Mount Kilimanjaro

Lemosho Route

Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro

The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the most scenic and well-balanced trail to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting on the remote western slopes of the mountain, it offers panoramic views, rich wildlife, and excellent acclimatization conditions. This longer trail allows trekkers to gradually gain altitude, increasing their chances of reaching the summit successfully while experiencing a true wilderness adventure.

Originally established as an alternative to the busier Machame Route, the Lemosho Route quickly gained popularity for its beautiful landscapes, varied terrain, and quieter trails, especially in the early stages. It approaches Kilimanjaro from Londorossi Gate and crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east, eventually joining with the Machame Route near Lava Tower.

One of the highlights of the Lemosho Route is the diversity of ecosystems and landscapes it covers. From lush rainforests teeming with colobus monkeys and exotic birds to high alpine meadows and the dramatic Barranco Wall, this trek offers a little bit of everything.

A Remote Start and Wildlife-Rich Rainforest

The journey begins deep in the forested western foothills of Kilimanjaro. As you hike through thick jungle, you may encounter black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, bushbuck, and colorful turacos flitting through the trees. Few people trek this portion of the mountain, so the sense of solitude and immersion in nature is profound.

After a full day in the forest, the trail climbs to the Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert of sweeping views and rolling grasslands dotted with giant senecio and lobelia plants. The plateau is wide, open, and mostly flat, making for a pleasant acclimatization zone before tackling steeper terrain.

Less Crowded and More Time to Acclimatize

Compared to the Machame and Marangu routes, Lemosho receives far fewer trekkers in the early days. This makes it an ideal choice for those who value quiet trails, unspoiled campsites, and a more intimate experience with Kilimanjaro’s natural beauty.

By the time Lemosho joins the southern circuit, near Lava Tower, more climbers are encountered, but by then you’ll have already acclimatized well, giving you a big advantage for summit success.

Lemosho Route Map

Iconic Landmarks and Dramatic Scenery

After merging with Machame, Lemosho continues along Kilimanjaro’s famous Southern Circuit, a traverse known for spectacular scenery and excellent acclimatization opportunities. Highlights along the way include:

Lava Tower (4,600m) – a dramatic volcanic outcrop and ideal spot for acclimatization.
Barranco Wall – a thrilling but non-technical scramble offering panoramic views.
Karanga Valley – nestled between glacial valleys with views of the summit looming ahead.
Barafu Camp – the high camp before the final push to Uhuru Peak.

Each camp along the route reveals a new side of Kilimanjaro, from mystical cloud forests to stark alpine deserts and finally the icy glaciers near the summit.

Higher Success Rates Thanks to a Longer Route

One of the Lemosho Route’s greatest advantages is its longer itinerary, typically 7 or 8 days on the mountain. This extended approach gives the body more time to adjust to the altitude, significantly boosting summit success rates, especially compared to shorter trails like Marangu.

Most climbers choose the 8-day Lemosho Route, which includes a night at Karanga Camp before heading to Barafu. The 7-day version is more demanding, as it skips Karanga and goes directly from Barranco to Barafu.

If your goal is to safely and confidently reach the summit, the Lemosho Route is arguably the best choice.

Lemosho Route Itineraries

8 Days Lemosho Route Tour

47 reviews

8 Days | 7 Nights On The Mountain , 2 Nights Hotel In Arusha or Moshi.

From

US$ 2,520

7 Days Lemosho Route Tour

47 reviews

7 Days | 6 Nights On The Mountain , 2 Nights Hotel In Arusha or Moshi.

From

US$ 2,420

Lemosho Route Frequently asked questions

How difficult is the Lemosho Route?

The Lemosho Route is considered moderate in difficulty. Its extended duration allows for better acclimatization compared to shorter routes. There are some challenging sections, such as the Barranco Wall and the steep summit night climb, but no technical climbing is required. A good level of fitness and mental preparation are key to success.

How many kilometers is the Lemosho Route and how long does it take?

The total trekking distance is approximately 71 kilometers (43 miles) from gate to gate. The 7-day itinerary is the minimum for this route, but most trekkers choose the 8-day option to improve acclimatization and increase their summit success rate. Including arrival and departure days, the full trip typically spans 10 days

What is the summit success rate on the Lemosho Route?

Thanks to its longer profile and gradual elevation gain, the Lemosho Route has one of the highest success rates on Kilimanjaro. While average operator stats suggest:

~90% success rate for the 8-day version
~85% for the 7-day version

At Hike Kilimanjaro, our well-planned itineraries and experienced mountain crew contribute to a 95%+ success rate for the 8-day Lemosho Route and 92%+ for the 7-day version.

What is the scenery like on the Lemosho Route?

Lemosho is arguably the most scenic route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It features:

Wild rainforest with rich flora and fauna
Open moorland across the Shira Plateau
Epic views from the Southern Circuit, including Mount Meru and the Western Breach
Alpine desert and glacier views near the summit

Every day on Lemosho presents unique landscapes, making it ideal for photographers and nature lovers.

Why choose the Lemosho Route over other routes?

Lemosho offers the perfect balance of low traffic, high success rates, and unforgettable views. Compared to the Machame Route, it provides:

A quieter and more remote start
Better acclimatization due to its longer approach
More time to experience the wild beauty of Kilimanjaro

While it’s more physically demanding than Marangu, it’s also far more rewarding in terms of both experience and summit success.

Is Lemosho a camping route?

Yes, the Lemosho Route is a full camping route. There are no huts or permanent structures, your overnight stays are in high-quality mountain tents. Hike Kilimanjaro provides four-season tents, private toilets, warm sleeping gear, and full support from porters, cooks, and guides.

What are the starting and ending points of the Lemosho Route?

The trek begins at Londorossi Gate (2,250m) on the western side of Kilimanjaro. It ends at Mweka Gate (1,640m) on the southern side. You’ll experience a complete west-to-south traverse of the mountain, one of the most rewarding routes for adventurers.

Book Your Lemosho Route Trek with Hike Kilimanjaro

At Hike Kilimanjaro, we specialize in expertly guided, high-altitude treks with maximum safety, comfort, and success. Our Lemosho Route packages include airport transfers, hotel accommodation, top-rated mountain gear, and experienced local guides.

Choose between a 7-day or 8-day Lemosho Route climb and get ready to conquer Africa’s highest peak with confidence.

👉 Contact us now or browse our Lemosho Route itinerary to start planning your adventure!

