Despite being one of the newest routes to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho Route has quickly become one of the most popular routes for travelers visiting this African wonder. The lower number of trekkers, stunning scenery and higher success rate to reaching the very top makes it a traveler favorite, and most trekkers taking this route fall in love with it. What makes it even more unique is that unlike the more popular Machame Route, this route crosses the majestic Shira Plateau via a flat and easy hike .
The Lemosho route can be done in as little as six days (five nights) on the mountain. However, it is ideally tackled over eight days (seven nights) for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Londorossi Gate, located in the western base of mountain, within its lush, fertile rainforest. The route heads across the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail. With eight days (seven nights) on the mountain, your chances of reaching the “Roof of Africa” are very high, around 90%.
The Lemosho route is approximately 70 km/ 42 miles from gate to gate. It is designed for physically fit people with some hiking experience. There are several variations to the 8-day Lemosho climb regarding starting and finishing points, altitude, distance and hiking time. However, ours is considered to be the ideal Lemosho route variation.
Many people list Kilimanjaro as a lifelong dream adventure. Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route gives you the complete Kilimanjaro experience, more acclimatization time, more spectacular scenery, this is a superb trip, and the best way to climb Kilimanjaro.
An 8 day ascent to the roof of Africa. Starting at Lemosho on the Western side and traversing across the most spectacular parts of the mountain. It joins the Machame route above Shira camp on day 4 and then from Barafu camp ascends to the summit via Stella Point. The descent is via the Mweka route.
Highlights on this tour are: Afromontane forest, Shira plateau, glacial valleys, alpine desert, views of Mawenzi, ascent of Kibo and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit.
For a detailed day-by-day itinerary we kindly refer to the 'Itinerary' tab.
We look forward to providing you with a fun, comfortable, memorable and ethical tour to the roof of Africa.
Join us on this nine-day, guided trip to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. This tour is for those wanting to conquer Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route, one of the most favoured route to summit Kilimanjaro because of its high summit rate and great scenery.
This route is less crowded than other routes, making it perfect from first-time trekkers. Also, since it takes more to reach the top through this route, it provides better acclimatization to the climbers, increasing the chances of a successful summit.
Your trek starts on the western side of Kilimanjaro from Londorossi Gate. Continue your journey through the rainforest to reach the Shira Plateau. At this point, the trail moves east to the Lava Tower from where it heads down to the Barranco Valley.
You also get the chance to spend a night in Crater Camp, just below the summit, during descent, which arguably is the most interesting part of this journey. Please note that the tour price also includes two night's accommodation in Moshi, one night each before and after the climb. For more details, please go through the itinerary below.
The Lemosho route is widely considered to be the best route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Not too long ago, there were only two main routes used to climb Kilimanjaro – the Marangu (Coca Cola) route and the Machame (Whiskey) route. But as Tanzania’s tourism industry flourished, the Kilimanjaro park authority created more trails to African’s highest peak.
Lemosho, a relatively new route, is preferred by reputable operators due to its beauty, remoteness and success rate. In short, it maximizes the chances that a climber will reach the summit.
The Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is the best ascent route and offers a complete Kilimanjaro experience with more acclimatization time, more culture, more spectacular scenery and even a night in Kibo crater/caldera. Note: that the itinerary ascends via Stella Point and not the Western Breach and is for that reason considered to be a safer route.
Starting on the Western side of Kilimanjaro this ascent covers all of the most spectacular areas of Kilimanjaro. The trip is fully supported with spacious guest tents, mattress and pillow as well as a mess tent with lightweight tables and chairs and all cutlery. Our trips also include a toilet tent in camp and most importantly knowledgeable professional guides who have undergone special training, cook and porters.
Are you looking to summit Africa's famous mountain, Kilimanjaro, but without the crowds? The Lemosho route is considered Kilimanjaro’s most scenic trail, and also one of the quietest, although it does include some steep passages! Join us for a 7-day trek along the beautiful Lemosho route.
We will use different ways for ascent and descent, to get the most of the scenery. At night, we'll set up camp and sleep in tents in campsites along the route. All campsites are in direct radio contact with the management of the national park.
The first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge. On an enjoyable, reasonably flat walk, the Lemosho path spans the entire Shira Plateau from west to east. Crowds are poor until the road near Lava Tower joins the Machame route. Then the road travels on a trail known as the Southern Circuit under Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field before climbing from Barafu. During the ascent, you often have excellent views of Mt. Meru, west of Kilimanjaro, and Kenya. The descent is via the Mweka road.
Book this 7 Days Lemosho Route, relax, and let our team do everything for you, from the arrangements of the whole tour to the end. If you need any assistance from us, such as hotel reservations or transportation, please let us know and we will be very happy to assist you.
Kilimanjaro Lemosho route, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Lemosho Big Tree Camp, Shira Camp Two, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Mweka Camp, Arusha
Take the lesser-known route to the top of Africa's highest mountain during this seven-day, private, guided trip. Your journey to the top starts after we pick you up in Arusha on the first day of the trip and drive you to Londorossi Gate. From there, your journey continues through Big Tree Camp, Shira Camp 2, Barranco and Barafu camps to reach the top of the mountain.
The Lemosho route, which starts on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, is the lesser-known of all the routes to the top of the mountain. However, it is increasingly being preferred by travelers for the beautiful scenery it offers along with a high summit success rate. Most of our travelers who have used this route love it.
