Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

Safari summary

The Lemosho route is known for its breathtaking scenery and lower crowds, making it one of the most rewarding paths to Africa’s highest peak. It begins on the western side of the mountain and typically takes between 7 to 10 days to complete, depending on the group’s pace.

The journey starts with a gradual ascent through lush rainforests and alpine moorlands, where trekkers can encounter diverse wildlife and take in stunning landscapes. As the trail ascends, the vegetation thins, and the air becomes more challenging to breathe, testing climbers’ endurance.

Despite the increasing difficulty, the panoramic summit views and the incredible sense of achievement make the effort worthwhile. The Lemosho route offers the perfect balance of natural beauty and physical challenge, making it a top choice for adventurers seeking to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro.

General Expectations:

Stunning Scenery & Gradual Ascent
The Lemosho Route is considered one of the most scenic trails on Kilimanjaro. You will pass through diverse landscapes, starting from dense rainforest, then moving through moorlands, alpine deserts, and finally reaching the glacial summit.

Longer Itinerary for Better Acclimatization
This route typically takes 7 to 8 days, offering a slower and more gradual ascent, which improves acclimatization and increases summit success rates compared to shorter routes.

Wildlife Encounters in the Rainforest
The first days of the trek take you through the lush rainforest, where you might see colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and various bird species. This is one of the few routes where wildlife sightings are common at the lower elevations.

Challenging Yet Rewarding Trek
While the Lemosho Route is less crowded than others, it is still a challenging climb. You’ll need to hike for several hours each day, with some steep sections, especially as you approach Barranco Wall and the final summit push.

Camping Experience
Unlike some other treks where there are huts, all nights on the Lemosho Route are spent in tents. Your trekking team will set up camp for you, and meals will be prepared by your cook.

Crossing Famous Landmarks
Shira Plateau: A vast high-altitude plateau with stunning views.
Lava Tower (4,600m): A key acclimatization point where trekkers rest before descending slightly.
Barranco Wall: A steep but fun climb that rewards you with breathtaking views.
Uhuru Peak (5,895m): The summit and the highest point in Africa.
Cold Temperatures at Higher Altitudes
The weather varies from warm in the rainforest to freezing temperatures at night in higher camps. Proper layered clothing is essential.

Summit Night – The Most Difficult Part
Summit night is the most challenging part of the climb. You will start the final ascent around midnight, trekking in the dark for 6–7 hours before reaching the summit at sunrise. The thin air and steep climb make this physically demanding, but the reward of standing at Uhuru Peak is worth it.

High Success Rate
Due to its longer itinerary and better acclimatization, the Lemosho Route has one of the highest summit success rates (around 90% for 8-day treks).

Descent via Mweka Route
After reaching the summit, you will descend via the Mweka Route, which is a direct path down through the rainforest, offering a quicker return to the base.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

• Accommodation
• Airport transfers
• All drinks
• Meals
• Park fees
• Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

• Alcoholic beverages
• Internal flights
• Laundry
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Spa treatments
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas