Lemosho Route Kilmanjaro trek
The starting point for the Lemosho route trek up Kilimanjaro is in the west, so you can already imagine what the sunsets will be like. This is one of the longer routes, and it boasts some fantastic scenic variation. It also offers more time to acclimatise, giving it the highest success rate of any of the main routes. You walk through Lemosho rainforest for two days on this route; camping in the luscious forest is a true treat on the first night. Then onto the more open, heather covered slopes that lead up to Shira Plateau – which involves a wonderful hike across the entire plain from west to east, on a relatively flat trail. Other routes intersect this Plateau, but this one embraces every bit of it and you pitch camp bang in the middle of it. Watching the mists fall over the plateau all around you is something else.
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The next stop is Shira Cathedral, a highlight of the Lemosho route which is as dramatic as it sounds, with rocky spires and pinnacles that beckon hikers from across the plain. Lava starts to become a more prominent feature of the ascent, with features such as the dramatic Lava Tower rock mass. In glorious white contrast, the glaciers of the Western Breach come into view, as well as the Southern Icefields once you hit the SE flank of the Kibo cone on day five. From here on in, it is a steep, scree under toe trek to Barafu Ridge, with great views opening up to the east now, completing the wonderful west to east sweep of this route, and culminating in the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. The descent uses Mweka route heading due south.
On the Lemosho route the Shira Cathedral and the Plateau are gorgeous. As well as the Barranco wall, which are highlights for me.![]()
– Andrew Appleyard, keen Kili trekker and expert from our leading Kilimanjaro supplier, Exodus.
The pros and cons of Lemosho
It is a longer route and so it tends to be a little more expensive, but the rainforest experience is a wonderful addition to your trek. As it is more expensive, it also has fewer trekkers on it, although it merges with the Machame Route at one point, so there are more people on this part of the trail. So don’t expect a totally solitary trek all the way. It is, however, a slow, gentle trek, making it a wonderful way to acclimatise and, therefore, the success rate is high on this route. The remote road to Lemosho’s Londorossi Gate can be pretty rough after the rainy season, so be prepared for an adventurous ride if this is the case.
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Small group travel:
2021: 7 Feb, 14 Feb, 19 Feb, 6 Jun, 4 Jul, 1 Aug, 5 Sep, 12 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct
2022: 6 Feb, 12 Jun, 3 Jul, 7 Aug, 4 Sep, 9 Oct
2021: 7 Feb, 14 Feb, 19 Feb, 6 Jun, 4 Jul, 1 Aug, 5 Sep, 12 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct
2022: 6 Feb, 12 Jun, 3 Jul, 7 Aug, 4 Sep, 9 Oct
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More about Kilimanjaro
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro if you want a reduced chance of rain and slightly warmer temperatures is in January, February and the first half of March.
Climbing the highest, free-standing mountain in the world is an extraordinary achievement - but as this climbing Kilimanjaro travel guide reveals - it's one that is not out of reach.
Kilimanjaro's Rongai Route takes six to seven days to complete, and involves a fairly gentle ascent from the north. It's a great option if you want to avoid steep climbs, as well as other climbers.
The Machame Route is a seven day trek through varied landscapes, from jungle to heather-covered moors and glacial peaks - but Kilimanjaro’s most popular trail isn’t the easiest.
Many climbers opt for the five-day Marangu Route, the first established route for trekking Kilimanjaro. It’s the only one with huts, rather than tents, but it's often underestimated.
There are seven established routes for trekking Kilimanjaro and, while many climbers just opt for the most popular Marangu, Machame and Lemosho routes, each has their pros and cons.
Kilimanjaro may not be top of your list of family-friendly trips but, while this climb may be challenging, it’s perfectly doable for active children who love the outdoors.
Africa’s highest mountain is a popular but pretty challenging trek, only an estimated 65% of people make it to the top. If you're wondering “am I fit enough to climb Kilimanjaro?”, read on.
We've chatted to our holiday company experts and asked them for their top Kilimanjaro climbing advice - covering everything from safety on the mountain to what to pack.
Porters' rights are one of the biggest issues when it comes to Kilimanjaro responsible tourism. Read on to find out how to ensure they are protected, and in the best shape to help you up the mountain.
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