We have averaged 88% success on the seven day Machame climb, which is higher than the Park average of around 70%. Our higher rate is mainly because we don't condone six day ascents; as a mountain guiding company we follow mountaineering principles of good acclimatisation and the advice of the UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation).
Despite easy access, relatively reliable weather and excellent resources on the mountain itself, Kilimanjaro is a dangerous mountain for the 25,000 or so visitors who try to climb it each year, mainly because many people try to do the trip in less than seven days. Between 50% and 75% turn back before reaching the top and the main reasons are cold temperatures, exhaustion, dehydration and of course acute mountain sickness, which is greatly influenced by the speed of ascent.
Our seven day trek on the Machame route allows good opportunity for acclimatisation, especially since three of the camps are more or less at the same altitude.