Duration: 7–8 days
Accommodation: Camping in tents
Scenery: Rainforest, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, alpine desert, glaciers near the summit
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (longer but better acclimatization)
Best For: Trekkers seeking the best scenery, fewer crowds, and a high success rate.
The Lemosho Route is widely considered the most beautiful trail on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a perfect balance of stunning scenery, fewer crowds in the early stages, and one of the highest summit success rates of all routes.
Starting from the western side of the mountain, Lemosho begins in the lush rainforest and continues across the dramatic Shira Plateau, before joining the Machame Route near Lava Tower. With a recommended duration of 7 to 8 days, the route provides excellent opportunities for acclimatization through its “climb high, sleep low” profile.
Trekkers on the Lemosho Route experience diverse landscapes — from rainforest and moorlands to alpine deserts and glaciers — along with sweeping panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s western side. Nights are spent in tents, allowing for a true wilderness trekking experience.
Although longer and slightly more expensive than shorter routes, Lemosho is highly favored by trekkers who value scenic variety, a quieter start, and higher chances of summit success.