Lemosho Route
Kilimanjaro Climb
The Lemosho Route begins on the remote western slopes of Kilimanjaro, crossing the breathtaking Shira Plateau and ascending via the iconic Lava Tower before reaching the summit. Widely regarded as the most scenic and successful route on the mountain.
Route Quick Facts
The Most Scenic Route on Kilimanjaro
The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the best all-around route on Kilimanjaro. It offers unmatched scenery as it traverses five distinct ecological zones — from lush rainforest to the barren alpine desert of the summit — and features a strategic acclimatization day at the Lava Tower, giving climbers the highest chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.
Unlike the crowded Marangu and Machame routes, Lemosho starts on the remote western side of the mountain with very few other groups. The trail merges with Machame at Shira Camp, allowing you to enjoy solitude before joining the main corridor. This route is ideal for first-time trekkers and experienced hikers alike.
Lemosho Route Itinerary
The classic 8-day Lemosho itinerary with full acclimatization via Lava Tower, giving you the best chance of summit success.
Begin your Kilimanjaro journey at Londorossi Gate (2,100m) on the western slope. Trek through pristine montane rainforest teeming with birds, colobus monkeys, and exotic flora. The trail winds through dense canopy before reaching Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m) in a clearing surrounded by giant trees.
Continue ascending through the rainforest zone, which gradually transitions into heath and moorland. Enjoy views of the Shira Plateau opening up ahead. Pass through giant heather and lobelia plants as you reach Shira 1 Camp on the edge of the plateau.
Cross the expansive Shira Plateau, one of the largest high-altitude plateaus in the world. The terrain is relatively flat with stunning views of Kibo Peak and the Western Breach. This is an important acclimatization day as you gain altitude gradually across the plateau.
The most critical acclimatization day. Ascend to the Lava Tower (4,630m), a dramatic volcanic rock formation, gaining valuable altitude before descending to Barranco Camp (3,950m). This "climb high, sleep low" strategy is the key to Lemosho's exceptional 95% summit success rate.
Tackle the famous Barranco Wall — a thrilling scramble with fixed ropes that rewards you with incredible views. Traverse the southern flank of Kilimanjaro through alpine desert landscape to reach Karanga Camp, the last camp with reliable water supply before the summit push.
Ascend through barren alpine desert to Barafu Camp (4,640m), the base camp for the summit attempt. Arrive by early afternoon to rest and hydrate. Prepare your gear for the midnight summit start. Early to bed — the biggest day of your climb begins in a few hours.
Summit day! Begin the ascent at midnight, trekking by headlamp through scree to Stella Point (5,756m) and then to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the roof of Africa. Watch the sunrise from the summit before descending through the crater to Barafu, then continuing down to Mweka Camp.
Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m), celebrating your achievement along the way. Collect your summit certificate at the gate and transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Congratulations — you have climbed Kilimanjaro!
Lemosho Route Packages
Select from our carefully designed packages. More days means better acclimatization and higher summit success.
Fastest Approach
6-Day
6-Day Lemosho Route
A 6-day trek via the Lemosho Route with excellent acclimatization and scenic diversity.
- Efficient acclimatisation profile = ~87% summit success
- Full rainforest trek from Londorossi Gate (2,385 m)
- Traverses the vast Shira Plateau — one of the world's highest plateaus
- Quiet western approach away from Machame crowds
- Summit night from Barafu Camp under a sky of stars
Most Popular
7-Day
7-Day Lemosho Route
A 7-day trek via the Lemosho Route with excellent acclimatization and scenic diversity.
- Superb acclimatisation profile including Moir Hut = ~90% summit success
- Full rainforest trek from Londorossi Gate (2,385 m)
- Dedicated Lent Hills acclimatisation day at Moir Hut
- Traverses the vast Shira Plateau — one of the world's highest plateaus
- Quiet western approach away from Machame crowds
Best Acclimatization
8-Day
8-Day Lemosho Route
A 8-day trek via the Lemosho Route with excellent acclimatization and scenic diversity.
- Maximum acclimatisation profile = ~92% summit success
- Full rainforest trek from Londorossi Gate (2,385 m)
- Two acclimatisation stops: Moir Hut (Lent Hills) & Karanga Camp
- Traverses the vast Shira Plateau — one of the world's highest plateaus
- Quiet western approach away from Machame crowds
Inclusions & Exclusions
Everything you need for a safe, comfortable, and successful Kilimanjaro climb.
What's Included
- Airport transfers in Arusha/Moshi
- Hotel accommodation before and after climb
- Professional English-speaking mountain guide
- Experienced porters and cook team
- All park fees and camping fees
- Sleeping tent, dining tent, and sleeping mat
- Three meals daily on the mountain
- Clean drinking water throughout the trek
- Summit certificate upon successful climb
- First aid kit and emergency evacuation insurance
- Fair wages for all mountain crew (KPAP verified)
- Government taxes and service charges
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Visa fees (currently $50 USD)
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal climbing gear and clothing
- Tipping for guides, porters, and cook
- Alcoholic and bottled soft drinks
- Hot showers and charging services
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Lemosho Group Departures
Join a scheduled group departure and save. Seats are limited — book early to secure your spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Lemosho Route on Kilimanjaro.
Plan Your Lemosho Climb
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