Traveler Reviews

These full and frank reviews are from travelers who have traveled with Hike Kilimanjaro previously. The reviews and experiences shown here are from reputable travel websites like TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trust Pilot, etc.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 206 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andreas Conzelmann 
 9 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Unvergessliche 8 Tage am Kilimanjaro – Northern Circuit mit Hike Kilimanjaro Wir haben im August 2026 die 8-tägige Northern-Circuit-Route mit Hike Kilimanjaro gemacht – und es war einfach perfekt! Ein riesiges Dankeschön an unser großartiges Team: Richard, Keddy, Innocent und Doc Florian. Die vier waren nicht nur unglaublich professionell und erfahren, sondern auch super sympathisch, aufmerksam und fantastische Motivatoren. Wir haben uns zu jeder Zeit sicher und bestens betreut gefühlt. Die Northern Circuit Route war für uns die perfekte Wahl: landschaftlich unglaublich abwechslungsreich und wunderschön und vor allem deutlich weniger überlaufen als andere Routen. Wir waren an vielen Tagen fast komplett für uns und häufig sogar die einzigen oder fast die einzigen am Camp. Ein wirklich besonderes Erlebnis! Auch die Verpflegung war hervorragend. Godson, unser Koch, hat jeden Tag unglaublich leckeres Essen gezaubert – ehrlich gesagt hätten wir auf dem Berg mit deutlich weniger gerechnet. 😊 Besonders hervorheben möchten wir auch die Träger. Das gesamte Team war unglaublich freundlich, hilfsbereit und herzlich. Man merkt, dass hier Menschen mit Leidenschaft und großem Engagement arbeiten. Von der Organisation über die Sicherheit und Betreuung bis hin zur Stimmung im Team hat einfach alles gepasst. Die Guides hatten immer ein Auge auf uns, haben uns motiviert, wenn es anstrengend wurde, und gleichzeitig dafür gesorgt, dass wir die Reise und die beeindruckende Landschaft genießen konnten. Absolute Empfehlung für Hike Kilimanjaro! Wenn wir den Kilimanjaro noch einmal besteigen würden, würden wir jederzeit wieder mit diesem Team gehen. Asante sana an das gesamte Hike-Kilimanjaro-Team für diese unvergesslichen 8 Tage! 🏔️❤️
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Shreyas Parbat 
 22 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing people and amazing experience! Truly was a delight hiking Kili with Keddy and gang. I’m only alive because of them :)
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Andrea Scharr 
 39 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Am 12. August begann unser Kili—Abenteuer zu acht. Mit unseren Guides Richard, Keddy, Innocent und „Doc“ Florian sowie einer 28 Mann Crew von Hike Kilimanjaro starteten wir am Lemosho Gate für die 8-tägige Northern Circuit Route. Und es wurden unvergessliche Tage. Wir waren bestens umsorgt, versorgt und betreut, alles war perfekt organisiert. Jeden Morgen wurden wir mit Tanz und Gesang in den Wandertag verabschiedet und genauso herzlich bei der Ankunft im Camp empfangen. Der Koch Godson zauberte tolle Mahlzeiten und ich bin überzeugt, dass seine göttlichen Suppen und das morgendliche Porrige maßgeblich zum Gipfelerfolg beigetragen haben. Die Route war landschaftlich sehr schön und aufgrund der Länge ideal für die Akklimatisierung in der Höhe. Am Abend gab es medizinische Checks, so dass wir uns immer sicher fühlten. Danke, dass wir für diese Zeit Teil der Hike Kilimanjaro Familie sein durften und Danke für eure Motivation und Herzlichkeit. Wir können den Trip mit euch nur empfehlen, es wurde an alles gedacht, selbst an die abendliche Wärmflasche. On August 12, our Kilimanjaro adventure began with eight of us. Accompanied by our guides Richard, Keddy, Innocent, and “Doc” Florian, as well as a 28-person crew from Hike Kilimanjaro, we set out from Lemosho Gate on the 8-day Northern Circuit route. And those days turned out to be unforgettable. We were well taken care of, well-provided for, and well-supported; everything was perfectly organized. Every morning, we were sent off on our hike with dancing and singing, and welcomed just as warmly upon arrival at camp. The cook, Godson, whipped up fantastic meals, and I’m convinced that his divine soups and the morning porridge played a major role in our success in reaching the summit. The route offered stunning scenery and, due to its length, was ideal for acclimatizing to the altitude. In the evenings, there were medical check-ups, so we always felt safe. Thank you for letting us be part of the Hike Kilimanjaro family during this time, and thank you for your motivation and warmth. We highly recommend this trip with you—every detail was taken care of, even the hot water bottle in the evening.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Navigator59532420429 
 40 days ago
 
 
 Verified Kilimanjaro Abenteuer Am 12. August begann unser Kili—Abenteuer zu acht. Mit unseren Guides Richard, Keddy, Innocent und „Doc“ Florian sowie einer 28 Mann Crew von Hike Kilimanjaro starteten wir am Lemosho Gate für die 8-tägige Northern Circuit Route. Und es wurden unvergessliche Tage. Wir waren bestens umsorgt, versorgt und betreut, alles war perfekt organisiert. Jeden Morgen wurden wir mit Tanz und Gesang in den Wandertag verabschiedet und genauso herzlich bei der Ankunft im Camp empfangen. Der Koch Godson zauberte tolle Mahlzeiten und ich bin überzeugt, dass seine göttlichen Suppen und das morgendliche Porrige maßgeblich zum Gipfelerfolg beigetragen haben. Die Route war landschaftlich sehr schön und aufgrund der Länge ideal für die Akklimatisierung in der Höhe. Am Abend gab es medizinische Checks, so dass wir uns immer sicher fühlten. Danke, dass wir für diese Zeit Teil der Hike Kilimanjaro Familie sein durften und Danke für eure Motivation und Herzlichkeit. Wir können den Trip mit euch nur empfehlen, es wurde an alles gedacht, selbst an die abendliche Wärmflasche. On August 12, our Kilimanjaro adventure began with eight of us. Accompanied by our guides Richard, Keddy, Innocent, and “Doc” Florian, as well as a 28-person crew from Hike Kilimanjaro, we set out from Lemosho Gate on the 8-day Northern Circuit route. And those days turned out to be unforgettable. We were well taken care of, well-provided for, and well-supported; everything was perfectly organized. Every morning, we were sent off on our hike with dancing and singing, and welcomed just as warmly upon arrival at camp. The cook, Godson, whipped up fantastic meals, and I’m convinced that his divine soups and the morning porridge played a major role in our success in reaching the summit. The route offered stunning scenery and, due to its length, was ideal for acclimatizing to the altitude. In the evenings, there were medical check-ups, so we always felt safe. Thank you for letting us be part of the Hike Kilimanjaro family during this time, and thank you for your motivation and warmth. We highly recommend this trip with you—every detail was taken care of, even the hot water bottle in the evening.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Smiling Orka 
 61 days ago
 
