MT KILIMANJARO LEMOSHO ROUTE
Mt Kilimanjaro Lemosho route is one of the most beautiful and scenic trails on the mountain. The route is famous for its stunning scenery and rich wildlife. The longer 8 day option provide a gradual ascent. It also offers a very good acclimatization profile and have a higher summit success rate compared to the shorter routes. The Mt Kilimanjaro Lemosho route is considered the best all-round route for both beginner and experienced hikers.
About the Mt Kilimanjaro Lemosho route
With fewer crowds at the start and a wide variety of landscapes along the way, the Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is considered one of the best route options. Beginning on the mountain’s western side, the trail leads you through the lush rainforest. It then opens onto the vast Shira Plateau. From there, the route climbs steadily toward Lava Tower, where it merges with the Machame Route.
The journey continues along the southern circuit, circling beneath the dramatic South Icefield and offering spectacular views across the mountain. After reaching Barafu Camp, the final push to the summit begins in the early hours. This challenging ascent winds up endless switchbacks of loose scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. From there, it’s a relatively gentle walk across the crater floor to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – the highest point in Africa.
The descent follows the Mweka Trail, taking you down through alpine desert and lush forest as you return to the base of the mountain.
Kilimanjaro Lemosho route interactive map
Tap or hover over campsites and key land marks on the Mt Kilimanjaro Lemosho route interactive map to see more details.
Why choose the Kilimanjaro Lemosho route
The key to the success of the Mt Kilimanjaro Lemosho route is gradual ascent and favourable topography. It allow hikers to climb high and sleep low, for better acclimatisation. The summit trail is also slightly shorter and less strenuous than the route from Kibo hut. There are fewer loose scree sections, making the final push to the crater rim somewhat easier.
The key to the Mt Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route’s high success rate is its gradual ascent and favorable topography. The trail allows hikers to “climb high and sleep low,” which greatly improves acclimatization. Compared to the Marangu Route from Kibo Hut, the summit approach is slightly shorter, less strenuous, and has fewer loose scree sections. This makes the final push to the crater rim more manageable.
Downside to climbing Kilimanjaro Lemosho route
Just before reaching Lava Tower, the Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route merges with the Machame Route. Since more than a third of all climbers choose the Machame route, the trail can become busier from this point onward.If hiked over 7 days, the second day of the hike will be long and strenuous on a demanding trail.
Another key obstacle is the Baranco Wall, a steep ridge on the southern slope of the mountain. While it can feel intimidating, especially for hikers with a fear of heights, it is not a technical climb. The trickiest section is a short step around a rocky outcrop, but your guide will provide steady support throughout. Every year, thousands of trekkers (and porters carrying heavy loads) safely make their way up the wall, often finding it one of the most memorable parts of the climb.
Kilimanjaro Lemosho route itineraries
Click here to see the recommended 8 days Lemosho route itinerary.
Mt Kilimanjaro Lemosho route gallery
Click on any the images below to see photos taken on the Kilimanjaro Lemosho route.
JOIN A GROUP HIKE!
8 day Lemosho route GROUP hike from only
US $ 2 580 per person sharing!
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BOOK A PRIVATE HIKE!
8 day Lemosho route PRIVATE hike from only
US $ 2 773 per person sharing!
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FAQ for the Kilimanjaro Lemosho route
How many days does the Lemosho route take?
The Lemosho route can be hiked in 6 to 8 days. We recommend 8 days to allow more time for acclimatization.
Is the Lemosho route difficult?
The route is considered to be moderate to challenging. The gradual ascent makes it easier, but the summit night is still very demanding. The route is suitable for beginners with a reasonable level of fitness and doesn’t require technical climbing skills.
What is the daily hiking distance on the Lemosho route?
Daily distances vary between 5 to 12 kilometers, with some steep and challenging sections.
What makes the Lemosho route special?
It is known for its scenic beauty, starting with rainforest trails and crossing the vast Shira Plateau. It also offer a higher chance of summiting due to its gradual ascent.
Will I see wildlife on the Lemosho route?
On the first day when you pass through the rainforest, you may spot Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and a variety of birds.
How likely am I to get altitude sickness on the Lemosho route?
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level. The 8 day itinerary has a gradual ascent and good acclimatization profile. The profile allow hikers to climb high and sleep low, which improves the chances of adapting safely to the altitude.
When is the best time to hike the Lemosho route?
The best time to hike the Lemohso route is during the dry seasons:
- January to mid March
- June to October
Lemosho route map
For a more detailed view of the Lemosho route, kindly click on the Lemosho route map for an enlarged version.
Kilimanjaro Lemosho route dates and availability
Private hikes on the Lemosho route
For a more personalized adventure, we offer private hikes on the Lemosho Route, scheduled according to your preferred dates. You’ll be supported by your own dedicated team of guides, porters, and a chef—focused entirely on your comfort, safety, and summit success. Private hikes allow you to set your own pace, take breaks whenever you need, and enjoy a more flexible trekking experience. While the route and campsites are shared with other hikers, your journey will be tailored to you.
To book a private hike, simply contact us with your preferred dates and we’ll take care of the rest.
Joining a small group hike
For a more affordable adventure, consider joining one of our small group hikes. Sharing costs makes the journey more budget-friendly, and you’ll have the chance to meet like-minded adventurers from around the world.
We keep our groups small and intimate, capped at 12 hikers, with an average of just 4–5 participants. All group hikes are guaranteed to depart and are led by an English-speaking mountain guide.
For added convenience, all shared group hikes on tented routes include a portable toilet at no extra charge.
Scheduled group hikes - Lemosho route
2025 Lemosho route hikes
October 2025
8 day Lemosho route – Available spaces 10
Hike dates: 31 October to 7 November 2025
From US $ 2 580 per person sharing
November 2025
8 day Lemosho route – Available spaces 12
Hike dates: 29 November to 6 December 2025
From US $ 2 580 per person sharing
December 2025
8 day Lemosho route – Available spaces 10
Hike dates: 29 December 2025 to 5 January 2026
From US $ 2 580 per person sharing
2026 Lemosho route hikes
January 2026
8 day Lemosho route – Available spaces 12
Hike dates: 27 January to 3 February 2026
From US $ 2 580 per person sharing
February 2026
8 day Lemosho route – Available spaces 12
Hike dates: 26 February to 5 March 2026
From US $ 2 210 per person sharing
July 2026
8 day Lemosho route – Available spaces 12
Hike dates: 24 to 31 July 2026
From US $ 2 580 per person sharing
August 2026
8 day Lemosho route – Available spaces 12
Hike dates: 22 to 29 August 2026
From US $ 2 580 per person sharing
September 2026
8 day Lemosho route – Available spaces 12
Hike dates: 21 to 28 September 2026
From US $ 2 580 per person sharing
October 2026
8 day Lemosho route – Available spaces 12
Hike dates: 20 to 27 October 2026
From US $ 2 580 per person sharing
November 2026
8 day Lemosho route – Available spaces 12
Hike dates: 19 to 26 November 2026
From US $ 2 580 per person sharing
December 2026
8 day Lemosho route – Available spaces 12
Hike dates: 18 to 25 December 2026
From US $ 2 580 per person sharing