Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro

The Lemosho Route is often considered the most beautiful of all the trekking trails up Mount Kilimanjaro. It 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.

It is one of the newer routes on the mountain and shares a portion of the same path as the Machame route, although it holds a few advantages over that route that definitely make it worth considering, particularly for travelers who have some extra time.

Lemosho Route Map

Lemosho Route Map

Starting the western flanks of Mount Kilimanjaro at the Londorossi Gate, the Lemosho Route wanders its way up one of the more remote sections of the mountain. The trail takes hikers through a beautiful rain forest where they might have the chance to spot wildlife along the way. Black and white colobus monkeys are routinely seen in the forests, as are blue monkeys, small lizards, and a wide assortment of birds. From there, the path wanders out onto the Shira Plateau, crossing it from west to east on relatively flat and easy-to-walk terrain.

The early days on the Lemosho Route provide plenty of solitude, as this trail sees far less traffic than the Machame route and Marangu route. This makes an already-great trekking adventure even more spectacular as at times it will feel like you have the entire mountain to yourself.

Eventually, however, the Lemosho route merges with the Machame route, and the amount of traffic begins to increase. But if you’re looking for a little peace and quiet in the early going of the climb, this is a great option.

Because it follows the Machame Route for a portion of the climb, much of the same scenery is found on the Lemosho route as well, including the Lava Tower and Barranco Wall. But, in those first few days, this trail offers some unique views of the surrounding landscapes that aren’t visible from any other place on the mountain.

Travelers will get the chance to wander through pristine rain forests and hike up to the Shira Plateau, where once above the tree line stunning vistas await.

Because of its remote nature and lengthier route, Lemosho takes a few extra days to trek. Most people spend seven or eight days on this trail, which causes the success rate to increase fairly dramatically.

If you’re looking to maximize your chances of reaching the top of the mountain, this is certainly one of the best options to choose, particularly over the Machame route and Marangu route. Despite the higher success rate, it should be noted that the Lemosho route is a more strenuous hike than the “Whiskey” and “Coca-Cola” routes.

There are certain sections of the trail that are steeper and more demanding, and of course, trekkers spend an extra night or two sleeping in tents as well. Still, the advantages of this route truly make it stand out from the others, making it an increasingly popular choice for adventurous travelers.

DareTravel Tours offers Lemosho as a 7-day or 8-day climb. The seven-day variation combines days five and six, going from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp without staying at Karanga.

Lemosho Route 7-Day Itinerary Overview

Starting from Londorossi Gate to the summit and finishing at Mweka Gate. For a day-by-day itinerary for the Lemosho Route please click on this link: 7 day Lemosho Route.

Lemosho Route Detailed Itinerary

7 Nights / 8 Days Climb

Day 1 – Lemosho Glades

  • Activity: Drive from Arusha to Londorossi Gate, then hike to Forest Camp.
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Overnight Altitude: ~9,498 feet
  • Highlights: Rainforest, wildlife sightings (Black and White Colobus monkeys), moss-covered trees.

Day 2 – Shira Plateau

  • Activity: Hike from Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp, crossing the Montane Forest and Hagenia zone.
  • Hiking Time: 6-9 hours
  • Overnight Altitude: 11,500 feet
  • Highlights: Views of Kibo Peak, acclimatization hike.

Day 3 – Moir Camp

  • Activity: Traverse the Heath zone of the Shira Plateau and begin climbing the western slope of the Kibo Massif.
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Overnight Altitude: ~13,650 feet
  • Highlights: Scott Fisher memorial camp, upper heath zone.

Day 4 – Barranco Camp

  • Activity: Hike past Lava Camp and descend into Barranco Valley.
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Overnight Altitude: ~13,044 feet
  • Highlights: Volcanic landscapes, Barranco Wall.

Day 5 – Karanga Camp

  • Activity: Ascend the Great Barranco Wall and traverse across small valleys to Karanga Camp.
  • Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
  • Overnight Altitude: ~13,106 feet
  • Highlights: Views of Kilimanjaro’s ice fields.

Day 6 – Barafu Camp

  • Activity: Hike to Barafu Camp, prepare for the summit ascent.
  • Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
  • Overnight Altitude: ~15,100 feet
  • Highlights: Summit preparation, safety equipment demonstration.

Day 7 – Summit and Mweka Camp

  • Activity: Summit ascent starting around 11:00 PM or midnight, reach Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp.
  • Hiking Time: 12-17 hours (variable)
  • Summit Altitude: 19,341 feet
  • Highlights: Sunrise at Uhuru Peak, celebration at the summit, descent to Mweka Camp.
  • Overnight Altitude: 10,448 feet

Day 8 – Mweka Park Gate

  • Activity: Final descent to the trailhead, transfer back to town.
  • Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
  • Highlights: Farewell to the mountain crew, arrival at the lodge between 3-5 PM.

Key Advantages of the Lemosho Route

  • Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views and diverse landscapes.
  • Lower Traffic: Enjoy a more solitary trekking experience, particularly in the initial stages.
  • Acclimatization: Extended duration improves chances of summit success.

The Lemosho Route is ideal for those seeking a picturesque and less crowded ascent while allowing ample time for acclimatization.