 
 Verified Top tier team to help you climb Mount Kilimanjaro. We did the 7 day Lemosho route. We met with Florian and Keddy the day before the hike and they helped us get deeper understanding of the route, conditions and expectations. They also checked our gear to make sure we had everything we needed. For our family of 5, we had 3 guides ( Florian, Keddy and Inno )and 18 other support staff. The whole team was very kind, polite , always happy to help and very professional. They went above and beyond to help us get through the ups and down of the hike. They also did health checks including oxygen levels and looked out for other symptoms each day. They supported us and made sure we had an amazing , once in a lifetime experience reaching the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. The whole team of Hike Kilimanjaro gets 5 stars and they come highly recommended.

Owner's reply
Thank you so much, Smilingorka, for your fantastic 5-star review! We’re truly grateful that you chose Hike Kilimanjaro for such a special adventure with your family. It’s wonderful to hear that Florian, Keddy, Inno, and the entire support team made you feel well prepared, supported, and comfortable throughout your Lemosho trek.Your kind words about our team’s professionalism, care, and attention to your wellbeing mean so much to us. We’re especially happy to know that the pre-trek briefing, gear check, daily support, and guidance helped make your journey to the summit a memorable one.Congratulations again to your whole family on reaching the Roof of Africa! It was a pleasure to be part of your once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we hope to welcome you back to Tanzania for another unforgettable adventure.Asante sana, and thank you for recommending Hike Kilimanjaro!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Happy traveler 
 62 days ago
 
 
 Verified hike kili. Hike kilimanjaro and the team was just fabulous and helpful all the way in creating memories and experiences at kili. they made sure we were comfortable and well fed. guides porters and team worked really hard to make us feel comfortable. i will say they even hold our hands during decent as road were a bit muddy. quite an experience and i will do it again with them.

Owner's reply
Thank you so much, Rupesh, for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience climbing Kilimanjaro with Hike Kilimanjaro. It means a lot to our entire team to know that our guides, porters, and crew helped keep you comfortable, well-fed, and supported throughout the trek.Your kind words about the team’s dedication truly mean a lot to us. We’re especially happy that you felt well cared for every step of the way.Thank you for trusting us with your Kilimanjaro adventure, and we’d be absolutely delighted to welcome you back for another experience with us! Asante sana, Rupesha!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   alexplainlaterr 
 134 days ago
 
 
 Verified Highlight of our trip It's a shame I'm only posting this review now, but we completed the 7-day Lemosho Route trek with Hike Kilimanjaro (formerly Landside Adventures) in October 2025, and it was easily the highlight of our entire trip to Tanzania. From the very beginning, the experience was exceptional. We worked with Maxon during the booking process, and he was always responsive, professional, and easy to work with. Any questions we had were answered promptly, making the planning process smooth and stress-free. The night before our trek, Maxond, as well as our guides, Keddy and Florian, met us at our hotel to review our gear, conduct safety checks, and answer any last-minute questions. Their professionalism immediately gave us confidence that we were in good hands. Throughout the trek, Keddy and Florian were outstanding. They paced us perfectly, constantly checked on our well-being, and made sure we were acclimatizing safely. Their knowledge of the mountain, wildlife, terrain, and altitude-related challenges was impressive, and goes to show the level of knowledge required to be a guide. Beyond being excellent guides, they were also incredibly fun to spend time with. We shared some of the best laughs of our entire trip thanks to them :) One thing that exceeded all expectations was the food. Every meal felt restaurant-quality, and the portions were incredibly generous. A huge thank you to Chef Godson, who consistently delivered delicious meals despite the challenging mountain environment. We were also fortunate to be supported by an amazing porter team: KC, Meschak, Hermann, Geoffrey, Victor, George, and Joseph. KC was incredible, especially during some of the tougher night hikes and on summit night, where his support made a huge difference. Meschak's positive energy was contagious and helped keep spirits high throughout the trek. Hermann's constant smile brightened every day on the mountain. Geoffrey provided exceptional service at camp, always making us feel welcome and cared for. Victor, George, and Joseph were always ready to lend a hand whenever we were moving a little slower or needed extra support. Safety was clearly a top priority for the entire team. Health checks were conducted every evening to monitor our vitals and ensure everyone was acclimatizing properly. This level of care gave us additional peace of mind throughout the climb. Thanks to the excellent guidance, pacing, and support from the entire crew, we successfully reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Summit night was one of the most challenging experiences we've ever faced, but it was also one of the most rewarding. Standing at the top above the clouds over Africa is a memory we'll never forget. The Lemosho Route treated us to some of the most breathtaking scenery we've ever experienced, and the support from the entire Hike Kilimanjaro team made the journey even more memorable. If you're considering climbing Kilimanjaro, we very much recommend Hike Kilimanjaro (formerly Landside Adventures). Their professionalism, attention to safety, incredible staff, and genuine care for their clients made this an unforgettable adventure and one of the best travel experiences we've ever had.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Hasnain L 
 139 days ago
 
