Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide
The Lemosho Route
Kilimanjaro's Best Route
Remote, scenic, and with one of the highest summit success rates on the mountain — the Lemosho Route is our most recommended path to the roof of Africa.
What is the Lemosho Route?
The Lemosho Route is a premier trekking path up Mount Kilimanjaro, approaching from the remote western side via Londorossi Gate. First established in the 1990s, it has become one of the most recommended routes on the mountain — particularly for climbers who want both a genuine wilderness experience and the strongest possible chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.
What sets the Lemosho Route apart is its combination of scenery, solitude, and time on the mountain. The western approach means you traverse the entire southern face before the final summit push, passing through more of Kilimanjaro's remarkable range of ecological zones than almost any other route.
At Refresh Africa Tours, the 8-day Lemosho Route is our most-recommended Kilimanjaro itinerary. The extra acclimatization day makes a measurable difference — our guided groups consistently achieve summit rates well above the mountain average.
Route at a Glance
| Route Name | Lemosho Route |
| Duration | 7 days (standard) or 8 days (recommended) |
| Total Distance | Approximately 56–70 km (35–43 miles) |
| Highest Point | 5,895 m / 19,341 ft — Uhuru Peak |
| Start Gate | Londorossi Gate (2,360 m) |
| End Gate | Mweka Gate (1,640 m) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging |
| Summit Success Rate | Approximately 85–90% on the 8-day version |
| Best For | First-time climbers and those prioritising success and scenery |
| Crowds | Low to moderate — quieter than Machame and Marangu |
| Accommodation | Tented camps throughout |
Why Choose the Lemosho Route?
With six official routes on Kilimanjaro, the choice matters enormously. Here is why the Lemosho Route is consistently recommended by our guides and chosen by climbers who do their research.
Acclimatization
The Lemosho Route's gradual, winding ascent gives your body ample time to adapt to altitude. The 8-day option includes a dedicated acclimatization day on the Shira Plateau, applying the proven "climb high, sleep low" principle before the critical push to base camp. This profile is directly responsible for the route's high summit success rate.
Scenery
Few experiences on Kilimanjaro match the moment you step out of the montane rainforest onto the open Shira Plateau — a vast, silent moorland with Kibo's summit rising sharply ahead. The western approach also offers perspectives of the mountain that the busier southern routes simply do not.
Wilderness Character
The Lemosho Route begins in a genuinely remote section of the Kilimanjaro National Park. The first two days are quiet, unhurried, and often completely solitary. Even when the route joins the Machame trail on the southern circuit, the overall experience retains a feeling of real adventure.
A Complete Traverse
By entering from the west and descending via the Mweka Route in the east, you complete a full traverse of the mountain — a more satisfying and complete experience than routes that double back on themselves.
Ecological Zones
Kilimanjaro's great variety of ecosystems — stacked from base to summit — is one of the mountain's defining characteristics. The Lemosho Route passes through all five.
- 800–1,800 mCultivation ZoneFarms, villages, and small coffee and banana plantations ring the mountain's lower slopes. This is where most climbers begin their transfer to the trailhead.
- 1,800–2,800 mMontane RainforestDense, cool, and often shrouded in mist. Home to colobus monkeys, elephants, buffalo, and a remarkable variety of birds. The Lemosho Route spends its first full day here.
- 2,800–4,000 mHeather and MoorlandOpen heath covered in giant heather, lobelia, and groundsel. The Shira Plateau sits entirely within this zone, offering some of the most dramatic open-sky views on the mountain.
- 4,000–5,000 mAlpine DesertStark, rocky, and largely bare. Temperature swings between day and night become extreme. Vegetation is sparse and the landscape takes on a volcanic, otherworldly character.
- 5,000–5,895 mArctic Summit ZoneGlaciers, ice fields, and the volcanic crater. Oxygen levels are roughly half those at sea level. This is the domain of the summit night and the dawn views from Uhuru Peak.
Day-by-Day Itinerary — 8 Days
Our 8-day Lemosho Route is designed to maximise acclimatization and give every climber the best possible chance of a successful summit. Below is the full breakdown.
You are collected from Kilimanjaro International Airport or your hotel in Moshi and transferred to our base for a pre-climb briefing, gear check, and overnight rest. Early the following morning you transfer to Londorossi Gate — approximately 3.5 hours by road — where permits are processed and the climb begins into the montane rainforest.
One of the most rewarding transitions on any Kilimanjaro route. You climb through the upper rainforest and emerge without warning onto the open Shira Plateau — a vast, ancient volcanic caldera now covered in heather moorland. Kibo Cone rises sharply to the east. Camp at Shira 1 with sweeping plateau views in every direction.
