I’m currently budgeting for a Kilimanjaro climb next August and narrowing down operators. Most reputable outfits strongly recommend the 8-day Lemosho over the 7-day Machame route due to the higher summit success rate from the extra night of acclimatization.
For those who have done either (or both):
- Did you find the slower ascent profile on Lemosho made a noticeable difference on summit night at Stella Point?
- How noticeable were the trail crowds between the two before they merge at Barranco Camp?
Trying to decide if the roughly $400–$600 difference in park fees and operator costs is genuinely worth it for a first high-altitude peak.