Unlike the popular Machame route, which simply intersects the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho route crosses the entirety of the plain from west to east during a pleasant, relatively flat hike. An added bonus is that climbers will encounter low traffic until the route converges with the Machame route and takes you through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, all of which fall in the southern circuit.
We will make our descent via the Mweka route. For more details, please go through the itinerary below.
Kilimanjaro Lemosho route, Kilimanjaro, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania, Lemosho Big Tree Camp, Shira Camp Two, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Mweka Camp, Arusha
The Lemosho Route is perhaps the most scenic Kilimanjaro route, from the first day to the last. The trail begins north of Shira, also on the western side of the mountain. But unlike the Shira Route, where for the first day you walk on a wide 4 WD road, Lemosho is a narrow wilderness trail right from the beginning, passing through pristine and remote rainforest with good chances of seeing wildlife. It then crosses the Shira Plateau before joining the Machame Route near the Lava Tower.
Luckily, despite its growing popularity, especially for second time Kilimanjaro climbers, Lemosho sees a very low number of people and truly offers and incredible adventure on the highest peak in Africa, and the highest free standing mountain in the world.
Maasai Wanderings is looking very much forward to providing you with a climb of a lifetime. No previous mountaineering experience is required for this trip.
Leomosho is a great option for travelers who want to avoids the crowds that one encounters in the early sections of Machame route. Join us on this eight-day, guided trip to the top of Africa and be part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The climb begins at Londorossi Gate, located at the elevation of 2,360 metres. Hike through a majestic rainforest where some of the region’s most unique wildlife can be encountered. Continue your hourney to Shira Ridge and cross the famous Shira Plateau. Hike over the Barranco Wall on your journey to the top of Africa. Having reached to the top of Africa's highest peak, you will then descend via Mweka trail rather than retracing your steps on the way down.
The Lemosho route is a good eight-day hike for those who do not have much experience trekking in high elevations. However, experienced and already acclimatised mountaineers can complete the trek in seven days.
This 8-day Lemosho Route on Kilimajaro starts with a high-altitude drop-off in the alpine region at 3,500 meters. Starting from this high point generally makes the trek easier and milder, making it perfect for families or beginners.
Lemosho route is known for its premium-class Kilimanjaro trekking. If you choose it as your trekking option you will get a unique fusion of the most amazing landscapes and easy acclimatization. Lemosho makes Uhuru accessible even for teenagers.
This route has a slightly more expensive price which is fully justified by the advantages of the Lemosho Route. These include spectacular scenery, an SUV transfer to the beginning of the trek, and the highest chances of successful climbing and solitude! Also, the camping site's location and gradual altitude increase are the most suitable for beginners and amateurs. Compared with other routes, the acclimatization process is the easiest one on Kilimanjaro, making the summiting chances the highest.
I recently completed the 7-day Machame Route hike to Mount Kilimanjaro with Kilisa Tours & Safaris, and it was truly the adventure of a lifetime.
From beginning to end, the trek was exceptionally well-organized. The guides demonstrated deep knowledge, patience, and unwavering support—particularly during the summit ascent, where their encouragement and steady pacing proved invaluable. They maintained a consistent "pole pole" (slowly, slowly) rhythm and continuously checked in to ensure we were acclimatizing properly and feeling well.
The Machame Route itself offers breathtaking diversity. Each day revealed new landscapes—from the lush rainforest on day one to the dramatic Shira Plateau, the exhilarating Barranco Wall, and the stark beauty of the alpine desert approaching Barafu Camp. The route’s acclimatization profile is excellent, and I am confident it contributed significantly to our group’s high summit success rate.
The support crew—porters, cooks, and camp staff—exceeded expectations. We were warmly welcomed at each camp with hot meals and comfortable resting areas. The quality of the food was remarkable for a mountain expedition—nutritious, hearty, and far above what I had anticipated.
Reaching Uhuru Peak was both emotional and exhilarating. Witnessing the sunrise from the Roof of Africa was a deeply rewarding moment and one of the proudest accomplishments of my life.
For anyone considering a Kilimanjaro climb, I highly recommend the 7-day Machame Route. It offers the perfect balance of challenge, scenic variety, and effective altitude adaptation. I strongly encourage choosing Kilisa Tours & Safaris as your operator—they deliver an outstanding and unforgettable experience.
Ascend the highest mountains in Kenya and Tanzania. An ascent of East Africa's twin peaks (Mt Kenya and Mt Kilimanjaro) provides a challenge for seasoned trekkers. Add the prolific wildlife and rich diversity of flora for which this region is renowned and this trek becomes one not to miss. Our traverse of Mt Kenya ascends via the lesser known Chogoria Route with fine alpine walking that ensures we are well prepared for an exhilarating circuit of the summit peaks including Point Lenana (4985m). Transferring to Arusha Tanzania we prepare for our climb on Mt Kilimanjaro via the challenging and beautiful Lemosho Route. Our itinerary gives maximum possible acclimatisation to enjoy the incredible scenery. We climb the rim of the Shira Plateau with a gentle ascent and panoramic views. We walk on the lava ridges and enjoy extensive views of the plains below. From here, there is some steep climbing but also a chance for a restful afternoon before the final summit day. From the summit of Kilimanjaro (5895m) we savour one of the best sunrises in the world.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Hut, Lodge, Tent
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Arusha, Nairobi, Shira, Lava Tow
Arusha, Nairobi, Shira, Lava Tower, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak, Mount Kenya National Park, Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson, Simba Tarn, Old Moses Camp, Kilimanjaro Lemosho route
