Mount Kilimanjaro’s Machame And Lemosho Routes

Mount Kilimanjaro’s Machame And Lemosho Routes: So Why Are They The Top Routes Anyway? : Lemosho and Machame! Why are they so popular routes for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing? Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an once-in-a-lifetime safari experience for many adventurers. The highest mountain in Africa and the largest free-standing peak in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro is also known as the “roof of Africa” and draws a lot of people from all over the world. The major east African attractions that draw tourists to the region are Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti National Park, Zanzibar Island, and Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Although climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular safari activities in Africa, not everyone is successful in reaching the summit (Uhuru Peak). Before attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to its peak, there are many things to think about and conduct thorough studies on. One of these things is to look for the best route and conduct thorough research on the various trekking choices. The Marangu Path has been regarded as the most popular route for a number of years. This popularity is primarily attributable to the price and briefness. However, climbers are now aware of Marangu’s falling success rate. Many explorers are able to experience increased success rates up the renowned Kilimanjaro trail thanks to picturesque routes like Machame and Lemosho. But how do the two differ from one another? Why are they the best routes in the first place?

MACHAME ROUTE

Machame, sometimes known as the “Whiskey Route,” is widely acknowledged as the most well-liked Kilimanjaro trekking route. Although it is possible to do it in six days, it is not suggested, especially for beginners. Experts advise using the Machame route for seven days because of the more challenging terrain. Technically speaking, the trail is more arduous than “tough.” It crosses a series of valleys and mountains and has longer, steeper slopes and frequently many ups and downs.

Beginning on the southern slope of Mount Kilimanjaro, Machame descends through the Mweka path. This is unquestionably the best option if you enjoy camping and being in the outdoors, and money is not a major concern. Below is the Highlights of Machame route:

  • Distance: 72 km.
  • Recommended Duration: 7 days
  • Success Rate: High
  • Acclimatization: Excellent
  • Traffic: High

Below is the Machame route climbing Itinerary:

  • Machame Gate → Machame Camp → Shira 2 Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate

 

LEMOSHO ROUTE

Lemosho is a different, well-traveled path, but it is more frequently referred to as the “most scenic route” up the mountain. With the joining of the Machame trail on the fourth day, it offers 7-8 days of trekking, with 8 being the most advised.

 The path enters the mountain from the west, passes through two days of highly captivating rainforest (which increases your chances of sighting wildlife), and then merges with the Machame route in Shira. The Mweka path is also used for the descent.

Mount Kilimanjaro's Machame And Lemosho Routes
Mount Kilimanjaro’s Machame And Lemosho Routes

 Lemosho’s level of difficulty is somewhat comparable to Machame’s. Therefore, Lemosho is unquestionably a suitable option if you are willing to pay more money, appreciate fantastic wilderness experiences and breathtaking beauty, and are competent enough to walk more difficult terrains and camp longer in the mountain. Below is the Highlights of Lemosho route:

  • Distance: 70 km.
  • Recommended Duration: 8 days
  • Success Rate: High
  • Acclimatization: Excellent
  • Traffic: low to medium

Below is the Lemosho route climbing Itinerary:

  • Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa → Shira 2 Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate

LEMOSHO VS. MACHAME: WHAT MAKES THEM THE BEST MOUNT KILIMANJARO ROUTES?

Here are the top 5 reasons why Machame and Lemosho are considered the top routes on Mount Kilimanjaro:

  1. Amazing scenery

Lemosho and Machame trails offer stunning vistas! Hikers can enjoy a variety of landscapes and beautiful scenery, including fertile rainforests, arid heathlands, wide moorlands, river gorges, alpine deserts, and icy summits! Along the way, hikers can explore Lava Tower, a magnificent towering rock formation made of lava. Even some hikers claim that Lava Tower makes them feel like they are on the moon! Machame and Lemosho are without a doubt Kilimanjaro’s routes with the nicest views, despite all the amazing things you can enjoy along the way!

  1. Excellent acclimatization profile

When people ascend quickly, they experience altitude sickness. Acclimatization is therefore essential for success when climbing mountains, particularly ones as high as Mount Kilimanjaro. After all, it is one of the Seven Summits. Machame and Lemosho both provide excellent acclimatization time for climbers, with meticulously planned itineraries lasting at least 7 days. As a result, there is very little likelihood of experiencing altitude sickness, which can result in vomiting, nausea, an upset stomach, etc. The best part is that acclimation days are spent in pleasant company and on picturesque landscapes.

  1. A hike across the Shira Plateau

One of the most breathtaking landscapes that can be viewed via the Machame and Lemosho paths is the Shira Plateau. Shira Plateau was created when a volcanic crater that was formerly a volcanic cone in Kilimanjaro fell half a million years ago. With its deep valleys, weathered lava flows, and good reputation for its biodiversity, it is recognized as a World Heritage Site. The plateau is home to a variety of animals, including eland, buffalo, elephants, and big cats, because of its closeness to Kenya’s Amboseli National Park.

Numerous streams can be observed cascading down the slope and onto the plains below, creating natural rock massif sculptures. So the Shira Plateau is undoubtedly a promising candidate in terms of beautiful locations.

  1. Proven high success rates

Excellent success rates are available from Machame and Lemosho in climbing the Roof of Africa. The correct number of days and a good period of acclimatization time are just a couple of the reasons behind this.

Did you realize? At the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, a notebook is kept in a wooden box. Successful trekkers get to make history by signing this journal. The Machame and Lemosho routes therefore present excellent prospects for success if your goal is to summit the mountain and leave your mark on Kilimanjaro history.

  1. Value for money

Yes, Machame and Lemosho are well known for being more expensive routes than Marangu. The experience is unquestionably something you cannot simply purchase with money, though, when you consider the high likelihood of success, the exceptional experience you will have, and the raw sense of adventure when camping in tents, Mount Kilimanjaro’s Machame And Lemosho Routes

MACHAME VS. LEMOSHO

Machame and Lemosho are truly comparable when it comes to difficulty, success rate, acclimatization profile, descending path, and beautiful views. The volume of traffic, price, and number of trekking days are their key variations.

When compared to Lemosho, which is a more secluded, quieter track, the Machame Path is the more crowded and more affordable of the two. Lemosho is more expensive since it requires a longer trip, a more distant experience, additional transportation costs, and less competition from low-cost tour companies.

Trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro is a truly extraordinary experience, and Tanzania is one of the most sought-after travel destinations. It makes no difference whether you use the Machame or Lemosho routes. Your action is what matters.