?
Otherwise known as “Whiskey Route”, Machame is now coined as the most popular route to trek Kilimanjaro. It can be done in 6 days, however, it is not advisable especially for first-timers. With more difficult terrain to hike for days in a row, experts recommend 7 days via Machame. Technically, the trail is not really “difficult” but more on strenuous. It features longer, steeper slopes and often involves many ups and downs, crossing a succession of valleys and ridges.
Machame starts from the south side of Mount Kilimanjaro and descends via the Mweka route.
If camping and nature is your thing, and money is not so much of an issue, this is definitely an ideal choice.
Distance: 72 km.
Recommended Duration: 7 days
Success Rate: High
Acclimatization: Excellent
Traffic: High
Pricing: $$
Itinerary: Machame Gate → Machame Camp → Shira 2 Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
Lemosho is another popular route, but more commonly known as the “most scenic route” up the mountain. It offers 7-8 days of trekking, with 8 as the most recommended duration, joining the Machame route on the fourth day.
The route approaches the mountain from the west, goes through an incredibly mesmerizing rainforest on the first 2 days (which means you have good chances of seeing wildlife), and then joins Machame route in Shira. Descent is is made via Mweka route as well.
The difficulty level for Lemosho is somehow similar with Machame. So if you are confident to hike more challenging terrains and camp longer in the mountain, enjoy great wilderness experience and jaw-dropping scenery, and you don’t mind spending more, Lemosho is definitely a fitting option.
Distance: 70 km.
Recommended Duration: 8 days
Success Rate: High
Acclimatization: Excellent
Traffic: Low to Medium
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Itinerary: Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa → Shira 2 Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
Here are the top 5 reasons why Machame and Lemosho are considered the top routes in Mount Kilimanjaro:
#1 Amazing scenery
The views from Lemosho and Machame routes are glorious! Hikers get to experience varying landscapes and picturesque sceneries that range from a fertile rainforest to barren heath and open moorlands to river gorges to alpine desert to biting arctic summit! Hikers also get to explore Lava Tower, a fascinating massive rock formation that was formed from — you guessed it — lava. Some trekkers even say being in Lava Tower feels like you are on the moon! With all the amaze things you can revel in, Machame and Lemosho are hands down Kili’s routes with the best scenery!
#2 Excellent acclimatization profile
People get altitude sickness when they go high too fast. That is why acclimatization is key to success when climbing mountains especially as high as Mount Kilimanjaro. It is, after all, one of the Seven Summits. With perfectly laid out itineraries that lasts at least 7 days, Machame and Lemosho both offer great acclimatization time for climbers. Thus, the chances of getting altitude sickness which causes vomiting, nausea, sick stomach, etc, is very low. The great thing is, acclimatization days are spent on beautiful terrains and enjoyable company.
#3 A hike across Shira Plateau
The Shira Plateau is one of the most amazing sceneries you can see via Machame and Lemosho routes. Once a volcanic cone in Kili, Shira collapsed half a million years ago and formed a volcanic crater to which is now known as Shira Plateau. It stands as a World Heritage Site, boasting deep valleys, weather-beaten lava flows and good reputation for its fauna. Thanks to its proximity to Kenya’s Amboseli National Park, wildlife such as eland, buffalo, elephant and big cats can be seen wandering around the plateau.
Natural sculptures of rock massif can be seen in the area and a number of streams can be found tumbling down the flank, towards the plains below. So as far as photogenic spots go, the Shira Plateau is definitely a promising candidate.
#4 Proven high success rates
Machame and Lemosho offer excellent success rates in reaching the summit of the Roof of Africa. This is due to several factors like right amount of days and great acclimatization time.
Did you know?
There is a notebook placed in a wooden box at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Successful trekkers get to sign in this notebook and make history.
So if you aim to reach the top and be part of Kilimanjaro’s history, Machame and Lemosho routes offer great opportunities for success.
#5 Value for money
Yes, Machame and Lemosho are known pricier routes, especially when compared with Marangu. However, if you factor in the great chance of successfully reaching the summit plus the exemplary experience you will have, add to it the raw sense of adventure when camping in tents, the experience is definitely not something you can just buy with money.
Machame vs Lemosho
When it comes to difficulty, success rate, acclimatization profile, descent route and superb scenery, Machame and Lemosho are truly similar. Their main differences are amount of traffic, cost and number of trekking days.
Being a more popular and cheaper option among the two, Machame route presents larger crowds compared to Lemosho which is a more remote, quieter track. With a longer trek, a more remote experience, an added transport cost and a lesser competition among budget tour operators, Lemosho is the more expensive option.
Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking is indeed an out-of-this-world adventure and one of the most coveted Tanzania destinations. It doesn’t matter if you take Machame route or Lemosho route. What matters is that you did it.
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