 
 Verified amazing experience The Serengeti and ngorongoro safari experiences were amazing. We visited Serengeti for 2 days and ngorongoro crater for 1 day. The guide, Sule, was very welcoming, kind and experienced. We saw the big 5, a kill as well as a rhino throughout our safari. It is an amazing experience for a very reasonable price. Choose Hike Kilimanjaro definitely for your safari trip.

Owner's reply
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!We are delighted to hear that you had an amazing experience exploring the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with us. It’s fantastic that you were able to see the Big Five, a rhino, and even witness a kill in the wild—truly unforgettable safari moments!We will be sure to pass your kind words on to Sule. He is passionate about sharing Tanzania’s incredible wildlife and ensuring our guests have the best possible experience.Thank you for choosing Hike Kilimanjaro for your adventure and for recommending us to future travelers. We hope to welcome you back to Tanzania for another unforgettable safari or even a Kilimanjaro trek someday!Warm regards,The Hike Kilimanjaro Team
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Suhail Lalji 
 139 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent tour company with excellent guides. Had an amazing experience with this company when climbing Kilimanjaro and Safari through Ngorongoro and Serengeti national parks. Definitely recommend

Owner's reply
Dear Suhail, Thank you very much for your kind review and recommendation! We are thrilled to hear that you had an amazing experience with us, both on your Kilimanjaro climb and during your safari in Ngorongoro and Serengeti National Parks. Our team works hard to create memorable adventures, so it is incredibly rewarding to know that you enjoyed your journey. Thank you for choosing Hike Kilimanjaro. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back to Tanzania for another unforgettable adventure in the future! Warm regards, The Hike Kilimanjaro Team
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Maximilian E 
 150 days ago
 
 
 Verified Professional Team, Unforgettable Kilimanjaro Climb We completed the 8-day Northern Circuit route on Kilimanjaro, and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. The entire team was highly professional, experienced, and incredibly well organized throughout the trek. Our guides inspired confidence at every stage — they were knowledgeable, attentive, and clearly very familiar with the mountain, which made us feel safe and well looked after at all times. Communication in advance of the trip was also excellent. Everything was handled clearly and professionally, which made the preparation process very smooth and gave us a good feeling even before the climb started. On the mountain itself, the whole team did a fantastic job and contributed to making this such a special experience. The support, friendliness, and overall organization were truly impressive. All in all, it was a wonderful and unforgettable journey, and we would highly recommend this team to anyone planning to climb Kilimanjaro.

Owner's reply
Dear MaximilianeThank you so much for your wonderful review and for choosing Hike Kilimanjaro for your 8-day Northern Circuit adventure.We are truly delighted to hear that you had such an outstanding experience on Mount Kilimanjaro. Your kind words about our guides, porters, and the entire team mean a great deal to us. Safety, professionalism, and personalized service are very important to us, so it is incredibly rewarding to know that you felt well supported and confident throughout the climb.We are also pleased that the communication and trip preparation process met your expectations from the very beginning. Creating smooth and memorable experiences for our guests is always our goal.Thank you once again for your trust and recommendation. It was an absolute pleasure to be part of your Kilimanjaro journey, and we hope to welcome you back to Tanzania again in the future for another unforgettable adventure.Warm regards,Maxon InnocentHike Kilimanjaro Ltd
  
 
 
  
 
   Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

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