You trek eastward across the plateau to Shira 2 Camp. In the afternoon, an optional acclimatization excursion heads higher toward Shira Cathedral before returning to camp at a lower elevation. This "climb high, sleep low" approach is one of the most effective tools for altitude adaptation and a key reason the Lemosho Route has such high success rates.
The most critical acclimatization day on the route. You ascend steeply to Lava Tower at 4,630 m for a lunch break before descending to Barranco Camp at 3,976 m — a gain of nearly 800 m followed by a drop of 650 m. Many climbers feel the altitude strongly at Lava Tower; the descent brings immediate relief. Your body responds to this stress by producing more red blood cells, dramatically improving your summit-readiness.
The day opens with the Barranco Wall — a steep, exposed scramble that is one of the most memorable moments on the mountain. It looks more intimidating than it is, and with our guides leading the way, virtually all climbers complete it without difficulty. The views from the top are extraordinary. The trail then follows the southern ridge to Karanga Camp, perched in a dramatic valley with Kibo dominating the skyline.
A short but steep ascent to Barafu Camp — the launch point for summit night. Arrive early afternoon. Your guides will brief you on the overnight ascent, gear, and what to expect. Eat a good meal, drink plenty of fluids, and rest as much as possible. You will wake at around midnight. This is the last camp before the summit.
Departing Barafu at midnight, you ascend by headlamp through the alpine desert and then across the crater rim. Reaching Stella Point (5,739 m) at dawn, with the first light breaking over the plains of Tanzania far below, is an experience climbers describe as transformative. From Stella Point, a further 45-minute walk along the crater rim brings you to Uhuru Peak — the summit of Africa at 5,895 m.
After photographs and celebration, the descent begins. By afternoon you will be back through the moorland zone and into camp at Mweka. It is a long day — typically 14 to 16 hours — but one you will remember for the rest of your life.
A final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your official summit certificate and say farewell to your mountain crew. Transfer back to Moshi for a hot shower, a well-earned meal, and a celebratory evening with your team.
Cost and What Is Included
Our Lemosho Route packages are fully inclusive of everything required on the mountain. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges at the gate.
| Package | Duration | Group Size | Price per Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemosho Standard | 7 Days | 2–12 people | From $2,100 |
| Lemosho Premium | 8 Days | 2–12 people | From $2,400 |
| Private Lemosho | 8 Days | Solo climber | From $2,900 |
| Group Joining Climb | 8 Days | Join a group | From $1,950 |
Prices are per person. Group discounts available for parties of six or more. Contact us for a tailored quote.
Included
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- KINAPA-licensed guides
- Porters and mountain cook
- All meals on the mountain
- Tents, sleeping mats, and dining tent
- Emergency oxygen and first aid
- Daily pulse oximeter monitoring
- Airport transfers
- One night hotel in Moshi (pre and post)
- Summit certificate
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal climbing gear and equipment
- Tips for guides and porters
- Tanzania visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Additional hotel nights in Moshi
Best Time to Climb the Lemosho Route
Kilimanjaro can technically be climbed year-round, but the season has a significant effect on conditions, visibility, and the experience overall.
January to March
Cold but generally dry and clear. Fewer climbers on the mountain and excellent summit visibility when skies clear. January and February are the coldest months — pack accordingly. This is an underrated window that experienced climbers often prefer for the peace and quiet.
June to October
The long dry season and the most popular climbing window. Clear skies, dry trails, and the best overall conditions. July through September is peak season — expect company on the mountain, though the Lemosho Route remains relatively uncrowded on its early sections.
April to May and November
The rainy seasons. Trails become muddy, cloud cover is persistent, and camping is wet. The Lemosho Route is particularly affected at lower elevations. Not impossible, but not recommended for first-time climbers. Costs are lower during these months.
Difficulty and Fitness Requirements
The Lemosho Route is rated moderate to challenging. No technical climbing skills are required — this is a trekking route throughout — but you should not underestimate what it demands of your body.
Expect to walk between six and nine hours each day at elevations where the air is significantly thinner than you are accustomed to. The terrain varies from forest paths to scree and rocky ridges. The Barranco Wall is the only section requiring brief use of hands.
The primary challenge on Kilimanjaro is altitude, not terrain. By choosing the 8-day itinerary, you give your body the best possible time to adapt — and this matters more than almost any other factor in determining whether you reach the summit.
We recommend beginning a dedicated training programme three to four months before your climb. Focus on cardiovascular endurance and leg strength — long day hikes with a loaded pack are the most specific and effective preparation you can do. Read our full Kilimanjaro Training Guide for a structured 16-week programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
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