The Lemosho Route
Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro:
A Complete Overview of One of the Best Routes to the Summit
The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various mountainsides. As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery, and a high summit success rate. Kiwoito Africa Safaris specializes in guiding the Lemosho route. Most of our clients climb Kilimanjaro using this route and consistently report that they love it. Thus, Lemosho is highly recommended.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge. The Lemosho route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Crowds are low until the route joins the Machame route near Lava Tower. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
The Lemosho Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning in the remote Lemosho Glades before joining the popular Machame Route. Because the two trails merge partway up the mountain, climbers experience much of the same scenery found on the Machame Route—including the iconic Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall. However, Lemosho offers a far more peaceful and wilderness-rich start to the trek.
A Remote and Beautiful Start Through Pristine Rainforest
During the first two days on the Lemosho Route, trekkers pass through untouched rainforest with excellent opportunities to spot wildlife. This quiet, less-traveled section sets the tone for a truly immersive wilderness experience before ascending onto the Shira Plateau, where dramatic views open up above the tree line.
Longer Itinerary, Higher Success Rates
The Lemosho Route is typically done over 7 to 8 days, giving climbers more time to acclimatise properly. This longer itinerary is one of the main reasons why the route has some of the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro.
Because of its remote access, extended length, and additional transport logistics, Lemosho is generally more expensive than other routes. There are no true “budget” operators on Lemosho, but this also means fewer crowds and better-managed camps. A good operator will also plan start days and camp strategies that avoid peak traffic once the trail joins Machame.
Who Is the Lemosho Route Best For?
The Lemosho Route is ideal for trekkers who:
Are comfortable hiking on challenging terrain
Don’t mind several nights of camping
Want a quieter, more scenic experience
Prioritise success rate and acclimatisation over cost
For many adventurers, this combination makes the Lemosho Route one of the most rewarding ways to climb Kilimanjaro. In the early stages, it can even feel like you have the entire mountain to yourself.
Scenery and Trail Experience
While the upper sections overlap with Machame, the early days of Lemosho offer unique views found nowhere else on Kilimanjaro. Trekkers enjoy:
Lush, untouched rainforests
Expansive Shira Plateau vistas
A gradual ascent profile ideal for acclimatisation
These elements, combined with its wilderness feel, make Lemosho a favourite for those seeking a more remote and scenic climb.
A More Strenuous but Highly Rewarding Route
Despite its high success rate, Lemosho is more physically demanding than the Machame (“Whiskey”) and Marangu (“Coca-Cola”) routes. Certain sections are steeper, and the longer duration means more nights camping. Still, for climbers seeking the best balance of scenery, safety, and summit success, Lemosho stands out as one of the top Kilimanjaro routes.